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1-43 out of 43 results.

How a fund manager is using AI to get an edge

Artificial intelligence is taking the world by storm and the investment industry is still coming to terms with its immense capabilities. Here is how one fund manager is using AI to stay ahead of its competitors.

How to unlock the big opportunity in misunderstood small caps

Political turmoil and new regulations have left Europe-listed small caps unloved and under-covered. Taking a 'friendly activist' approach to investing in those with global growth opportunities can reap dividends.

AI is not an over-hyped fad – but a killer app might be years away

The AI investment trend looks set to continue for years but there is only room for a handful of long-term winners. Dr Kevin Hebner also warns regulators against strangling innovation in the sector before society reaps the benefits.

Should investors follow super funds into private credit?

Led by superannuation funds, institutions are piling into private credit, attracting to the high yield and steady returns on offer. Should retail investors and SMSFs allocate more money to this burgeoning asset class?

The copper bull market may have years to run

The copper market is barrelling towards a significant deficit and price surge over the next few decades that investors should not discount when looking at the potential for artificial intelligence and renewable energy.

Will the Year of the Dragon be good for markets?

Will the Year of the Dragon prove a fruitful one for markets? Strong labor markets and a loosening in financial conditions should help in the first half of 2024, though things may get more rocky as the year progresses.

Is a large Chinese renminbi devaluation coming?

The Chinese economic model needs an overhaul and a currency devaluation is one way for the country to restructure. If a devaluation happens, it will have significant ramifications for Australia and the world.

Should you be worried about high-flying markets?

The well-known Fear & Greed Index, used to gauge the current mood of the market, shows that it's now close to ‘extreme greed’ mode. This should give investors pause as it appears that the risks for 2024 are underpriced.

It's time small and mid-caps play catchup

In recent years, large caps returns have dwarfed those of small and mid-caps, especially in the US. 2024 could be the year that reverses as earnings growth re-accelerates for higher quality smaller companies.

Three ASX small caps set to shine in 2024

A turnaround in the fortunes of ASX small caps is overdue after a disappointing 2023. It's important to pick your spots though, and miners and building materials companies look the standouts heading into next year.

What is trend following and why do it?

Trend-following strategies have been around for a long time though they're still seemingly underappreciated. These strategies can provide diversification benefits and help protect downside risks to portfolios.

Every era has its hot stocks. Will AI defy gravity?

In finance, few phrases are potentially as wealth destructive as 'this time it’s different'. Yet, during a period when the mere mention of AI has sent valuations soaring, many are wondering if this time it really is different.

Global consumer and corporate resilience surprises everyone

Despite recession predictions, consumer activity and corporate earnings are holding up well. Global long-term interest rates probably peaked last October, and there are signs of corporate earnings re-acceleration.

Reporting season – expect early signs of downgrading

It's ASX reporting season again and a big watch will be on the impact that a softening economy has on company results and outlooks. Here's your guide for what to expect, and potential winners and losers.

Is more trouble coming for the 60/40 portfolio?

The 60/40 portfolio has performed poorly during the recent period of high inflation. With peak inflation likely behind us, here's a stock-take on the year so far and what it might imply for portfolios going forward.

Aggressive climate targets spell opportunity for investors

There is a US$50 trillion opportunity for those companies that help countries meet their net-zero emission targets over the next 30 years. Here are three key themes and a stock that will benefit from the change.

February reporting season is the calm before the storm

After investors become more realistic in terms of earnings over the next three months and earnings are rebased, the outlook for the share market is expected to be positive heading into the second half of this year.

Are we reaching peak passive investment?

Five years ago, the move towards passive investment in the US was obvious, and warranted. But there are compelling reasons to think that the next decade will be a more productive environment for active strategies.

2023: inflation, diversification, agility and an eye to recession

The RBA and interest rate markets are underestimating inflationary pressures. Combined with a government intent on increasing wages, there's a risk of entrenching higher inflation in Australia compared to elsewhere.

Compelling investment opportunities in healthcare

The biggest structural stories in healthcare will involve cell and gene therapies, and genomics. Companies that supply those developing vaccines and other therapies are where the best investment opportunities lie.

Firstlinks Interview Series - bonus eBook

A collection of interviews with financial markets experts on investing, superannuation, retirement and other topical issues, as published by Firstlinks over 2021 and 2022.

Where are the opportunities in small caps?

The decline in the small cap market this year has created opportunities in sectors such as tech, consumer discretionary and building materials. Stocks benefitting from the renewable energy push are also attractive.

Diversified opportunities in emerging market debt

Most Australian investors have little exposure to emerging markets debt, but the attractions of a widely-diversified portfolio offering higher yields can be accessed through global bond portfolios available here.

The right way to invest in a thematic is not an index

Investing in Asia is challenging but with younger populations, many countries face less wage and inflation pressures than the West. Buying the index rarely pays off as it's more about finding the winning companies.

