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Too soon for a Fed pivot, but fixed income looks promising: Atchison
Investors are flocking to risk stocks in the hope of an early Fed pivot following a better-than-expected US inflation report. While it is too early for a pivot, according to Atchison Consultants, the longer-term outlook for fixed income is positive.
Smart money is pouring into private markets and away from risk assets
New data from bfinance and Invesco sees Australian investors and sovereign funds reducing exposure to growth assets in favour of private markets
Profit important but cash is back, even during times of high inflation
The British investment firm’s current cash weightings have hit historic levels after perceived risks in the global economy moved it to help preserve rather than accumulate capital.
Travel, discretionary retailers, energy tipped to lead company earnings
Sage Capital remains positive on energy and travel but cautious on iron ore, while remaining focused on individual company earnings.
Alceon’s private debt fund remains resilient despite rising input costs and higher rates
Alceon Group maintained its view that the sector will remain strong for the remainder of this year given its robustness and healthy deal pipeline.
A new way to measure a company’s planetary impact: Robeco
Addressing the need to separate shareholder returns from real planetary impact, Robeco created its own framework that captures a company’s contribution to mitigating climate change.
Conscious Investment Management invests $300M to boost housing access
Director Casey Taylor says money will be invested into eight impact investment projects, with $150 million going towards Victorian social housing.
Australia goes from crypto leader to crypto lagger
Clanz COO Stuart Burnicle believes Australia will see wider crypto adoption, despite running well behind many other countries in crypto-asset regulation.
Invesco: Not all portfolios will float as rates rise
Senior secured loans act as an important inflationary hedge in times of rising inflation according to the firm’s chief investment officer.
Adviser-friendly investor forum to plug gap with millennials
The investment app creator believes he has found a way to bridge the gap between advisers and the broader addressable advice market.
From Afghanistan to advice: ‘Every person matters, every dollar counts’
In between night missions in the Afghan desert, Warren Loudon would complete his financial planning assignments on a handheld ‘tough book’. “When I got back to base I’d submit them,” he recalls.
US economy trapped in wage-price spiral, threatening ongoing stagflation
Chinese deflation is exacerbating US inflation, which could lead to further wage price spiraling and a US core inflation figure stuck above 3.5 to 4 per cent according to BCA Research.
Private debt serving up a spectrum of benefits for investors
Structured the right way, private debt can provide options that both cater to the defensive sleeve of a portfolio and serve as a proxy for equity market investments.
Rising US inflation sparks recession fears: BCA research
With the US Federal Reserve signalling more rate rises to come, the odds of a global recession have risen to 40 per cent.
Schroders: Build resilience and trust rather than waiting for a bout of good luck
An erosion of trust has changed the investor psyche to one that prefers companies which generate cash profits with a long term focus, according to Schroder’s’ Martin Conlon.
Ausbil gets active on dividend management with income-seeking investment play
The team at Ausbil have come up with a novel way to generate income without increasing risk or removing alpha generating opportunities.
Praemium CEO open for consolidation talks with an aim on growing scale
Anthony Wamsteker reflects on the tie-up with rival platform Powerwrap, the rebuff of Netwealth, and Praemium’s plan to achieve double digit market share.
What non-bank lenders must consider before issuing a private loan
Australian non-bank lenders are making incursions against the big banks, but have many considerations during the loan decision making process to ensure proper loan structuring.
Dunbar’s number and the advice client quantum query
With the mass exodus of advisers reaching its nadir, advisers are taking on more and more clients. Dunbar’s theory shows just how unsustainable this is.
Rent roll fund hunts down defensive income yield for investors
The new fund, a tie-up between Murray Darling Capital and Trilogy Funds, is buying up rent rolls across the country and has its sights set on a 10 per cent annual return.
Senior secured loans offer investors an opportunity to capitalise on rising rates
Debt assets may be de jour, but the income they produce is fraught with peril if it doesn’t include the kind of diversity senior secured loans provide.
Infrastructure assets gaining popularity as investors look to hedge inflation
Infrastructure assets have been gaining investor interest due to their inflation hedging properties in recent times.
Australia readies for the Tokenization wave
The race to tokenize is on, with Australia joining Switzerland, the US and Japan in embracing the technology.
Higher costs and rising rates trigger a strategy shift in private debt
Alceon is mindful of challenging conditions and rising costs for purveyors of private debt, but has a confident outlook with positive signs starting to show.
Financial advisers call for integrated technology solution as platform satisfaction wanes
Advisers are spending more on technology and using more platforms than ever, but satisfaction levels are on the wane according to Investment Trends.
Research shows enormous potential exists for advisers to capture emerging affluents
For wealth businesses to thrive the emerging affluent cohort is a savvy way to future-proof healthy client books. But building trust is a key component to making the relationships work.
The ongoing resilience of Australian private debt
Pete Robinson presents the case for Australian private debt using a supermarket chain case study.
Challenges and opportunities exist for long term ‘quality’ investors
A recession is looking more than likely with the global equities market deteriorating and valuations coming under pressure, says Bell Asset Management.
US economic conditions go from bad to worse
BCA Research paints a bleak picture of the US economy after conditions deteriorate.
‘Growing backlog of work’ overwhelming advisers: Diverger
CEO Nathan Jacobsen discusses the challenges confronting financial advisers in what has been a difficult year for the industry.
Fixed income bond indices prove problematic when assessing performance
Atchison Consultants’ Kevin Toohey on why bond benchmarks only cover a slice of a diverse universe.
FPA seeks urgent extension of ASIC levy freeze
The association is calling for an immediate continuation of ASIC’s industry levy relief and a fairer approach to costs for planners.
Private equity and the liquidity boon for advisers
The four pillars of private equity investment all bring unique characteristics to the table.
Wealth platforms failing for advisers: Research
Findings from the 2022 Adviser Technology Needs Report highlight the need for a better investment platform system
ASIC announces the launch of the reportable situations regime
The new regime will help firms identify and act on breaches a lot quicker than before.
Diverger forced to walk away from Centrepoint takeover bid after talks fail to progress
A merger that would have created the third largest licensee is cancelled.
A great way to play the booming natural gas market
Longreach taps into the LNG market supported by projects in Texas & Oklahoma.
Invesco’s Tarun Gupta explains how factor investing helps generate consistent alpha
How a star quant analyst used his poker skills to take on calculated risks and deliver outstanding returns
The changing face of fixed income
Bill Prendergast discusses the role of fixed income and its role in portfolios today.
From inflation to recession, Joseph Kalish calls it as it is
Inflation may be peaking but no recession in sight says Joseph Kalish.
Former Dixon Advisory clients encouraged to register with AFCA
Ombudsman the most likely source of remediation for aggrieved clients.
A structural evolution or risky business?
Following a decade-long run of low-interest rates and rising asset prices, many companies took the opportunity to load up on cheap deb
Secular vs. cyclical and the challenge of confirmation bias
As a financial adviser, making the right decisions matters. Not just for your client’s investment returns but for your confidence as well.
The golden rule of government bond investing
As one can expect, there was a lot of volatility in US Treasuries during this period, making it a challenging time for analysts.
Tailwind for private lending is just beginning: Pallas Capital
Australian CPI numbers were released this week showing a 6.1 per cent increase in consumer prices, the fastest pace in 30 years.
Insider trading, market manipulation and cyber security lead ASIC action
The corporate regulator has released its enforcement and regulatory update for June 2022, during which it launched a series of litigations targeting misconduct.
Private markets remain key to income, diversification
News that Australian Super had reported a negative return of just 2.7 per cent for the FY22 financial year likely came as a surprise to many.
Long-term performance potential intact for Responsible Investments
A weak June quarter 2022, driven by a higher-than-expected US May inflation reading, managed to spook investors and cause a sell-off in markets, making it one of the worst quarters seen in decades.
Is all the bad news factored-in?
With this week’s worse-than-expected inflation numbers, all eyes are centred on the Federal Reserve, which is now expected to hike rates even more aggressively.
Private credit stands out in SAA rethink
In a challenging environment plagued with uncertainty and volatility, rising inflation has turned investors away from risky growth assets.
What to watch for in the most anticipated earnings season for decades
With a long list of economic headwinds having hammered global growth and dampened investor confidence, the upcoming (second-quarter) US reporting season is going to be an interesting one.
Launches, M&A, News, People, Regulation
With LNG’s transition status confirmed, opportunities grow: Longreach Alternatives
New gas projects will be able to receive funding from a fresh pool of money from ESG investors. The move will help many EU countries by supplying low-carbon energy to replace Russian fossil fuels.
How pre-IPO and private market funds avoided the selloff
Pre-IPO funds are popular with early-stage, pre-profit tech businesses looking for a longer runway ahead of their ASX listing.
Akambo, CFS and Atrium lead appointments this week
Last week’s Australian unemployment figures showed spectacular improvement, with the headline figure falling to 3.5 percent from 3.9 percent, while adding 88,400 jobs to the economy last month.
Is your self-managed super fund capable of buying gold?
Gold has a colourful history, going back thousands of years, as a means to store and transport wealth and a way to help protect against the inflationary impacts on currency buying power.
Lazard, PM Capital top the tables for Oz equities
A pandemic, a few supply-chain disruptions, a war in Europe, rising energy prices, climate change and soaring inflation. What more could you ask for?
Time to reset fixed-income portfolio construction
Concerns over rising inflation and a global growth slowdown have many financial advisers re-positioning client portfolios away from risk and towards safety.
Commodities the only highlight in rough year: Atchison
The end of FY2022 feels a little like a blur of problems, people and red numbers; that’s not even considering what we have just been through.
Magellan sales chief to retire, GQG promotes talent
With the RBA moving rates up another 50bps to 1.35 per cent, investors are sitting on the sidelines waiting to see if its punch was hard enough to contain inflation.
ETF Securities launch brings US treasuries to the ASX
ETF Securities is expanding its product suite into the fixed-interest sector by offering two listed bond funds.
What will another rate hike mean for markets?
This week marks the start of a fresh new year. ‘Out with the old, and in with the new’ is the old adage. Unfortunately, it’s not so straightforward with the Reserve Bank of Australia.
HMC Capital launches real-asset-focused alternative strategy
High-conviction alternatives manager, HMC Capital has announced the launch of its new HMC Capital Partners Fund 1, which will seek to invest in private and public businesses with real-asset backing.
A closer look at the top inflation-linked strategies in 2022
In a year marred by rising volatility, inflation, war and supply disruptions, sharemarkets fought a battle between positives and negatives which weighed on equities as investors rotated out of growth assets and into safety.
