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21 May 2025
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Season 2, Episode 1
In this week's episode, we'll discuss how the new $3 million super tax will work with an important clarification, the impact on other investment pools, the headwinds for Aussie large caps, as well as the energy transition and its investment opportunities.
(For more details on the $3 million tax, read here).
The podcast is also available via our dedicated website page, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and BuzzSprout.
Please share with friends and colleagues, and a favourable rating would help spread the word. We welcome questions and suggestions at firstlinks@morningstar.com.
Grab a cuppa and settle in for our chat.
James GruberEditorial, Firstlinks and Morningstar
Great to see the podcast back! My question is to Peter Warnes and his comments that nuclear power should be part of our energy mix and my thought that with the largest nuclear power station in Europe taken by an invading force, only three months of cooling water left in its cooling ponds with reports that the pond may be rigged with explosives and artillery shells and missiles wizzing all around it that a whole new risk to nuclear power stations has been uncovered and we shouldn’t be going down this path and that is before the financials and red tape are taken into account
Hi Michael, We have to put Australia’s nuclear options in context. We are talking about small Modular Reactors rated from 10MWe to 250MWe providing incremental additions to the National Electricity Market as fossil fuels are withdrawn. To compare Australia’s situation with what is occurring in Europe at present is drawing along bow. Our issue is how to replace fossil fuel generated baseload power and wind and solar cannot do that with the certainty required. We already have a nuclear reactor operating at Lucas Heights for the past 65 years (opened in 1958) without incident. Regards, Peter
Good to hear the podcast again. Graham in your explanation of the $3m super cap, I realise you are focussing on the proportional part of the calculation which many people are missing, but you should also mention that the Super balance change over the financial year is also adjusted for withdrawals and applications. To be clearer, withdrawals are added back and contributions are deducted. The rationale is that people cannot make withdrawals to stay under the $3 million, but their contributions do not push them over $3 million. Important to watch.
Labor has announced a $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program, aimed at slashing the cost of home batteries. The goal is to turbocharge battery uptake, though practical difficulties may prevent that happening.
The famed investor says the rapid switch from globalisation to trade wars is the biggest upheaval in the investing environment since World War Two. And a new world requires a different investment approach.
The boss of Australia’s fourth largest super fund by assets, UniSuper’s John Pearce, says Trump has declared an economic war and he’ll be reducing his US stock exposure over time. Should you follow suit?
Every crisis throws up opportunities. Here are ideas to capitalise on this one, including ‘overbalancing’ your portfolio in stocks, buying heavily discounted LICs, and cherry picking bombed out sectors like oil and gas.
While many chase high yields, true investment power lies in companies that steadily grow dividends. This strategy, rooted in patience and discipline, quietly compounds wealth and anchors investors through market turbulence.
Behind market volatility and tariff threats lies a deeper strategy. Trump’s real goal isn’t trade reform but managing America's massive debts, preserving bond market confidence, and preparing for potential QE.
Strategies to get rich versus stay rich are markedly different. Here is a look at the five main ways to get rich, including through work, business, investing and luck, as well as those that preserve wealth.
Dividend investing offers steady income and behavioral benefits, but its effectiveness depends on goals, market conditions, and fundamentals - especially in retirement, where it may limit full use of savings.
Fascinating initial studies suggest that while we age continuously in years, our bodies age, not at a uniform rate, but in spurts at around ages 44 and 60.
Portfolio Manager Ted Alexander outlines the changes that he's made to Platinum's International Fund portfolio since taking charge in March, while staying true to its contrarian, value-focused roots.
The Trump administration has not killed the multi-decade investment opportunity in decarbonisation. These four industries in particular face a step-change in demand and could reward long-term investors.
The recent federal election outcome has puzzled many, with Labor's significant win despite a modest primary vote share. Preference flows played a crucial role, highlighting the complexity of forecasting electoral results.