Reporting season shows companies meeting challenges

Facing multiple headwinds, analysts braced themselves for poor results in the latest reporting season, but companies are in better shape than expected. Costs were an issue but most passed them on in higher prices.

Three factors shape whether we are at the bottom yet

Market highs and lows always have twists and turns but it never gives a big 'all clear' sign when it reaches a bottom. Three important factors provide helpful signposts for knowing when the worst will be over.

Income opportunities in global bonds

With BBB-rated investment grade credit in solid companies offering yields above 5% - a higher yield than what is currently available in most equity markets - there is plenty of opportunities for yield in fixed income.

Confession season is upon us: What’s next for equity markets

Companies tend to pre-position weak results ahead of 30 June, leading to earnings downgrades. The next two months will be critical for investors as a shift from ‘great expectations’ to ‘clear explanations’ gets underway.

Where to find the opportunities of the future

It is a tough time to be investing in growth stocks but there may be ways investors can take advantage of lower prices and be well positioned when the market and interest rates return to normality.

Six stocks on our radar following strong reporting season

Company results reported in February 2022 showed some cost increases but most enjoyed major revenue upgrades, especially in the commodity and financial sectors. Here are portfolio highlights from two fund managers.

Three small companies expected to deliver big returns

Smaller companies might require more research than large caps but they are often worth it. All large companies were small once and there can be benefits investing in small companies and backing management early.

Four climate themes offer investors the next big thing

Climate-related companies will experience exponential growth driven by consumer demand and government action. Investors who identify the right companies will benefit from four themes which will last decades.

Where do stockmarket returns come from over time?

Cash flow statements differ from income statements and balance sheets, and every company must balance payments to investors versus investing into the business. Cash flows drive the value of the business.

It's not high return/risk equities versus low return/risk bonds

High-yield bonds carry more risk than investment grade but they offer higher income returns. An allocation to high-yield bonds in a portfolio - alongside equities and other bonds – is worth considering.

US rate rises would challenge multi-asset diversified portfolios

In the wake of persistent inflation, the Fed may jams down hard on the monetary brakes, leading to upward moves in bond yields. There may be a significant correction in equity markets, but what would the RBA do?

A tale of the inflation genie, the Fed and the RBA

The inflation genie is still in the bottle. While wage growth remains low and the US Fed maintains current settings, we should expect the RBA's accommodatory approach to continue.

It's not all about interest rates: give me a 1980s petshop galah!

The refusal of both sides of politics not only to adopt ‘microeconomic reform’ but in some cases reverse reforms, looms as a bigger driver of unemployment than any failure to fine-tune macro or monetary policy.

Post Covid, the risks are skewed to the downside

Despite the unknowns, Australia is vulnerable as a medium-sized open economy dependent on smoothly functioning international trade. It was already under stress before the onset of the crisis.

Don’t fall under FOMO’s market spell

Fear of missing out in a rallying stock market pushes many investors back into shares even when the outlook is poor. Bear markets usually last longer than we have seen so far during the coronavirus.

Fear and greed in markets: where to from here?

Equity markets are forward-looking, and the speed of the rebound has surprised many. If COVID-19 is controlled quickly, earnings could bounce back. Fund managers are picking up their favourites. 

Shorting deserves more respect

A fund manager that can short sell stocks with weak investment characteristics while reinvesting the proceeds in long positions in preferred stocks has a high degree of flexibility.

How the S-curve helps to find winners and losers

The key to investment success is identifying the winners from the structural growth tailwinds, regardless of the macro-environment. Here are examples of likely winners and strugglers.

The S-curve beats the macro every time

Too many investors focus on macro trends, when what really matters is catching a company in the right part of its S-curve, when its earnings and products are about to take off.

Most viewed in recent weeks

An important Foxtel announcement...

News Corp's plans to sell Foxtel are surprising in that streaming assets Kayo, Binge and Hubbl look likely to go with it. This and recent events in the US show the bind that legacy TV businesses find themselves in.

Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 578 with weekend update

The number of high-net-worth individuals in Australia has increased by almost 9% over the past year, and they now own $3.3 trillion in investable assets. A new report reveals how the wealthy are investing their money.

  • 19 September 2024

The challenges of building a portfolio from scratch

It surprises me how often individual investors and even seasoned financial professionals don’t know the basics of building an investment portfolio. Here is a guide to do just that, as well as the challenges involved.

Creating a bulletproof investment portfolio

Is it possible to build a portfolio that performs well in any economic environment? So-called 'All Weather' portfolios have become more prominent of late, and this looks at what these portfolios are and their pros and cons.

What's left unsaid in Australia's housing bubble

The current difficulties confronting housing policy partially stem from an explosion of mortgage debt. We've engineered a price for housing that will cause a severe problem for future generations – if it isn't addressed.

Which asset classes are a bargain now?

Many assets have enjoyed a positive year, leaving some of them looking pricey. Here we compare valuations of cash, bonds, stocks, and property, and suggest where investors may be able to find opportunities.

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