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1 January 2026

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Edition: 527

1-8 out of 8 results.

Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 527 with weekend update

  • 21 September 2023
  • 12

A reader showed me an offer they had received from a licenced securities dealer which is totally inappropriate for an inexperienced investor. ASIC needs to review its definition of a Sophisticated Investor which has not changed in over 20 years, including increasing the amounts and removing the home from net assets.

Why LICs are closing and more should follow

The heyday of LICs is in the past, when issuers paid generous fees to brokers and advisers to put their clients into new structures. Most LICs now trade at a discount and more managers should change the structure.

LIC and LIT performance and dividends in FY23

There were mixed performances by LICs and LITs last year although they generally delivered an increase in dividends. Total returns including price are driven by the extent to which they trade at a discount to NTA.

A framework to maximise retirement income

Retiring means your salary stops and you need to fund your lifestyle using savings plus any Age Pension income entitlements. Here are some suggestions about the best ways to make the money last through retirement.

Banks, BHP, RIO, CSL and the tyranny of size

At a recent webinar, the Schroders team outlined their views on stocks after earnings season including BHP, Rio Tinto, the banks, and healthcare companies. The team is known for its contrarian views and it didn't disappoint.

Investors need to look beyond bonds for safety

Australian investors have been allocating more to fixed income assets this year. Persistent inflation is a key risk for bonds, and that's where gold can play a diversifying role within an investment portfolio.

Defence beats offence in investing

Many are comparing Nvidia’s historic run to Cisco Systems in the 1990s. Here is a thought experiment comparing the returns of Cisco since that period to a more conservative alternative, and the results might surprise you.

Podcast: Boost share income, free investing, managing stars

First Sentier's Rudi Minbatiwala explains how to get growing ASX dividend income, Graham on investing for free (ish), and MFS' Anne Marie Bernard on incentivising fund managers and preventing stars from jumping ship.

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Australia's retirement system works brilliantly for some - but not all

The superannuation system has succeeded brilliantly at what it was designed to do: accumulate wealth during working lives. The next challenge is meeting members’ diverse needs in retirement. 

Australian stocks will crush housing over the next decade, 2025 edition

Two years ago, I wrote an article suggesting that the odds favoured ASX shares easily outperforming residential property over the next decade. Here’s an update on where things stand today.

The 3 biggest residential property myths

I am a professional real estate investor who hears a lot of opinions rather than facts from so-called experts on the topic of property. Here are the largest myths when it comes to Australia’s biggest asset class.

AFIC on the speculative ASX boom, opportunities, and LIC discounts

In an interview with Firstlinks, CEO Mark Freeman discusses how speculative ASX stocks have crushed blue chips this year, companies he likes now, and why he’s confident AFIC’s NTA discount will close.

Where to hide in the ‘everything bubble’

It might not be quite an ‘everything bubble’ but there’s froth in many assets, not just US stocks, right now. It might be time to stress test your portfolio and consider assets that could offer you shelter if trouble is coming.

Property versus shares - a practical guide for investors

I’ve been comparing property and shares for decades and while both have their place, the differences are stark. When tax, costs, and liquidity are weighed, property looks less compelling than its reputation suggests.

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