Geopolitics to trump inflation as biggest risk of 2023
In a year shaped by geopolitical tensions, a pandemic, war, inflation and supply-chain disruptions, the number one threat perceived by the general public remains inflation.
Global growth downgraded as Ukraine drags
Morgan Stanley have released their note covering the 2022 Midyear Economic Outlook. Most major economies, including the U.S., Europe, the United Kingdom and China, are each tracking toward GDP growth that will be half that of 2021.
Regulation Impact Statement to be prepared post fact
Following the 2009 Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services Inquiry into Financial Products and Services in Australia, the FoFA reforms were developed.
First Sentier Investors launches property fund with carbon focus
Global investment manager, First Sentier Investors, has launched an ESG-friendly property fund which has a built-in carbon overlay feature that allows for the comprehensive measurement and reporting of carbon emissions on all the underlying assets.
Understanding development funds
With inflation embedding itself back into the economy, the days of easy money have quickly become a thing of the past.
Suncorp to demerge its banking arm
Suncorp Group (ASX:SUN) is planning to offload its banking business to that it can better focus on its main business, its insurance arm, in an attempt to improve returns and value for shareholders.
Centrepoint offer continues the consolidation trend in advice
Centrepoint Alliance this week announced it had received a non-binding indicative offer from Diverger Limited to acquire all the shares in the company.
‘Wonderful opportunities’ lie ahead of bond market volatility: JCB
Charlie Jamieson, co-founder and chief investment officer at Jamieson Coote Bonds (JCB)spoke recently at Praemium’s Key Market Drivers event, blaming much of the market under-performance of 2022 on fixed-interest markets.
Navigating geopolitics in an uncertain world
As quickly as the world came out of the pandemic, it was faced with yet another black swan event that caused markets to capitulate, and left supply chains in disarray.
Magellan, Franklin Templeton changes lead appointments this week
Australia’s unemployment figures remained steady at 3.9 per cent for May despite more than 61,000 people entering the workforce. The extra workers that have joined is evidence that the workforce is starting to thrive and expand in the wake of the pandemic.
Which ASX sectors will succumb to inflation?
According to Morningstar, an Australian recession is possible but highly unlikely. It thinks the Australian economy is “in great shape,” with low unemployment and high real GDP recorded in the March 2022 quarter.
FPA flags tax deductibility and removing duplication in QAR submission
The day-to-day life of a financial adviser could soon be a lot easier, after the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) called for an urgent investigation to address “the quagmire that has been created by complex, overlapping and contradictory regulations, codes and rules that now govern the provision of financial advice.”
The role of gold in portfolios as rates increase
There has been no better time to buy Gold than now and that’s due to several reasons.
Investing beyond the pandemic
“Recession? Who knows? We’re not bearish, especially with our value style of investing. It’s bit of war like scenario. After the war’s over, we get inflation and that’s what we’re in.
ASIC lays down the law on ‘greenwashing’
With economies around the world all seeking to decarbonise, business has a critical role to play in the race to meeting Net Zero commitments.
Mirae and Global X acquires ETF Securities
Mirae Asset Global Investments Co., Ltd and Global X ETFs this week announced the acquisition of ETF Securities, a pioneer of exchange traded funds both in Australia and around the world.
Overcoming anchoring bias key to advisers amid volatility
To be a successful financial adviser, especially during times of peak volatility, it pays to understand and master the human cognitive biases that can often lead to poor decision-making
Banking sector remains strong, but crypto, housing challenge grows: APRA
The chair of the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), Wayne Byres, spoke at the recent AFR Banking Summit on the current state of the Australian financial system, addressing the various geopolitical thematics, economic headwinds and ongoing tensions at play. He also touched on housing, climate action and digitisation. The Australian banking system has undergone reforms […]
Markets still ‘vulnerable’ to weaker earnings
Head of Australian Equities at T. Rowe Price, Randal Jenneke, has released a note to clients that conveys a somewhat cautious tone towards the Australian equity market.
EV, media and cyclical tech among Capital’s top tilts
Investment director at Capital Group, Matt Reynolds, outlines four uncertainties that are influencing equities markets at the moment.
ASIC updates guidance for ‘warnings and reprimands’
ASIC has just released an information sheet allowing it to issue warnings and reprimands to financial advisers that do the wrong thing. If you’re a financial adviser, you’ll definitely want to take note of the key messages from the document.
Yarra Capital adds long-short strategy to stable
Leading Independent Australian fund manager Yarra Capital recently announced the addition of a new Market Neutral Australia Equities investment strategy to their portfolio of funds.
On the move in wealth management
Optimism and confidence in the Australian job market is growing and expanding throughout the country, with the latest data from the Regional Australia Institute showing that there were 84,600 regional job vacancies in April 2022, up 24.8% compared to a year earlier
AFCA confirms a new user pays model to cover costs
Following on from last week’s article titled, ‘Ombudsman seeks to simplify complaint treatment,’ The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) today confirmed it will put into place a ‘user-pays’ funding model that is fair, transparent and equitable.
Global funds drive capital flows in 2022
It’s been two years since Covid-19 reared its ugly head, sweeping fear and panic across global markets and forcing central banks to release massive amounts of stimulus to safeguard against any further deterioration.
Adviser numbers forecast to fall below 15k
The exodus of financial advisers from the industry is set to continue into 2022, according to research undertaken by Adviser Ratings, who in partnership with Vanguard Investments, released their Adviser Landscape report last week.
US economy in ‘classic slowdown’ with persistent inflation
Markets have been incredibly difficult. At the moment there are so many different things going on all at once, slowing growth, rising inflation and on top of that the emergence of black swan events, have caught many, by surprise.
On the move in wealth management – culture in focus
As Anthony Albanese is sworn in as the new Prime Minister and the Labor Party takes power for the first time in close to a decade, there have been a lot of high profile moves in political circles.
Active management preferred for ESG allocations
The events in Russia and Ukraine offered a real time insight into the challenges facing ESG, ethical and sustainable investors around the world.
Incentives highlight challenge of hyper competitive fintech market
In a world gone social media crazy, having an influential media presence along with a few hundred thousand Twitter followers will secure you more than a yearly wage.
From Covid to conflict, the issues set to drive markets
From Covid to conflict, all it took was just a few weeks for the market to shift its attention to the unfolding crisis in Ukraine and away from the pandemic.
Why this trillion-dollar managers prefers stocks over bonds
“We recently cut risk but stick with stocks over bonds for now. Equity prices now reflect much of the worsening macro-outlook and hawkish Fed” were the latest comments from the Blackrock Investment Institute in their weekly research note.
Why quality matters more than ever: Bell AM
Markets are falling, interest rates are rising alongside inflation, the US dollar is appreciating along with bond yields and money is moving away from risk. While the crisis in Ukraine still plays out, it certainly has exacerbated risks surrounding growth and inflation.
Evergreen’s index update: Responsible managers lag in March quarter
Independent investment consulting firm, Evergreen Consultants, has released findings on the performance of green Australian and international equity funds that have high responsible investment ratings.
BT Panorama records net inflows ahead of sale
Westpac has added $1.5bn in net inflows for the 1H of the year on its BT Panorama platform while still looking for a buyer.
ETF Securities wins Australia’s crypto ETF race
ETF Securities has won the race to list Australia’s first cryptocurrency ETF, ending a long drawn out battle among ETF providers.
Alts performance mixed after tough quarter
Alternative investments are gaining popularity, mainly due to their low correlation to more traditional assets such as stocks and bonds.
Appointments: On the move in finance
The financial services market has been more active than ever in 2022, with the shortage of workers and significant growth leading to a flurry of activity in role and job changes.
Outlook for Australia ‘favourable’ compared to ROW: Chronis
The VIX Volatility Index or Fear Index hit a 52-week high of 38.94 last week after $65bn was wiped off the Australian share market.
Western Asset Global Fund rating upgraded
The classic way of thinking has been to ditch bond funds as interest rates rise. Why? Because as rates rise, bond prices have an inverse relationship, and drop in value as newer bonds with higher yields become more attractive. Sounds about right?
Answering the income call with private debt
This week’s Australian inflation shock of 5.1 per cent (annual rate) has all but confirmed what we’ve been fearing; the cost of living has gone up and that means the RBA will be backed into a corner and forced to raise the cash rate.
Practifi looks to expand its Australian footprint
Move over Salesforce; Australian wealthtech provider Practifi has announced its plans to expand further into the Australian market following extensive investment into its data-driven wealth management platform.
‘Golden age” for quant in China
“We all think we know China, but you won’t think of China the same way after this presentation” explained James Dunn, host of The Inside Network’s Equities and Growth Assets Symposium held in April. He was introducing Lewis Prescott, international CEO of Mingshi Investment Management, a multi-billion-dollar quantitative equity manager that recently launched in Australia. […]
Will the Your Future Your Super test be applied to SMSFs?
In 2021 the “Your Future Your Super” (YFYS) performance test was introduced to gauge whether default super funds, which collected billions in guaranteed contributions, were up-to-scratch in terms of their investment performance. Speaking at the SMSF Association’s National Conference 2022, Philip La Greca, executive manager of SMSF Technical & Strategic Solutions at Super Concepts, who […]
Is the next recession far away, or right around the corner?
