Register For Our Mailing List

Register to receive our free weekly newsletter including editorials.

Home / 287

Summer Series Guest Editor, Alex Vynokur

One of the longstanding attractions of the Cuffelinks newsletter is its role not just as a platform for discussing investment ideas, but also as a source for unbiased and dispassionate analysis of the actual 'business' of delivering investment services to investors.

In this regard, I’ve naturally found it particularly interesting to follow the ongoing discussion around the use of exchange traded funds (ETFs) and the (somewhat) associated age-old active versus passive debate. What follows are six of the articles I’ve found especially enlightening from the Cuffelinks archives.

1. Provides an unbiased and realistic assessment of the pros and cons of indexing investing, especially through ETFs, from one of the leaders of the global investment industry.

Howard Marks asks 5 questions on indexing

2. Usefully introduces the concept of investing by global thematic, rather than just passive asset class exposure or individual stocks

Investing by thematics rather than indexes

3. Notes the challenges of innovating in an industry dominated by complexity, consumer apathy, strong existing players and hidden costs

Is there an Uber or Amazon of wealth management?

4. Explains the open-ended structure of ETFs and dispels some of the myths related to their liquidity.

Will ETF liquidity be there when I need it?

5. Outlines some handy rules to keep in mind when investing and trading in ETFs

Ten rules for more effective ETF investing

6. A breakdown of the various costs related to adviser, investment and administration services.

Do you know the fees you’re paying?

 

Alex Vynokur, Guest Editor

Alex Vynokur is Managing Director of BetaShares Capital Limited. BetaShares is a sponsor of Cuffelinks.

  •   2 January 2019
  • 1
  •      
  •   
banner

Most viewed in recent weeks

How cutting the CGT discount could help rebalance housing market

A more rational taxation system that supports home ownership but discourages asset speculation could provide greater financial support to first home buyers.

Is there a better way to reform the CGT discount?

The capital gains tax discount is under review, but debate should go beyond its size. Its original purpose, design flaws and distortions suggest Australia could adopt a better, more targeted approach.

Want your loved ones to inherit your super? You can’t afford to skip this one step

One in five Australians die before retirement and most have not set up their super properly so their loved ones can benefit from all their hard work and savings. 

Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 648 with weekend update

This is my last edition as Editor of Firstlinks. I’m moving onto a new role though the newsletter will remain in good hands until my permanent replacement is found.

  • 5 February 2026

Super is catching up, but ageing is a triple-threat

An ageing Australia is shifting the superannuation system’s focus from accumulation to the lifecycle of retirement. While these pressures have been anticipated for decades, they are now converging at scale and driving widespread industry change.

Meg on SMSFs: Last word on Div 296 for a while

The best way to deal with the incoming Division 296 tax on superannuation is likely doing nothing. Earnings will be taxed regardless of where the money sits, so here are some important considerations.

Latest Updates

Economy

Has Australia wasted the last 30 years?

The 20 years after Peter Costello left Treasury have been deemed wasted...by Peter Costello. The missed opportunities for Australia began long before.  

Retirement

Navigating the next stage of life in retirement

Retirement planning is more than just saving enough money. Long-term care needs, housing choices, and social networks are just as critical for a happy and enjoyable life.

Strategy

Showcasing your value in the age of AI shortcuts

Knowledge is becoming commoditized in the age of artificial intelligence but experience, taste, and judgement are still at a premium.

Planning

Financial advice as the pathway to economic security

Financial advice can lead to improved financial literacy, a healthier super balance and a higher standard of living in retirement. Is now the time to give yourself the gift of financial advice?

Economy

The overlooked driver of energy inflation

The impact of energy policy on inflation in Australia is often overlooked. Transitioning to renewable energy can lead to inflated costs that affect the entire economy and productivity growth.

Economy

A 2026 rotation story: Europe’s undervalued small caps

In 2026, Europe is poised for a 'Goldilocks' scenario with cooling inflation and lower rates, driven by fiscal stimulus. Small caps offer an attractive entry point before capital rotation.

Investment strategies

What we do when things go up (a lot)

Recent price spikes, particularly gold's surge, trigger behavioral responses like availability bias, storytelling, extrapolation, and FOMO, which create self-reinforcing feedback loops influencing investor sentiment and market trends.

Sponsors

Alliances

© 2026 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer
The data, research and opinions provided here are for information purposes; are not an offer to buy or sell a security; and are not warranted to be correct, complete or accurate. Morningstar, its affiliates, and third-party content providers are not responsible for any investment decisions, damages or losses resulting from, or related to, the data and analyses or their use. To the extent any content is general advice, it has been prepared for clients of Morningstar Australasia Pty Ltd (ABN: 95 090 665 544, AFSL: 240892), without reference to your financial objectives, situation or needs. For more information refer to our Financial Services Guide. You should consider the advice in light of these matters and if applicable, the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before making any decision to invest. Past performance does not necessarily indicate a financial product’s future performance. To obtain advice tailored to your situation, contact a professional financial adviser. Articles are current as at date of publication.
This website contains information and opinions provided by third parties. Inclusion of this information does not necessarily represent Morningstar’s positions, strategies or opinions and should not be considered an endorsement by Morningstar.