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8 May 2026
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Download the full paper
SMRs don't just replace gas, they replace gas, solar and wind. If you have a SMR generator that provides 24/7 power why would you need solar and wind, why would you turn off a SMR generator to use solar or wind ?
SMRs excel in providing reliable, carbon-free baseload power, especially in regions where renewables struggle due to limited sunlight, wind and space (not Australia). They are particularly useful for replacing fossil fuels if a local industry requires consistent high energy levels (such as AI data bases) while solar and wind can be deployed in various scales making them ideal for remote or highly distributed energy needs e.g. Australia. Solar and wind could combine with SMRs providing electricity during peak demand periods (businesses mainly operate in the day, wind and storage is more consistent) reducing the need for a high reliance on SMR output. If you are over reliant on SRM’s you are also highly reliant on a consistently sourcing enriched uranium. In particular regions (e.g. Australia) solar and wind are a significantly cheaper source of electricity on a per-kilowatt-hour basis, even when considering storage systems to mitigate intermittency.
"highly reliant on a consistently sourcing enriched uranium":Natural uranium and deuterium oxide neutron moderator used in:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CANDU_reactorModified CANDU Reactor SMR:https://www.sciencepg.com/article/10.11648/j.ns.20240903.11Can do Thorium too:https://inis.iaea.org/collection/NCLCollectionStore/_Public/33/011/33011302.pdf
Stay on top of the latest changes to superannuation rates and thresholds for 2026, including increases to transfer balance cap, concessional contributions cap, and non-concessional contributions cap.
The perceived underperformance of LICs compared to ETFs is due to existing comparison data excluding crucial information, highlighting the need for proper assessment and transparent reporting.
The Home Equity Access Scheme in Australia allows older homeowners to tap into their home equity for retirement income, yet remains underused due to lack of awareness and its perceived complexity.
Debate over the CGT discount is intensifying amid concerns about intergenerational equity and housing affordability. This analysis shows that the 'discount' does not necessarily favor property investors.
A proposal to address Australia's 'stranded balances' in retirement by requiring super funds to transition members to pension phase at 65, boosting retirement income and reframing super as a source of income.
Here is a checklist of 28 important issues you should address before June 30 to ensure your SMSF or other super fund is in order and that you are making the most of the strategies available.
Global equity markets have grown more correlated due to globalization, but this trend may reverse which boosts the benefits of cross-country diversification.
Research highlights the significant impact of excluding housing income from income inequality analysis in Australia, arguing for the inclusion of imputed rent and capital gains to provide a more accurate picture.
The lithium rally mirrors the early-2010s tech stock surge, with demand set to double by 2030. Supply has been slow to respond, creating a market deficit for future tech like humanoid robotics and solid-state batteries.
Increasing our official cash rate contrasts with almost every other developed country in the world. Canada, UK, Europe, and USA, so far, have not reversed recent cuts while their inflation issues appear to be contained.
Around the world, democracy as a system of government is backsliding. After more than 50 years of liberal democracy in ascendancy, democratic progress plateaued around the turn of the century and is now going backwards.
Financial commentators await the federal budget with focus on debt and deficit. 'Off-budget' accounting alters the fiscal picture with unseen programs.
Ashley Owen's abridged monthly snapshot uncovers what is front of mind for investors around the world and his view on the likely outcome of the stand-off in the Middle East.