The latest US non-farm payrolls figure saw a rise of 431,000 jobs in March. Despite being a touch below expectations, the 1.7 million rise in jobs for the quarter was seen as a strong indication that the economy was doing well. “It was both positive and negative news,” Jim Caron, portfolio manager and chief fixed […]
‘You don’t need to swing for the fences to get good returns’
The passive vs. active debate remains alive and well, particularly in the larger company universe, where being different to the index is quite a challenge, and in many cases, a career risk. The consistent standout among the quarterly passive vs. active reports, however, has been the Australian smaller company sector. Globally recognised as companies valued […]
Grim picture for financial advice in latest Landscape report
Key findings from the Australian Financial Advice Landscape Report 2022 have painted a grim picture for the financial advice industry, predicting higher client fees and dwindling adviser numbers. Without a doubt, the last few years have been tough on financial advisers. Increasing compliance burdens have gone through the roof, going back to university to sit […]
ETF Securities to launch Australia’s first crypto ETFs
ETF Securities and 21Shares have confirmed the launch of Australia’s first Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs), allowing local investors to invest in both cryptocurrencies. According to a press announcement from ETF Securities, the leading ETF provider will launch two funds offering simple and cost-effective access to cryptocurrency investments. They are: ETFS 21Shares Bitcoin ETF […]
Investing for multiple outcomes central to successful hedging
We spoke with Stephen Coltman, Investment Manager within the Alternatives team at abrdn on the growing importance of portfolio hedging amid growing uncertainty and investor unrest. During times of falling equity markets, rising volatility and elevated drawdowns, Coltman is tasked with delivering positive returns. Speaking about his strategy and overlay, he says, “It’s really designed […]
Insurance, value or growth: pick your poison
“If there’s one thing, I can tell everyone… is that gold is fire insurance, even better, gold is portfolio insurance,” said Ganesh Balendran speaking at The Inside Network’s Equities Symposium. Delivered in a unique technology-driven Pecha Kucha format. Balendran challenged delegates to consider the expanding use cases of ETFs amid a surge in volatility and […]
For advisers, going digital is more than a Zoom meeting
“Change in the asset and wealth management industry is now accelerating at an exponential rate.” That’s the assessment of Australia’s wealth space according to a PWC report. COVID has not only triggered the move to digitisation, but it also made it ultra-competitive for financial advisers with pressures intensifying from all angles. The industry is now […]
Financial Planning Association backs finfluencer crackdown
ASIC’s recent crackdown on “finfluencers” spruiking online financial advice through social media channels without proper licensin, has been welcomed by the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA). ASIC says “unlicensed finfluencers could face five years’ jail time or fines of more than $1 million if they talk about stocks, investment funds or financial products.” The […]
Switch to regtech – ASIC to finfluencers
ASIC says Regtech could be a great solution after it effectively banned finfluencers from giving unlicensed financial advice with hefty prison time and financial penalties. The corporate regulator has cracked-down on finfluencers spruiking online financial rubbish through social media and stepped up its warnings. ASIC says “unlicensed finfluencers could face five years’ jail time or […]
Akambo bulks up via merger with First Financial
Following on from the Banking Royal Commission of 2017-18, the growing popularity of boutique independent financial advisers has grown consistently, with clients seeing value in advisers that are building strong personal relationships and providing a consistent high-quality service to their clients. Boutique advisory firms typically have a niche area of expertise where they can differentiate […]
Advice, In Practice, Intel, M&A, Marketing, News, Technology
Follow the siren call to beat inflationary woes
It’s time for investors to move heavily into alternatives. That’s the message Evergreen Consultants are sending advisers. Angela Ashton, founder and director of the investment consulting firm, says it is time for investors to explore the alternatives sector more broadly, including gold, commodities, private credit, total-return multi-sector funds and real-asset funds with holdings such as […]
Alphinity the latest to lower management fee on global strategy
Reading media headlines today, advisors and investors may have missed one of the more powerful releases, for the long-term at least. It related to another management fee reduction by a leading active global equity manager. The Fidante-backed Alphinity announced that it would lower the fees on two of its global equity funds from May. These […]
The Ukraine invasion is having a surprising impact on the climate challenge
With the pandemic in the rear-vision mirror and reporting season over, the crisis in Ukraine has become an ongoing market concern that is creating uncertainty in an already volatile environment. According to Schroders’ head of Australian equities, Martin Conlon, there is light at the end of the tunnel. He says the impact of the conflict […]
The sector representing a $25 trillion opportunity
As chief investment officer of Munro Partners, a global growth equity strategy that seeks to be THE global growth fund for Australian investors, Nick Griffin has been among the most successful at identifying and leveraging the most powerful economic and societal themes in recent decades. Whether it was the days explaining how a little-known online […]
Investing in nuclear energy: are we at a new dawn?
With climate change front and centre of every investor’s mind, most people think of renewable energy or clean energy production as being primarily solar panels or wind turbines. Often many of the more effective and efficient renewable energy production processes are left out, such as hydro-electricity. Nuclear power is almost always omitted from the “clean […]
How will the Federal Budget affect your client’s portfolio?
The Federal Budget unveiled this week was clearly intended to be an election-winning budget prepared to win over the public with many of its generous promises. Budget time doesn’t usually move markets, but with inflation on the rise, the market is on edge. In the 2022-23 budget, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg delivered a long list of […]
Flipping the script in pursuit of alpha
Speaking at the Inside Network’s Equities and Growth Assets Symposium, the only conference dedicated to this important asset class, co-portfolio manager of the Franklin Global Growth Fund, Francyne Mu said the time was right for investors to start “flipping the script and look beyond the usual suspects” in resetting their equity allocations. No surprise […]
Do investors face a crowding of green risk?
Following-on from the COP26 meeting last November, there has been a tectonic shift towards “green” asset investments to ensure that the (voluntary) national goals of the Paris Agreement are met, and there is a rapid reduction of carbon-dioxide emissions to ‘net zero’ levels. The Australian Financial Review said that as of September 30, “sustainable funds […]
Stockbrokers association drops financial advice monitor
The Stockbrokers and Financial Advisers Association (SAFAA) is changing its name to the Stockbrokers and Investment Advisers Association (SIAA). The subtle change of replacing ‘Financial’ with ‘Investment’ Advisers is believed to better reflect the new SIAA’s broader purpose and its place in the industry. The old word, “financial,” was inaccurate and slightly misleading, according to […]
Global X adds Head of Investment Strategy ahead of Australian expansion
New York-based ETF provider Global X, with US$40 billion ($53.3 billion) in assets under management across more than 80 products, is preparing to launch in the Australian market, and has announced a huge step in its mission. This week, the ETF provider announced the appointment of Blair Hannon as head of investment strategy of the […]
Portfolios require repositioning post earnings season: Sage
With media news and headlines dominated by the deepening crisis in Ukraine, this year’s interim earnings season was dealt an additional driver. All in all, though, it was a relatively good reporting season, with companies cashed-up and the majority recording a profit, with about 67 per cent of companies lifting profits. According to specialist equities […]
ASIC warns fundies on “misleading” marketing, wholesale exemption
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has cast a spotlight on the managed funds industry by commencing surveillance into the marketing of managed funds. The corporate watchdog is looking to catch-out fund managers using misleading performance data and risk representations in their promotional material, whether it be traditional or digital marketing. ASIC Deputy Chair […]
Who is selling-down Australian fundies?
The heat is on, and fund managers are sweating up a storm following heavy share price losses as the crisis in Ukraine deepens. Panicked investors have been offloading shares in any fund management company and this seems to be occurring regardless of performance or capital inflows. Chinese stocks are suffering the same fate, whipping up […]
PIMCO listing starts a new wave of LITs
Global fixed income manager PIMCO is launching its first ASX-listed Australian investment trust – The PIMCO Global Income Opportunities Trust (ASX:PMX). The fund aims to deliver regular income and attractive risk-adjusted returns by using PIMCO’s best income-generating ideas on a global sector basis. Here are some of the highlights from the fund: ASX Code – […]
Fast-growing crypto exchange FTX gains AFSL, set to launch in Oz
Following the Senate inquiry and recommendations into the crypto sector, Australia is fast on its way to becoming a leading digital innovation hub in the world, attracting overseas crypto and digital companies alike. This week, FTX, the world’s fastest-growing crypto exchange, announced plans to launch in Australia within weeks. 30-year-old founder Sam Bankman-Fried sank millions […]
This institutional-grade asset class can combat inflationary pressures
As the world emerges from the pandemic, economies around the world have re-opened, albeit with record levels of fiscal and monetary stimulus, higher production costs and a global supply chain that has been pushed to its limits. It’s no surprise that inflation expectations are the highest in almost a decade. Inflation should build steadily over […]
Early-stage VC fund OurCrowd rated by Evergreen
Evergreen Ratings has given the OurCrowd 50 Fund a “Commended” rating, highlighting the fund’s strong team of venture capital specialists. Evergreen Ratings is a subsidiary of Evergreen Consultants, and is a leading research house specialising in the analysis of higher-risk specialist wholesale funds. Heading up the OurCrowd team is successful venture capitalist Jonathan Medved, who […]
Is India the beneficiary from Russia-China concerns?
Since Covid-19, Australia’s relationship with China has all but soured, with trade relations between the two countries grinding to a halt, except for iron ore. And yes, a sad state of affairs indeed. Many Australian companies with business operations in or exporting to China were hit hard. But as the old adage goes, “as one […]
Strong support for the newly formed The Principals’ Community
The Principals’ Community, steered by Kon Costas, has received strong support from the independent advisory community after parting ways with BT Financial Group. The sole purpose of the group is to provide support and guidance to AFSL holders that bar any institutional ownership complications. Costas is delighted with the support, saying: “The feedback and support […]
U.S. Fed rate hike implications for portfolios
The US central bank announced a quarter percentage point increase in its benchmark rate overnight, which was widely expected. For the first time in three years has it increased rates and it expected to keep this going until they reach between 1.75 percent and 2 percent by the years end. Sonal Desai, CIO of Global […]
Rates are unlikely to rise as aggressively as current market pricing suggests
Inflation is set to rise on the back of higher oil and commodity prices, driven by supply concerns due to the conflict in Ukraine and the recent floods. This has caused pundits to shift their stance to become overly aggressive on rate expectations. However, portfolio manager Anthony Kirkham of Western Asset, a global active fixed-income […]
Netwealth tops rankings but Praemium continues to flex
Netwealth has reclaimed its top spot for the sixth time, trading places with HUB24, with a satisfaction score of 91.5 percent for its overall platform functionality in the latest Investment Trends Platform Benchmarking and Competitive Analysis Report. However, it’s become a close race between three platforms, Netwealth, UB24 and Praemium, all of which scored over […]
Perennial pivot to early-stage companies accelerates
Perennial Value Management, long known mainly for its “value” stock-picking prowess, is this week launching a new private growth ventures fund. The Perennial Private Ventures Fund will open to wholesale investors on 26 April 2022 and has already sounded out strong interest with cornerstone capital identified. The fund is targeting $200 million-plus from family offices, […]
eToro launches Female Leadership portfolio
“During the Covid-19 crisis, we’ve heard anecdotally about women leaders doing a better job and new research backs that up.” According to Harvard Business Review, a study found that outcomes related to Covid-19, including number of cases and deaths, were systematically better in countries led by women. The study went on to say, “women were […]
Where are all the women in investment management?
