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29 June 2026
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Public hatred of the finance industry, what to be aware of with hybrid securities, investing in junk bonds, shares vs bonds following Australia's big default, and the shortcomings of emerging market indices.
When two Nobel Laureates sit down to discuss the topic 'Why does the public hate us?', you know there's a major problem. And the Murray Interim Report raises many concerns about wealth management in Australia.
With the current low interest rates, many investors are building exposures to hybrids unaware of the risks. Check the warnings of legendary investor, Ben Graham, and consider if hybrids can withstand a downturn.
Sub-investment grade investments, or ‘junk bonds’, pay well but carry a higher risk of default. If the risk is managed properly, a broad portfolio of high yield securities can be a worthwhile investment option.
During the Australian government debt default, how did the performance of equities versus bonds compare? It was a time when investing in bonds was more common than equities.
Emerging market indices have become poor representations of the investment opportunities in that asset class. Should Taiwan and South Korea still be there? And which newly emerging markets are missing?
Marketed as a fix for inequality and housing affordability, the latest budget instead delivers a tangle of tax changes that leave everyday Australians worse off.
Australia may not levy formal death duties, but a growing web of tax measures is quietly shaping what wealth passes between generations. Now, the 2026 budget adds another layer.
Inheritance tax implications in Australia may surprise some, as poor estate planning without proper wills or trusts can lead to costly tax bills and delays for beneficiaries.
Proposed Budget changes to taxation are casting new uncertainty over testamentary trusts, prompting closer scrutiny of estate planning structures and the real implications of reforms still taking shape.
A return to indexation of capital gains would be a fairer way to compensate households for the effects of inflation than the current discount. Importantly, it opens the door to future, broader reforms to stop the taxation of inflation.
New CGT rules could tip the scales in the super vs non-super debate. For those facing the Division 296 tax, the case for withdrawing has gotten more complex. A "comparison rate" tool may help assess decisions.