The most popular articles of 2024 show the wide range of subjects covered by Firstlinks. As we return to work in 2021, it's useful to reflect on the issues that grabbed our attention. Unlike many other publications, Firstlinks does not simply focus on stock picks or finance industry issues.
The most viewed article may surprise you - it was 'An important Foxtel announcement' by Harry Morrow and Tom Keir of Loftus Peak. Close behind were my articles, 'Warren Buffett changes his mind at age 93' and '16 ASX stocks to buy and hold forever'.
The list below is by popularity and each heading includes a link to the relevant article.
Enjoy.
An important Foxtel announcement...
Harry Morrow, Tom Keir | 11 September 2024
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.
Warren Buffett changes his mind at age 93
James Gruber | 14 August 2024
This month, Buffett made waves by revealing he’d sold almost 50% of his shares in Apple in the second quarter. The sale not only shows that Buffett has changed his mind on the stock but remains at the peak of his powers.
16 ASX stocks to buy and hold forever
James Gruber | 28 February 2024
In his recent shareholder letter, Warren Buffett mentions several stocks he expects Berkshire Hathaway will own indefinitely, including Occidental Petroleum. We look at ASX stocks that investors could buy and hold forever.
Vale Graham Hand
Chris Cuffe, James Gruber, Mark LaMonica CFA | 19 November 2024
It’s with heavy hearts that we announce Firstlinks’ co-founder and former Managing Editor, Graham Hand, has died aged 66. Graham was a legendary figure in the finance industry and here are three tributes to him.
2024/25 super thresholds – key changes and implications
Julie Steed | 27 March 2024
The ATO has released all the superannuation rates and thresholds that will apply from 1 July 2024. Here's what’s changing and what’s not, and some key considerations and opportunities in the lead up to 30 June and beyond.
Warren Buffett is preparing for a bear market. Should you?
James Gruber | 6 November 2024
Berkshire Hathaway’s third quarter earnings update reveals Buffett is selling stocks and building record cash reserves. Here’s a look at his track record in calling market tops and whether you should follow his lead and dial down risk.
Where Baby Boomer wealth will end up
Te Okeroa | 15 May 2024
By 2028, all Baby Boomers will be eligible for retirement and the Baby Boomer bubble will have all but deflated. Where will this generation's money end up, and what are the implications for the wealth management industry?
11 ASX dividend stocks for the next decade
James Gruber | 6 March 2024
What are the best stocks to own that can pay regular dividends and beat indices on a total return basis in the long-term? Here is our list of 11 ASX-listed companies that could help investors achieve these goals.
Are term deposits attractive right now?
James Gruber | 8 May 2024
If you’re like me, you may have put money into term deposits over the past year and it’s time to decide whether to roll them over or look elsewhere. Here are the pros and cons of cash versus other assets right now.
How retiree spending plummets as we age
Ruvinda Nanayakkara | 8 May 2024
There's been little debate on how spending changes as people progress through retirement. Yet, it's a critical issue as it can have a significant impact on the level of savings required at the point of retirement.
Uncomfortable truths: The real cost of living in retirement
Kaye Fallick | 24 April 2024
How useful are the retirement savings and spending targets put out by various groups such as ASFA? Not very, and it's reducing the ability of ordinary retirees to fully understand their retirement income options.
Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 583 with weekend update
James Gruber | 24 October 2024
Investing guru Howard Marks says he had two epiphanies while visiting Australia recently: the two major asset classes aren’t what you think they are, and one key decision matters above all else when building portfolios.
Meg on SMSFs: Clearing up confusion on the $3 million super tax
Meg Heffron | 12 June 2024
There seems to be more confusion than clarity about the mechanics of how the new $3 million super tax is supposed to work. Here is an attempt to answer some of the questions from my previous work on the issue.
How much do you need to retire comfortably?
Ashley Owen | 22 May 2024
Two commonly asked questions are: 'How much do I need to retire' and 'How much can I afford to spend in retirement'? This is a guide to help you come up with your own numbers to suit your goals and needs.
Australian housing is twice as expensive as the US
James Gruber | 19 June 2024
A new report suggests Australian housing is twice as expensive as that of the US and UK on a price-to-income basis. It also reveals that it’s cheaper to live in New York than most of our capital cities.
Meg on SMSFs: $3 million super tax coming whether we’re ready or not
Meg Heffron | 15 May 2024
A Senate Committee reported back last week with a majority recommendation to pass the $3 million super tax unaltered. It seems that the tax is coming, and this is what those affected should be doing now to prepare for it.
The greatest investor you’ve never heard of
James Gruber | 13 March 2024
Jim Simons has achieved breathtaking returns of 62% p.a. over 33 years, a track record like no other, yet he remains little known to the public. Here’s how he’s done it, and the lessons that can be applied to our own investing.
Time to smash the retirement nest egg - but how?
Kaye Fallick | 6 March 2024
For decades, governments told people to save for retirement, then hold onto their nest eggs. Now, they're concerned that retirees aren't spending enough. How can we encourage reasonable spending patterns in retirement?
The nuts and bolts of family trusts
Greg Russo | 16 October 2024
There are well over 800,000 family trusts in Australia, controlling more than $3 trillion of assets. Here's a guide on whether a family trust may have a place in your individual investment strategy.
The best strategy to build income for life
Peter Thornhill | 31 January 2024
Owning quality, dividend-producing industrial shares is key to building a decent income stream. Here is an update on the long-term performance of industrial stocks against indices, listed property, and term deposits.