“Where are all the women?”. A memorable moment at the 2016 Fund Manager of the Year awards took place when Dame Quentin Bryce, the former Governor-General, turned to a leading female portfolio manager and asked, “where are all the women?” That was eight years ago. Fast-forward to today, and the industry is worth more than […]
Pubs never go out of style
The oldest asset class in the world, direct property, is experiencing something of a renaissance amid a surge in inflation and the pursuit of lower-risk income streams. This was part of the discussion at The Inside Network’s Alternatives Symposium, held in Melbourne. Chris Cornforth from Harvest Hotels took a room of Australia’s leading financial advisers […]
Advisers can no longer ignore the macro
With volatility and inflation on the rise, things aren’t looking too good for the near future; that’s the broad view of the Global Macro team at JP Morgan. Speaking at the Inside Network’s Alternatives Symposium, held on February 23, Josh Berelowitz, portfolio manager in the macro strategies team, confirmed our worst fears, saying “traditional beta […]
‘We are in the midst of a revolution in money, finance and culture’
We have already entered a new era (perhaps ‘the Crypto Age’) where large parts of our daily lives – work, social networks, financial capital, human interaction, entertainment, gaming, music, and artistic creativity, will be digitised (and increasingly tokenised) to be stored and exchanged on a blockchain. That’s the view that Michael Armitage of Apollo Capital […]
Investors ‘selling the future to buy the past’: Hyperion
It’s been a torrid start to the year for 2021’s Fund Manager of the Year, Hyperion. The group is clearly feeling the “tech selloff” pinch after both its flagship funds posted negative returns and missed their benchmark expectations in January, also dragging down one-year numbers as a result. The Hyperion Australian Growth Companies Fund posted […]
Advisers not in private equity “missing a huge piece of the pie”
Private equity has been one of the most popular, and profitable, of the alternative asset classes in recent years. The collision of massive amounts of capital and more companies choosing to avoid the pressures faced by becoming listed has made an allocation within portfolios more important than ever. The asset class is often the topic […]
Index manager takes out Morningstar’s Manager of the Year
Investment research firm Morningstar announced the winners of their 2022 Fund Manager of the Year this week. Last year the big names included Hyperion Asset Management, First Sentier Investors and Franklin Templeton. This year was saw a suite of different names take out the top awards with a decided tilt towards low-cost, passive strategies. In […]
abrdn doubles-down on China shares, flags inflation peak
Gerry Fowler, investment director of multi-asset strategies at abrdn, says everyone will have experienced inflation in some shape or form by now; be it energy bills, food, groceries or the price of cars, inflation is here to stay. “Inflation was considered initially just a purely Covid-related phenomenon. The transport-of-goods inflation went through the roof and […]
The powerful inflation hedge of commercial property
The oldest asset class in the world, direct property, is experiencing somewhat of a renaissance amid a surge in inflation and the pursuit of lower-risk income streams. This was part of the discussion at The Inside Network’s Alternatives Symposium, held in Melbourne last week. The sector has evolved quickly in recent years, with Invesco’s Ashley […]
China’s oldest equity manager launches in Australia
The smart money appears to be snapping-up Chinese onshore stocks despite the recent debt-ridden Evergrande crisis and its potential to affect markets. Investor interest in China strengthened during the fourth quarter of last year, with the main inflows coming from institutional investors rather than retail. It hasn’t been easy for Australian investors looking to buy […]
Value managers top equity fund redemptions in 2021
Morningstar has released an interesting report that looks at a market metric that is often overlooked – fund outflows. Why do fund flows matter? They matter because they reflect all the cash that is flowing in and out of the fund. Naturally, when a fund has greater outflows, redemptions are outweighing new investment, usually because […]
The driving force behind a metal super-cycle
The global shift towards decarbonisation is happening and accelerating at a rapid rate, to ensure the removal and reduction of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and to keep temperature rises to below 1.5 degrees centigrade above pre-industrial levels. This shift to reduce the environmental impact together with the pandemic saw an acceleration in “green” stimulus […]
Wealth management platforms seeing strong growth
Wealth platforms are seeing strong growth as the country gets ready to open its international borders, post-Omicron. This follows-on from a year of robust equity returns in a new world of tech disruption post-Royal Banking Commission. According to an article in the Australian Financial Review this week, “Australia’s wealth management platforms collectively administered $990 billion […]
Does diversification really matter for your super fund?
Does diversification really matter for your super fund, and do you really need to hit the magical $500,000 level before your self-managed super fund (SMSF) can start generating any meaningful returns? According to new research conducted by the SMSF Association, many of these myths have been debunked. With some 1.1 million trustees, and more than […]
Even a small Bitcoin allocation can help portfolio, says Nickel Digital
With Bitcoin’s mainstream acceptance and Australia’s push to form a framework around cryptocurrency, it raises the question as to whether professional investors should allocate a portion of their portfolio towards cryptocurrency. According to a research report commissioned by London-based crypto hedge fund Nickel Digital Asset Management, 15 per cent of institutional investors and wealth managers […]
Reporting season is here and it’s expected to be a mixed bag
With reporting season now upon us, it’s that time of year again when ASX-listed companies begin sending in their earnings results for the December half-year of 2021 (for some, who use the calendar year as their financial year, it’s full-year result time.) Market analysts and broking houses are expecting results to be a bit of […]
Blackmore Capital has sold two positions to partially fund two new stocks
Blackmore Capital’s chief investment officer (CIO), Marcus Bogdan, provided a rundown on sectors that look attractive following the January sell-off. Bogdan says, “The market was very much polarised in January, and our focus is looking at sectors that underperformed quite dramatically in January. The two sectors that stand out at the moment are healthcare and […]
Janus Henderson launches Decarbonisation Index
At the COP 26 UN Climate Change meeting in Glasgow last November 2021, parties came together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. At Glasgow, global funds manager Janus Henderson put together a panel of experts to take a closer look at decarbonisation in […]
In search of the ultimate inflation hedge
Whilst insurance companies are typicalled considered “technical, mundane and incredibly boring,” Ed Waller and his team at Yarra Capital Management believe there is a time, a price and a place for almost everything. And for the first time in close to a decade they believe insurance is now compelling. Deputy Portfolio Manager of the Yarra […]
India Avenue beats all to deliver one of the highest returns for 2021
He is far from a household name in the Australian funds management industry – and definitely not one of the star stock-pickers often profiled in the financial media – but few would have begrudged Mugunthan (Mugsy) Siva a quiet fist-pump after the calendar-year returns for 2021 came out, with his India Avenue Equity Fund returning […]
China has launched its own digital currency to take on the US dollar
China has quietly done what many considered unthinkable, by launching its own digital yuan this week, created to reduce its reliance on cash. Real-world trials have already begun in the cities of Shenzhen, Chengdu and Suzhou. The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) has been hard at work developing the Digital Currency Electronic Payment (DCEP) since […]
High-conviction strategies and the role of risk management
US-based fund manager Loomis Sayles, founded in 1926, has delivered a respectable return for its clients for 2021, after it smashed the index both for the quarter and the year. Global markets returned 6.0% over the last quarter and 25.8% over the year; Loomis exceeded on both, with an 8.2% return for the quarter and […]
Emerging market allocations poised for long-term success
Martin Currie has released its Global Emerging Markets 2022 Outlook research note, which gives investors enough reasons to be invested in 2022 and what to expect for the year ahead. If 2021 was anything to go by, the market learnt that Covid-19 is here to stay with an ongoing health impact. This would ensure a […]
Rare diversification and growth in emerging Agri Property fund
Specialist alternatives investment research firm Evergreen Consultants has released a research report on AAM Investment Group’s Diversified Agriculture Fund (ADAF), attaching a “Highly Commended” rating. This is the highest rating in the rating scale, meaning the fund has scored consistently very well across all areas of Evergreen Ratings’ research and analysis framework. As a result, […]
Fintech continues to move into the mainstream
Australia’s leading micro-investing app, Raiz, is not so micro, having finally busted through the $1 billion funds under management mark. Last week, Raiz (ASX: RZI) delivered its quarterly (December 2021) numbers, which had some gleaming highlights. The company reported total revenue up 82.9 per cent year-on-year, which was a huge increase to $4.5 million in […]
Australian Ethical launches first Australian ETF
Australia’s leading sustainable equity manager, Australian Ethical Investment (ASX: AEF), will list its high-conviction fund as an exchange-traded (ETF) version, later this week. The move comes following a spate of active ETF conversions, such as the Hyperion Global Growth Companies Fund (ASX: HYGG) which was converted to an ETF. It now offers investors the opportunity […]
Understanding the impact of switch from pandemic to endemic
The team at Loomis Sayles has released a research note advising investors to prepare for the transition from pandemic to endemic. Every time a new Covid variant is born, the market is hit with fear and uncertainty as investors brace for the potential economic impact. Loomis Sayles says, “it’s important to pay attention to new […]
Perennial Better Future Trust performance review
Perennial Partners’ sustainable small cap equities fund, the Perennial Better Future Trust, was up 2.4% net of fees in December, beating the S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries Accumulation Index’s return of 1.4%. The trust has been in operation for almost four years, since inception in February 2018, and has grown to exceed $100 million in assets. The […]
Claremont tops global equity performance tables
Morningstar has released its “top-performing global equity fund managers in 2021” report. This year, the funds that performed the best contained a well-disciplined approach to investing, together with an experienced team capable of producing high-performance numbers. The research report found that the top three global fund managers also had outstanding longer-term performance numbers. What this […]
Hub 24 collecting $1 billion per month
HUB24 (ASX:HUB) – Shares in the leading wealth management platform are rallying on the back of record second-quarter net inflows of $3.6 billion. This includes $349 million moved to the new Rhythm Super product, a private-label wealth management platform owned by Insignia Financial (ASX: IFL), the former IOOF. The strong quarter means the group is […]
How will Your Future, Your Super reforms impact ESG investing?
