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21 July 2026
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Do you have a criticism of a financial product, and want an explanation? We have a new regular feature called 'Caveat Emptor?'
Caveat Emptor is defined as: 'the principle that the buyer alone is responsible for checking the quality and suitability of goods before a purchase is made.' So we want to help the buyers, and you can contribute by sharing your concerns.
We invite readers to send us criticisms or questions about any financial product, and we'll ask the product manufacturer or another expert to respond. Write to us at [email protected].
We ask anyone else with a constructive view to then write a comment on our website. The Q&A will be collected under a new menu tab called 'Caveat Emptor?' for future reference. We hope this becomes a good reference point for product enquiries.
My personal pet peeve are "Dividend Income Funds". The name would imply that such funds are invested so as to maximse DIVIDEND income, be it franked or not, and as CASH (or even DRPs). Yet, the number of so called "Dividend Income Funds" whose investment strategy is to access income-like outcome through the usage of derivative arb strategies confound. Whilst I accept such strategies may yield (pardon the pun) income like results, they are not Dividend, they are not tax effective, nor as they paid out as received CASH. If we're fair dinkum, then why not call them what they truly are: "Synthetic Arb Funds"? Rhetorical question as any agent could answer why they're not. Another, perhaps, would be to highlight how investment paper issued by banks are NOT term deposits? Caveat Emptor indeed, but the "caveat" is fair only when there's symmetry in information I'd suggest.
Thanks, Rob. So we don't show any favouritism, any volunteers to defend these income funds? Or we'll track one down.
Thanks for the questions coming in for Caveat Emptor? We have passed them to appropriate people and will chase a response next week. Keep them coming!
My concern lies with shares. I don't believe there is enough done by the overall industry to list new companies in Australia's strengths being Agriculture/Food and Tourism. Many companies seem to get a start in say mining or technology and then fall by the wayside destroying shareholder funds. These funds could be utilised elsewhere in say as an example Darryl Lea, Spring Gully type operations.
Folks, Just a short note before Christmas – Your site is outstanding. I would like to say thank you for your efforts with the Cuffelinks Emails. Probably the best source of commentary and information I have seen over the past 20 years – the last 15 as an adviser. I trust you and all the team that put the effort in – get the opportunity to enjoy a break and spend time with those closest to you over the next month or so
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.
Beneath the dominance of the ASX's largest stocks, much of the market has been left behind. High-quality companies are now trading at levels rarely seen, offering opportunities for investors willing to look deeper.
The 30% minimum tax on capital gains sits at the heart of the budget's proposed reforms. Yet the mechanics reveal anomalies that introduce unexpected distortions that raise questions about its design.
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.
Treasury has confirmed the exemption many families were hoping for. But buried in the fine print are two conditions that could leave some wills on the wrong side of the exemption, despite years of careful planning.
The defining challenge of retirement isn't just about building wealth, it's about converting your lifetime savings into sustainable income. A holistic understanding of different strategies can improve long-term outcomes.
Lithium's latest sell-off has punished ASX miners as prices remain hostage to shifting expectations. The key challenge is navigating a market prone to extreme volatility despite a strong case for the long-term demand outlook.
The implications of CGT reform are far and wide. As the 50% discount gives way to inflation indexation, turnover and return profiles may become critical drivers of after-tax performance. Some strategies face a far greater hit.
Our retirement system was built around assumptions that no longer hold. Lower homeownership, longer lifespans and changing expectations are exposing cracks that policymakers and super funds need to address.
Many people spend years planning financially for retirement but little time preparing for what comes next. Four months in, here are the surprising lessons I've learnt on finding purpose, social connection and healthy habits.
As tax reforms reshape investment incentives, investors should rethink what quality investing means in the uniquely concentrated Australian market, where traditional frameworks may not translate as effectively.
Why are tech giants pouring billions into datacentres when the economics look questionable? The most dangerous words in investing may be: "everyone else is doing it". Today's AI boom has striking parallels with the shale bust.