While the government’s Your Future, Your Super (YFYS) reform package, which took effect last July, has been widely derided by the industry, it is the first step in a move to requiring the industry to improve its efficiency, transparency and accountability. One of the unexpected consequences of the YFYS changes is the fact that it […]
Another record quarter for Praemium
Praemium (ASX:PPS) shares are up almost 4% at the time of writing following the announcement of strong growth during the second quarter. The platform recorded funds under administration of $49bn with net inflows up 12% on the same quarter last year and has closed the gap with Netwealth’s $50bn. Key results for the second quarter […]
Inflation is like chewing gum: sticky and flexible
Leading thematic manager, Capital Group, is confident that the market downturn of 2020 was short-lived and entirely related to the COVID-19 outbreak, according to vice-chairman and president, Rob Lovelace. Expanding on this point, he says that the “the powerful upswing in equity prices since then is simply a continuation of the bull market we’ve […]
Time to take a stand on punitive financial advice compliance
Dissatisfied with the way in which financial advisers are being treated, the Association of Independently Owned Financial Professionals (AIOFP) has taken a stand, launching a political movement to voice their concerns. The body says, “the current Coalition government have unfairly targeted financial advisers for their own political purposes. Consumers have become collateral damage by either […]
China charting the course to carbon neutrality
China is far and away the world’s largest carbon dioxide emitter, accounting for close to 30% of global carbon emissions, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA) – double the 15% for the US and 9% for the European Union. Robeco’s Jie Lu has released a detailed research report which takes a thorough look at […]
Legal practice popular with advisers acquired
Dwindling financial adviser numbers have dropped below the 20,000 mark, hitting a five-year low. And although it’s been a difficult few year for some wealth managers, others have evolved during the pandemic, finding themselves head and shoulders above the rest. Sequoia Financial Group (ASX: SEQ) is one of these, having recently acquired Topdocs Legal, a […]
The top-performing Australian equities funds for 2021
2022 was a pivotal year for managed discretionary accounts (MDAs). Funds under management surpassed the magical $100 billion mark for the first time, as the uptake among financial advisers was boosted by Covid-19. According to the Institute of Managed Account Professionals (IMAP), estimates are for funds under management to cruise past the $200 billion mark […]
Performance dispersion expands amid growth sell off
The second half of 2021 has produced a mixed bag of results for global growth equity funds. A mass rotation away from China and high bond rates impacting valuations saw global growth funds skewed towards Asia and US tech, underperform. Those tilted towards the US more generally outperformed. Looking at the Hyperion Global Growth Fund, […]
Value rally slows despite ‘perfect’ conditions
On the whole, value funds underperformed growth despite some volatility in October. Global equities managed to resume their upward trajectory in October and remained in positive territory year to date. Key sources of positive return came from managed funds which selected stocks in the US, were able to take advantage of short position in China, […]
Crypto platforms welcome Frydenberg’s regulations
From being a ‘crypto critic’, Australia has quickly transformed itself to soon be a ‘crypto leader’ by proposing a framework for managing cryptocurrencies and crypto companies, in the biggest shakeup in the country’s payment systems in 25 years. Covid-19 showed us how quickly society digitised its payments systems with the onset of Afterpay and its […]
Ausbil tips Global Small caps as the asset class set to outperform
Global small caps have typically been an avoid for investors during a market downturn or volatile times. Usually this asset class does well during an economic recovery. And the past few months are a good example the small caps sector bouncing back strongly earnings recovered. The question now, is whether this bounce is likely to […]
Australian Ethical leads multisector fund upgrades by Morningstar
Morningstar conducted a review of the 2021 Australian Multi-sector funds based on qualitative research conducted on 125 strategies. Seven strategies achieved ratings upgrades on greater product confidence; 17 unlisted funds were downgraded owing to reduced confidence in the investment team; the researcher initiated coverage on nine strategies, and ceased coverage of one strategy. With “green” […]
Asset-backed securities in favour for floating-rate yield
As we enter a post-Covid world, interest rates remain at all-time lows with seemingly no immediate respite. To compound matters, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has given “a very low probability” to the current surge in inflation triggering an early increase in official rates. Inflation has risen somewhat, but in underlying terms the rate […]
EM, small-caps tipped to top return leader board
The team at Evergreen Consultants has released cutting-edge research that reveals the direction markets will take with higher inflation. The 2021 issue of Evergreen Consultants’ Long-Term Expected Returns Framework has made ground-breaking projections that dispel inflationary concerns. Projections show the Australian and global equity markets outpacing most other asset classes in the decade ahead. Evergreen […]
Reserve Bank decision solidifies role of floating-rate fixed income assets
Investment manager Daintree Capital, together with distribution partners Perennial and eInvest, held an investor webinar on its recently listed Hybrid Opportunities Fund (ASX:DHOF), which was quoted on the ASX earlier last month. With interest rates at all-time lows and the RBA giving “a very low probability” to the current surge in inflation triggering an early […]
BlackRock tilts towards China ahead of a recovery in 2022
And just like that, the year is almost over. As 2021 comes to an end, there’s a lot to celebrate, both good and bad. The pandemic is largely behind us, with multiple vaccines administered across the world, but at a great cost and a hefty debt bill. But there is light at the end of the […]
ASIC launches financial advice hub
These days, becoming a financial adviser is no easy feat. Following the banking and financial services Royal Commission, the bar was raised, with higher education and professional standards put in place to lift the education, training and ethical standards of financial advisers. Financial advisers must be licensed (hold an AFSL) and new advisers must have […]
Short-term market focus hurting long-term innovation
Australian Ethical’s Master Class session, hosted by The Inside Network, was titled “Investing for a better world.” It brought together external industry influencers to discuss how technologies will shape and dominate the next few years, with a particular focus on blockchain and recycling products. It was a practical panel session to give investors a real […]
Measuring impact key to delivering on UN SDGs
Since their adoption, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been a mixed bag with a long list of lessons learned by United Nations member states and private market investors alike. The 17 SDGs present an opportunity to invest in the sustainable future of people and the planet. The opportunities cover a wide array of […]
Charlie Munger: Crypto creators ‘thinking about themselves’
Known for his clever wit and open frankness, investment guru Charlie Munger, reinforced his value style of investing by comparing today’s markets with that of the Dotcom boom while supporting China’s recent expansion. At the same time, voicing his concerns on the growing use of cryptocurrency, which he says should banned. Munger appeared in good […]
M&A bonanza shows no signs of slowing
The M&A boom is set to continue in 2022 according to deals frenzy set to continue into 2022, according to Corrs Chambers Westgarth’s M&A 2022 Outlook report. The Australian M&A market has sprung back to life, with current conditions paving the way for another busy year ahead, As it stands, Australia is set for its […]
Australia’s first Bitcoin ETF set to launch
The moment the investment world has been waiting for has come. ETF Securities appears set to be the first Australian ETF provider to launch a listed strategies that tracks the spot price of two of the world’s largest cryptocurrencies, Ethereum and Bitcoin. Subject to regulatory approval, ETF Securities is set to launch into the crypto […]
Australian Ethical and Green Alpha present the case for investing sustainably
At the recent Inside Network ESG Master Class, Australian Ethical’s chief investment officer, David Macri, alongside Mike Murray, head of equities, together with Garvin Jabusch, chief investment officer of US-based asset manager Green Alpha’s long-only equity strategy, presented the case for investing sustainably across their funds. Green Alpha uses a simple yet effective long-only investment strategy. Jabusch […]
Stagflation looming amid the new market regime
That nasty word keeps popping up. Stagflation. And it’s a worrying sign of things to come. Expectations for future price increases have suddenly gone from ‘transitory’ to ‘temporary’ after a rise in Australian government bond yields had the RBA scrapping its ‘yield curve control’ policy which looked to peg 2024 government yields at 0.1%. Expectations […]
“Plentiful opportunities for investors” despite forecasts – JP Morgan
Post-pandemic, the global economic recovery has been effective, buoyed by strong government stimulus, both fiscal and monetary. While most of the world suffered limited scarring, many of the policy choices that were made will have an enduring impact, according to JP Morgan. The group presented its 2022 Long-Term Capital Market Assumptions (LTCMAs) which gave a […]
Liquid private equity opens-up high-performing asset class
Opportunities only the private equity market can offer have been unlocked and captured by global ETF provider VanEck. The ETF provider has stepped into the private equity space with a focus on unlocking investment opportunities in start-ups, buy-outs, and project financing. Van Eck will soon list the Global Listed Private Equity ETF (ASX: GPEQ). According […]
Pinnacle joins white-hot private equity market
Investment manager Pinnacle Investment Management (ASX:PNI), which runs a multi-affiliate firm, has bought into private equity investor Five V Capital, buying a 25 per cent stake for $75 million. The relatively new but well-known private equity manager has roughly $1.1 billion in funds under management and invests in market-leading, innovative businesses in industries with strong […]
Australia’s rich ‘bullish and confident’
Data released from platform provider Praemium (ASX: PPS) has shown that the rich are getting richer and more confident, moving on quickly from the pandemic. The research report, commissioned by Praemium and carried out by research company InvestmentTrends, surveyed about 11,000 investors of which 2,200 were high-net-worth; it offers valuable insights to financial advisers […]
It pays to be green as responsible investment Australian equity funds outperform
“It pays to be green,” was once a premature conclusion, but now that conclusion couldn’t be any closer to the truth. According to Evergreen Consultants, a survey of the firm’s ERIG (Evergreen Responsible Investment Grading) Index data showed responsible investment Australian equity funds to have outperformed the S&P/ASX 200 Index over the past three years. […]
Evergreen ratings highlights new venture capital prospect
Evergreen Ratings, a subsidiary of Evergreen Consultants and a leading research house that specialises in the analysis of closed ended and complex sustainable investment vehicles has given the Aura Venture Fund II a “Commended” rating, highlighting the funds strong team of venture capital specialists. The alternatives wealth manager, Aura Group, recently opened its second venture […]
ASIC sends a warning to finfluencers and their partners
ASIC has put financial services companies and fintech start-ups on notice, warning them against paying finfluencers to advertise products and services. So if you’re thinking of hiring an ultra-cool “finfluencer” to help redirect social media traffic to your website or to spruik your products or better yet, to share advice… you’d better rethink your marketing […]
Thinking forward – Virtual reality and the metaverse
Komatsu Australia, the local arm of the global manufacturer and distributor of earthmoving equipment, has taken a step into the future by embracing virtual reality (VR) technology to help train and upskill its staff. The company has called upon Brisbane-based virtual reality scale-up, Next World Enterprises, to train and upskill its RTOs in line with […]
Bitcoin fund added to leading platform
Popular wealth platform Praemium has approved Monochrome’s flagship Bitcoin Fund on the Powerwrap product suite providing wholesale investors access to a Bitcoin fund via their IDPS-like scheme. Powerwrap has been well ahead of the cryptocurrency boom, having launched its first Bitcoin tracker fund two years ago, through the Cloudbreak Asset Management (CBAM) team, which established […]
Has the RBA lost credibility in the eyes of the market?
The RBA said it has little choice other than to scrap its yield curve control policy in targeting a 0.1 per cent yield on the April 2024 government bond. RBA Governor Lowe said, “Given the progress towards our goals and the revised outlook, the Board judged that it was no longer sustainable to maintain the […]
Standard 3 review the last order of business for FASEA
The soon-to-be-disbanded Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) is finishing its reign with a flurry, announcing a review of the much-derided conflicts of interest Standard 3 of the recently enshrined law. Financial advisers and legal experts have raised concerns about the structure of the ethical standards sincetheir inception. In fact FASEA had received 37 […]
Bitcoin index launch marks another step to the mainstream
The London Stock Exchange Group and its FTSE Russell subsidiary have partnered with Digital Asset Research, provider of cryptocurrency pricing and market data, to announce the launch of the FTSE Russell Digital Asset Index Series. It marks another step into the mainstream for cryptocurrency, the further professionalisation of an industry sector that has remained somewhat […]
Managed account growth continues
As Australia joins the rest of the world and transitions to a post-Covid era, it’s never been more difficult to be an adviser. Investment products are becoming more complex, everything is over-regulated, risks are everywhere, ultra-low bond yields aren’t budging, equities are expensive, and inflation is starting to rear its ugly head. Advisers are facing […]
‘Huge opportunity’ to find mispriced infrastructure assets
With the push towards decarbonization, ultra-low bond yields and rising inflation, the role of an adviser is becoming more and more challenging. The investment paradigm has changed for both the adviser and investor. Gone are the days when a substantial portion of an investor’s portfolio was buried in high-interest term deposits virtually risk-free. These days, […]
Abrdn launches “black swan” strategy
UK-based global investment firm abrdn is looking to expand its footprint by launching its Global Risk Strategy fund to Australian investors. The company, formerly known as Standard Life Aberdeen, has changed its name to Abrdn as it moves to refocus the business following the sale of the Standard Life brand to Phoenix Group earlier in […]
Comm Bank, ASIC force crypto into the mainstream
As the old adage goes, “If you can’t beat em, join em.” Well, that’s exactly what Commonwealth Bank (ASX: CBA) has done after it announced the offering of cryptocurrency services to its customers. CBA has attempted debanking exchanges, freezing bank accounts and blocking its customers from depositing money with cryptocurrency exchanges. It even went as […]
Prepare for ‘unfamiliar terrain’ says PIMCO
“Investors should prepare to navigate unfamiliar terrain as the macro-economic landscape undergoes dramatic transformations over the secular horizon,” is the message from global asset manager PIMCO. But what exactly is PIMCO saying? At this year’s annual “Secular Forum,” PIMCO’s global investment professionals focused on the post-pandemic outlook for the global economy, touching-on themes such as […]
Australian Ethical launches high-conviction strategy
Australia’s longest-standing responsible investment manager, Australian Ethical, has launched a new High-Conviction fund to complement its suite of existing actively managed funds. Support for AE’s Australian shares and emerging companies strategies has grown sixfold in just five years, as Australians have become more ethically minded than ever before. From being just a point of conversation, […]
Evergreen upgrades Ellerston global mid cap strategy
The Ellerston Global Mid-Small-cap fund (Class A) has received a “commended” rating by research house Evergreen Ratings. This rating means Evergreen has confidence in the investment product, which has scored consistently well across most areas of Evergreen Ratings’ research and analysis framework. The fund has a high probability of meeting its objectives and is reasonably […]
Co-investment opportunity as NAOS goes private
Niche small-and-micro-cap Australian equities asset manager NAOS Asset Management has launched a unique investment fund that focuses on private businesses in Australia. The fund is headed up by Sebastian Evans, also chief investment officer and managing director of the firm. Why private businesses? NAOS has shifted its focus onto the private sector after successful listed […]
Structural growth still ‘at reasonable levels’ – Griffin
While equity markets pedaled sideways over the September quarter, volatility has returned, causing a pullback and a lot of pain for global fund managers. Nick Griffin, founder and CIO at Munro Partners, has responded, with the firm’s Munro Global Growth fund returning 3.3 per cent over the period, while the MSCI World ex-Australia index was […]
Alternatives at the centre of Lucerne’s success
Heading into uncharted territory, Lucerne Investment Partners CEO Anthony Murphy used the global pandemic as an opportunity to get in-front of the market with a unique offering. Something no one else had. And it’s paid off. Since our days at Ord Minnett, it had been a while since Murphy and I had touched base, but […]
‘Investors are essential’ to meeting UN Sustainable Development Goals
International asset manager, Robeco, known for its extensive range of active investments, from equities to fixed income and credit, is also a pioneer in sustainable investing. Having developed a proprietary Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) framework for credit portfolios, the company now sets the standard with its credit portfolios by using SDG scores that are validated […]
HUB lobs a takeover bid for Class, boosting shares up almost 70 per cent
HUB24 (ASX:HUB) and Class (ASX:CL1) – Class shares are on the rise today, up 62.98 per cent, on the back of a takeover bid by platform giant HUB24. The binding Scheme Implementation Deed (SID) proposes that HUB24 will acquire 100% of the shares in Class by way of a scheme of arrangement Scheme consideration for […]
Crypto is set to dominate portfolios, are you ready?
A recent survey by Credit Suisse shows that a quarter of financial advisers have cryptocurrency assets in their clients’ portfolios. In addition, another 35 per cent have indicated that they will be including allocations to digital assets in the future. The interesting thing is that financial advisers don’t seem to be shying away from digital […]
Datt Capital hits its 3-year milestone with its Absolute Return Fund
The team at Datt Capital is punching the air in delight as the firm hits their three year goal for the Datt Capital Absolute Return fund. There has always been an initial five-year plan in mind to develop a sustainable, high-performing boutique funds management business. At the three-year mark, the team is well-positioned to deliver […]
Protecting your portfolio from disruption
There is no denying the ripple effect that blockchain technology has had, not only in the cryptocurrency world but the wider world. What started out as being the foundation to Bitcoin soon spread to many facets of life. It has been used to create a transparent ledger system for compiling data on sales, online payments […]
Record managed fund flows in September quarter
The largest global funds network, Calastone, has reported record new capital inflows into managed funds in Australia during the third quarter. Australians committed $6.3 billion of new capital to equity funds between July and September, supported by new money looking for international exposure as developed economies began to reopen following successful vaccination programmes. Roughly 68 […]
‘Insatiable demand’ for essential infrastructure to continue
Australian infrastructure assets such as airports, bridges and ports, known for their reliable income, are becoming the target of cashed-up overseas pension funds and private equity firms. Ausbil Investment Management’s head of global listed infrastructure, Tim Humphreys, and the co-head of global listed infrastructure, Jonathan Reyes, have released a research note on the infrastructure sector […]
It’s like the internet in the 1990s
There’s a lot of buzz around hydrogen and its potential use as a renewable energy source. Most hydrogen produced today is “grey” hydrogen, delivered by using natural gas in steam methane reforming. Looking out into the future, “green” hydrogen manufacturing, using electrolysis powered by renewable energy, is under consideration to replace the fossil-fuel-based gas production. […]
Credit the key to income as rates increase
Leading global fixed interest and credit investment manager, Bentham Asset Management, celebrates 18 years of income as it continues to attract investors to its Bentham Global Income Fund, which focuses on capital preservation and income. Bentham Principal, CIO and portfolio manager, Richard Quin, has been with the firm for 18 years since he launched the […]
CFS puts its clients first with new MDA products
Australian wealth management giant Colonial First State (CFS) has joined forces with some of Australia’s leading research firms to offer financial advisers access to professionally constructed managed account portfolios. And the best part, it comes with no added portfolio construction costs. It’s the first sign that the vertical integration problems that plagued the big banks […]
ESG leader launches long-short strategy
BNP Paribas Asset Management has an enviable record of being a sustainable investment leader. Not only has it continued to build on previous commitments to align with the Paris Agreement and improve transparency, but BNP has launched a raft of new commitments aimed at strengthening its fight against climate change and the preservation of the […]
Federation launches second private equity strategy
Federation Asset Management recently launched its second alternative investment fund, the Federation Alternative Investment Fund II. The strategy will invest in unlisted private assets, with a dedicated approach towards allocating capital to renewable energy investments, real estate investments and investments in operating companies with strong growth potential. The renewables and sustainability tilt is seeking to […]
Chip shortage to extend into 2024: Gavekal
Gavekal Asia’s research analyst Vincent Tsui released a report titled, ‘The never-ending chip shortage’ which talks about the grim reality that the world’s semiconductor shortage is not going away anytime soon. In a highly competitive industry that takes extreme skill and precision technology to perfect there are only a few players that have mastered chip […]
Alceon receives a Commended rating from Evergreen
Financier and alternative investment manager Alceon has received a ‘Commended” rating by investment research house Evergreen Ratings for its Debt Income Fund. This rating means Evergreen has confidence in the investment product, which has scored consistently well across most areas of Evergreen Ratings’ research and analysis framework. The fund has a high probability of meeting […]
Ignore China at your peril
Global investment manager Capital Group has a long history dealing in emerging markets, having covered the sector since the early 1990s. Since then, emerging markets have come a long way but suffered a lot during Covid-19. In this article, investment director Valeria Vine and portfolio manager Victor D. John highlight trends shaping the sector’s future. […]
Exploring the benefits of factor investing
You’ve probably heard of “factor” investing but might be unsure of what it is and how it works. In this article we’ll go through the basic principles of factor investing with reference to Invesco’s recent white paper, “The Five Principles of Australian Factor Investing.” In a nutshell, factor investing is an investment strategy whereby an […]
Downgrades dominate post reporting season
T. Rowe Price ‘s head of Australian equities, Randal Jenneke, provided investors with his insights and market outlook as restrictions look to ease over the coming few weeks, reporting season drifts back into the rear-vision mirror and investors look to capture upside potential from the reopening. And as expected, the lockdowns in Melbourne and Sydney […]
Complii acquires PrimaryMarkets
Complii (ASX.CF1) – Last week, the web-based compliance solution platform bought private-company trading platform PrimaryMarkets, as a complementary business. Complii’s platform is used by stockbrokers and advisers to help automate the checking and processing compliance obligations needed to fulfill and protect their AFSL regulatory and compliance obligations. PrimaryMarkets, on the other hand, operates a secondary […]
Managed accounts exceed $111 billion
The Institute of Managed Account Professionals (IMAP) has announced funds under management (FUM) in the Managed Accounts space has hit $111 billion on 30 June 2021. That’s a rise of $15.6 billion over the last six months, or 16.4 per cent. IMAP, in conjunction with actuarial firm Milliman, has released six-monthly data on managed accounts, […]
Daintree launches global hybrid fund
Daintree Capital, the boutique investment management firm that specialises in building fixed income portfolios, has launched a new global bank hybrid fund at an opportune time. In a world of low interest, finding attractive investments with a decent yield without taking equity-like risk is hard to come by. Especially when global interest rates are likely […]
ETF Securities launches a semiconductor ETF
ETF Securities has released a new ETF, the ETFs Semiconductor ETF (ASX Code: SEMI), which offers investors exposure to the hottest sector at the moment, the global semiconductor market. The semiconductor market is largely controlled by the US and Taiwan, with most manufacturing centred in Taiwan. Semiconductors or chips are a vital component in most […]
Will your fixed income portfolio float?
Invesco Australia recently hosted the “if rates rise, will your portfolio float” webinar, aimed at advisers and investors that are looking to position their portfolios for a rising yield environment. The webinar was led byAshley O’Connor, head of investment strategy, together with Jack Cunningham and Kevin Egan, senior portfolio managers of the senior secured loans […]
The growth paradox and three key themes
With reporting season over, one would assume markets would have been under strain amid the disruption and pandemic forced restrictions. On the contrary, equity markets have never been better, rising almost 15 per cent in the last six months in Australia. Pendal’s head of equities, Crispin Murray, has released a research note touching on four […]
Finfluencer days may be numbered as ASIC steps in
If you’re thinking of hiring an ultra-cool “finfluencer” to help redirect social media traffic to your website or to spruik your products or better yet, to share advice… you’d better rethink your marketing strategy because ASIC is about to make a stand on financial influencers. The regulator is currently undertaking a review of finfluencer behaviour […]
Franklin Templeton recognised for their Global Equities SMA
Fund Manager Franklin Templeton Australia has been recognised for their award-winning global equities SMA. It’s the second year running that the manager has taken out the International Equities category at the 2021 IMAP Managed Account Awards. The Institute of Managed Account Professionals (IMAP) is the only industry organisation for advisers, managers, providers and other businesses […]
Managed accounts deliver amid flood of capital
In the wake of a disastrous pandemic that brought the global economy to its knees, the need for financial advice has never been greater. Digital disruption has helped keep the industry alive by allowing people to make contact with their financial advisers during this period of hardship. Not only did the sector do well but […]
China crackdown is India’s gain
When talking about emerging markets, one thing naturally comes to mind: China. China is by far the largest EM economy; in fact it’s the second largest economy in the world, just behind the US. And this poses a problem for EM indices with almost half of all emerging market ETF assets being invested in Chinese […]
Sydney Airport’s up for the fight
Sydney Airports (ASX:SYD) – As any investor would expect, the monopoly provider (and the nation’s major gateway) has had a challenging half-year, posting a widening loss, while a takeover offer hangs in the balance. Just days before its result, the board knocked back an $8.45-a-share takeover offer from a group of pension funds, saying it […]
Evergreen Ratings awards Innovyz with a Commended recommendation
Evergreen Ratings who are a specialist alternative asset ratings firm have released a report on a venture capital fund for investors looking exposure to an early-stage tech firm. Early stage investing via a venture capital fund provides funding for start-ups desperate for cash to fund their projects. They typically are projects just at beginning of […]
How to save 48 days of admin per year
Managed accounts have been around for close to two decades, but they’ve only just started to take off. That charge is being led by financial planners and IFA’s who are shifting away from direct shares. In-fact managed accounts now make up $86 billion in funds under advice, according to Rainmaker Information’s latest Wholesale Advantage Report. […]
Is it time to start investing in UK?
Over the past 20 years, UK corporate earnings growth has been up and down, but largely in an overall decline. This gloomy picture has stuck around. Fast-forward to today, and the storm is clearing. Following the pandemic, already beaten-down stocks are in much better shape than before, putting the UK on a path for a […]
Top of the pops
The global outlook has turned murky once again. From going into recovery mode out of lockdown, economies around the world are on alert given the high transmission rates of the Delta variant. The Delta variant, which accounts for more than 90 per cent of COVID-19 cases in the United States, has picked up new mutations […]
Value factor vs. traditional valuations
Value investing, for all its history as a robust investment strategy, has been one of the worst-performing ways to invest money over the last few years. Fair enough, the coronavirus has thrown a spanner in the works by wreaking mayhem on investment markets, but value investing still hasn’t outperformed. Since March this year, value managers […]
Advised clients outperform
Russell Investments has released the findings from its fourth annual Value of an Adviser Report, which validates the true value that financial advisers provide to clients, especially through the pandemic. With the onset of Covid-19 and the forced lockdowns that followed, 2020 was a tumultuous year for many of us. The spread of the virus […]
Netwealth invests in tech to reassert dominance
Netwealth (ASX: NWL) – The leading platform provider delivered a FY21 net profit of $54.1 million, which was up 24 per cent, but below the analysts’ consensus forecast, of $55 million. Shares in the stock dropped by 4.8 per cent, to $14.24, but were down as much as 10 per cent during the day, as […]
See how GREEN your portfolio is while comparing it to sector averages
Evergreen Consultants has launched its proprietary Responsible Investing Grade Index (ERIG Index), which rates leading fund managers on the seven broadly accepted categories of responsible investing. These categories are those defined by the Responsible Investment Association of Australia (RIAA) as integral to a more responsible approach. According to founder Angela Ashton, the team at Evergreen […]
Five must-haves for every advice business in 2021
Building a successful financial advice business is a hard slog these days, especially considering the regulatory requirements, rising costs, increased administration, educational standards, and the licensing and compliance obligations. That’s even before servicing the needs of your clients and the costs that come with it. Every advisory firm is grappling with the dilemma of unlocking […]
Adviser associations band together
Eight of Australia’s largest financial advice industry associations have joined forces to oppose the design of the compensation scheme of last resort, contained in draft legislation released for public consultation. The Financial Services Royal Commission recommended the establishment of a compensation scheme of last resort to compensate consumers once all other avenues had been exhausted. […]
The path to net-zero for infrastructure
The infrastructure sector is set to play a critical role in journey to net-zero carbon dioxide emissions. The globe will look to spend trillions over the coming decades to make it happen. Much of it will provide a tailwind for infrastructure investors. Despite concerns about the opposite, the path to net-zero emissions is a positive […]
Alceon launches retail monthly income fund
Multi-strategy alternative investment manager Alceon is offering its unique debt-focused strategies to retail investors for the first time, with the launch of the Alceon Debt Income Fund. Investors and advisers alike are confronted with a very difficult proposition, with the current low interest rate environment coinciding with the threat of higher inflation. This places pressure […]
The end is nigh as inflation rises to 3.8%
Australia’s inflation rate was released yesterday, hitting 3.8% over the year to June, from 1.1% for the twelve months to March. Looking at media headlines this morning, some suggest the June quarter rise in inflation is following the 5.4% rise in the US and looks concerning. Here were the ABS figures: CPI +0.8% in Q2, […]
Did you give your clients a bit of the Afterpay magic?
Afterpay (ASX:APT) has been one of those rare share market success stories, where a start-up, having listed at $1.00 in May 2016, successfully develops a platform that captures a new market, the company’s name becomes a verb, and it receives a takeover offer pitched at $126.61 after just over five years on the stock exchange. […]
All eyes on China – bond defaults in focus
Growing concerns on China’s corporate bond market defaults have investors worried that it could manifest into something bigger. Bond defaults have been rising since 2017 with corporate debt standing at US$1.3 trillion ($1.7 trillion), which is more than 30% higher than total US corporate debt. While affecting mainly private companies, Beijing has decided to withdraw […]
Chart topping private equity is back in vogue
This week saw confirmation that private equity was once again the leading asset class over 2021. According to the Chant West super fund survey, the median private equity return for the financial year was 40%, well ahead of Australian equities and bonds. Yet the illiquid asset class requires investors to lock away capital for as […]
European equities offer the last bastion of value
As concerns grow about record-breaking US and Australian equity market valuations, the nascent recovery in Europe is opening opportunities for value seeking investors. That’s the view of ETF Securities, the multibillion-dollar exchange-traded fund issuer and manager. In a recent article, the research team highlighted a number of companies exposed to the recovery theme. The region […]
This new app is guiding small businesses towards a lower carbon future
An Australian start-up, founded by Bryan Rollins, former general manager at Atlassian, WorkForClimate is focused on empowering individual professionals to create change within the corporate sector. Its mission is to speed-up the corporate transition away from fossil fuels by guiding businesses and employees to commit to climate goals across four categories: Energy – Help your […]
Clouded outlooks merit cautious approach: Platinum
Platinum Asset Management delivered its latest quarterly report last week, which was largely a mixed bag of results. Five of the eight funds beat their respective benchmarks, while the remainder missed. Of those that outperformed, the Platinum International Brands Fund, Platinum Global Fund and the Platinum Japan outperformed convincingly. However, one of Platinum’s biggest active […]
Are you reframing the future of asset management or is it reframing you?
Ernst and Young (EY) has released a research publication titled the “Future of asset management.” As the title suggests, a transformation in the way asset managers are positioned, and their global outlook, is required, so that long-term value can be created for all stakeholders. EY says: “The industry needs to rethink its purpose and position […]
Xeppo seeks to support advisers in harnessing data
According to wealth management platform Netwealth (ASX: NWL), “Two in five advice firms will look to integrate their systems and databases in the next 24 months.” Assuming it’s correct, the wealth platform space will either undergo major consolidation or external system integration of some sort, that connects different sub-systems to one larger system that functions […]
Goodbye Mr. Bond
Multi-asset manager Ruffer LLP’s Rory McIvor tells the story of when he sat at Ruffer’s Victoria Street office in London, five years ago, across the table from two portfolio managers, when they asked him, “What is a bond?” He ummed and ahh’d. The interviewers gave him the textbook definition which he had failed to provide. […]
China’s Communist Party turns 100: So what?
“Single-party rule can bring economic success. Communism cannot,” suggests Matt Gertken, vice-president of geopolitical strategy at BCA Research. Speaking on a recently published and challenging research piece on the 100-year anniversary of the Communist Party of China, Gertken highlights the growing risks in the region and offers comparisons to the successes and failures of the […]
Opportunity for those who remain as adviser exodus continues
The Musical Chairs report released by Adviser Ratings offers insightful data on the wealth management industry after undergoing significant changes over the last five years. As advisers return to the office, with the occasional small COVID-19 outbreak, movement between firms continues. The first quarter saw 2.2 per cent of advisers move to a new licensee, […]
Specialist debt manager expands adviser offering
CIP Asset Management (CIPAM) has launched a wholesale version of its highly successful CIPAM Multi-Sector Private Lending Fund. The launch provides the opportunity for wholesale and sophisticated individual investors to access a truly unique offering. It’s another expansion into the non-institutional market after the launch of the multi-asset Credit Income Fund in 2020. CIPAM says […]
Putting the income back into fixed income’: Colchester Global
London-based fixed interest manager Colchester Global recently presented “Putting the income back into fixed income” to investors, focusing on the current state of traditional fixed income markets. Investment manager at Colchester, Martyn Simpson, explains why fixed income is topical, highlighting that “over the last decade, income has become a bit like the Scarlet Pimpernel. It’s […]
SMSFs on the horizon for trading platform Stake
Earlier this year, an army of small-time millennial traders successfully shook-up the US stock market and took on Wall Street. A shorting attack on a company called GameStop (NYSE: GME), led by hedge funds, was outflanked by a frenzied buying assault from an online crowd centred on the the WallStreetBets “subreddit” chat-forum on Reddit. It […]
Charter Hall’s Long WALE Fund gets ‘Recommended’ rating
Property fund manager Charter Hall’s Direct Long WALE fund has received a “Recommended” rating from Zenith Investment Partners. Standing for “weighted average lease expiry,” the fund is managed by a five-person investment team responsible for the full suite of Charter Hall’s direct unlisted property funds. The focus is on identified well-tenanted, long-term direct property assets […]
Infrastructure manager launches unhedged option as USD rallies
Markets are on the rebound from last week’s hefty losses which came on the back of hawkish Federal Reserve commentary. The recovery is also hoping that this week’s Fed’s speakers aren’t as hawkish as the dot plot suggests. The dot plot indicates the high probability of an interest rate rise in 2023, a year earlier […]
Barwon to launch specialist disability housing fund
Independent fund manager, Barwon Investment Partners, which manages more than $2 billion on behalf of its clients, will shortly launch the Barwon Disability Accommodation Fund. The property and “impact investment” fund is open-ended in structure and will target wholesale investors seeking returns from properties in the Australian specialist disability accommodation (SDA) sector, under the NDIS […]
‘Rampant speculative activity’ coming to an end – Bell AM
Inflation and rate rises are back on the table it seems, after this week’s US Federal Reserve Board meeting, Chairman Jerome Powell indicated that rate hikes could come in 2023, but no mention of when scaling back of bond buying would begin. His comments took markets by surprise signalling a change in policy sooner than […]
Five ETFs that have shot the lights out
In a world of new asset classes, automation and sustainable earnings, there’s no better way to diversify than through exchange traded funds. ETFs come in different shapes and sizes including, shares or bonds, domestic or international, small cap or large cap, hedged or unhedged. ETFs are growing in popularity. According to BetaShares, the ETF market […]
Cointree approaches 100 thousand members as demand for crypto currency expands
The Melbourne-based cryptocurrency exchange Cointree is one of Australia’s first and longest running crypto exchanges having launched in 2013. We were recently able to spend some time with the CEO of Cointree, Shane Stevenson to discuss recent events in the cryptocurrency and digital asset markets along with understanding where Cointree sees the future of the […]
Magellan looks to booming retirement market, launches FuturePay
Magellan Financial Group (ASX: MFG) last week released its long-awaited new retirement product, called FuturePay. The product launch comes at an important time for the investment and superannuation industry in general, which has seen very little innovation or new product releases focused on delivering more sustainable retirement incomes. So, what is Magellan FuturePay? The product […]
ESG’s key role in Clearbridge’s award winning strategy
The Clearbridge RARE Infrastructure Income fund was last week awarded Money Management’s Fund Manager of the Year award for the Infrastructure Securities category. This comes after a strong recovery to April and an impressive long-term track record. According to Money Management, it was Clearbridge’s ability to “focus on the best ideas and staying index-unaware” that […]
Smaller company sell-off offers opportunity – Twidale
The Australian market is in a world of its own, pushing ahead with a strong post-pandemic-led recovery while a rebound of the global economy is edging closer and looks like it will come over the coming quarters. The team at DNR Capital Australian Emerging Companies Fund continues to select quality growth stocks for its Australian […]
Valuation gap between value and growth at ‘extreme levels’
Simon Adler, who heads up the Equity Value fund at Schroders, presented at The Inside Network’s recent Equities & Growth Assets symposium, discussing the topic, ‘The War is Over” — meaning the “war” between Value and Growth — and highlighting the opportunity set for ‘value’ investing after more than a decade of underperformance compared to ‘growth’. Adler joined Schroders […]
Charter Hall remains acquisitive amid Victorian tax shake-up
Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW) has announced that it has secured a $790 million investment portfolio to be owned by the REIT and Charter Hall Direct funds. The high-quality first-generation leased portfolio comprises three offices and one life science/industrial asset. The portfolio comprises four assets with a total net lettable area (NLA) of […]
The ‘case for active’ in fixed income is strong
This week we had the pleasure of speaking with fixed income gurus Mark Mitchell and Justin Tyler from Daintree Capital to get their view on the interest rate and inflation outlook together with some insights into their Core Income Fund. Daintree is a specialist Australian active fixed income manager and part of the Perennial Group […]
FPA calls for ‘true’ professional regulation of financial advisers
As part of the government’s commitment to ensure Australian’s can access quality financial advice, a new disciplinary system for financial planners has been proposed that includes a raft of changes including many previous roles falling under Treasury and ASIC coverage. The Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) has thrown its support for the Government’s […]
IN Conversation with Colin Campbell
This week I caught up with the CEO of Carnbrea & Co, Colin Campbell to have a chat about his colourful career and the outlook for Carnbrea and the Private Wealth industry in general. For those that don’t know, Campbell in 2014 took on the role as Senior Adviser at Carnbrea and followed on to […]
Capacity constraints, not money printing, are real inflation threat
The Inside Network welcomed financial advisers, asset consultants, and family offices from around the globe for its first Equities and Growth Assets Symposium this year. At a packed-out event, some of the brightest minds collaborated and discussed the challenges and opportunities in equity markets at a time when the world is seen to be entering […]
“The market always misprices growth and its sustainability”.
It was roughly ten years ago now, that Nick Griffin, chief investment officer at Munro Partners, marched into the Melbourne office of Sornem Private Wealth and gave a presentation on how a bookstore would one day turn into a superstore. We thought he was crazy. Remember when Amazon sold only books? It’s hard to imagine […]
Will Taiwan tension derail emerging market allocations?
As investors start to look past the pandemic, the economic cost and scarring from Covid-19 has been significant. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says “unlike the 2008 crisis, emerging markets and developing economies are expected to suffer more scarring than advanced economies”. In the same way that the US and Australia were able to provide […]
Planning body offers guidance on file notes
The Financial Planning Association (FPA) this week released guidance on best-practice approaches to file note records to support more transparent and detailed record-keeping. The changes come in response to consumer complaints that highlighted gaps in records as part of subsequent investigations. The FPA said “The new guidance provides innovative ways for financial planners to create […]
Global value leads the way in March, chart toppers rotate
The first quarter of 2021 saw renewed confidence in global equity markets supported by positive developments in the fight against coronavirus together with better-than-expected economic data. Fiscal stimulus and vaccine rollout have far exceeded expectations causing equity markets to overcome bouts of volatility. The Dow Jones and S&P 500 indices hit new all-time highs. The […]
The role and outlook for credit in 2021
Michael Karagianis who is the head of NFP and Retail Partnerships at JANA Investment Advisers presented “The role and outlook for credit” at The Inside Network’s third Masterclass session this year. His message to investors is to prepare for further volatility during the COVID-19 recovery. Global interest rates are at historic lows as central banks […]
Life Insurance Framework review moved to Treasury
Towards the end of last year, ASIC began preparations to request relevant documentation from major dealer groups around life insurance advice. This year is a vital year for the life insurance industry because it’s when ASIC will review the Life Insurance Framework (LIF). The Federal Government had organised to this review back in 2017/18, when […]
Which managers are leading the value investing boom?
In a nutshell, value investing is buying ‘quality’ companies at share prices well below intrinsic value. Quality is defined using four characteristics: A high-quality business that sells high-quality products, usually market leaders. Low debt – tend to handle downturns better. Sound management. Recurring earnings – start-ups are not preferred. Warren Buffett’s famous saying “Finding an […]
‘Out and about’ trade set to dominate
Stephen Bruce is a director, portfolio manager and head of research at Perennial Value. He joined as an equities analyst in April 2000 and was promoted to the role of research coordination/senior equities analyst and assumed the role of deputy portfolio manager for the Perennial Value Shares for Income Trust in 2006. In 2011, he […]
Being in the right place at the right time
This week we caught up with Luke Spiller, a partner at Melbourne-based Scholten Collins McKissock Wealth Management. Luke is an up-and-coming leader in the financial advice industry, a ‘lifer,’ so to speak, who points to the evolution of investment markets as a key reason why he is as excited as ever to be in the […]
Carbon front of mind for ESG leaders
Following on from the Inside Network’s ESG Masterclass recently, specialist investment manager Martin Currie is fast becoming a climate change leader, through its active ESG investing approach, together with a series of new initiatives that were announced yesterday. These initiatives have significantly enhanced the company’s analysis of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors. Martin Currie […]
Inflation linked-bonds, credit risk preferred amid uncertainty
A lot has changed over the past few months – successful COVID-19 vaccines have been deployed, President Joe Biden announced his plan to tackle climate change, “unprecedented” fiscal stimulus legislation was passed in the US, and steps towards reopening the global economy continue to unfold. These factors have driven a more-than-doubling of five-year US Treasury […]
Wealth management platform space is ripe for tech disruption
The shift towards non-aligned platform advice forced structural change within wealth management in a way never seen before. Findings from the Banking Royal Commission helped drive the push towards independent platforms and product providers with a renewed client focus. New technology-based platforms have given financial advisers the ability to hold, transact and administer on a much […]
New rating system set to separate leaders from ‘greenwashers’
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations are becoming an increasingly important discussion point for advisers and investors alike. This was evidenced by the substantial turnout at the Inside Network’s inaugural ESG Masterclass last week. Rarely does a week go by without another product being issued, or scandal occur. The sector remains difficult to navigate, with […]
Battleground: Infrastructure in post pandemic world
In this article we compare heavyweights Magellan and ClearBridge (previously known as RARE Infrastructure) and their respective infrastructure-focused strategies. While Magellan and its CEO Hamish Douglass need no introduction, the infrastructure fund is run by Gerald Stack. He joined Magellan in 2007 and is both head of investments and head of infrastructure, leading the team […]
ASIC delivers certainty on consent and ‘lack of independence’ disclosure
The corporate regulator, ASIC, has continued its busy start to the year, releasing three legislative instruments this week stemming from the recommendations from the Hayne Royal Commission. The subject of these latest releases, which will guide ASIC’s assessment of financial service providers, relates to the ‘written consent’ required for advisers to deduct fees from client […]
No greenwashing in sight at the ESG Masterclass
This year The Inside Network held its industry-leading Environmental, Social and Governance or ESG Masterclass with some of Australia’s leading thinkers from the sector, to engage with and discuss some of the biggest problems humankind is facing, and the role of investors and advisers in contributing to a more sustainable economy. Hosted by Giselle Roux, […]
What are High Conviction funds?
Often used to describe a particular type of investment style – for example, the High Conviction Equities Fund – “conviction” is all the rage in equity markets today. This type of strategy usually holds between 20-30 stocks (or any other asset, for that matter) which are considered high-quality blue-chip investments that have a strong competitive position and high market […]
What to do when your star portfolio manager leaves
As is almost always the case, money talks. When a star portfolio manager suddenly resigns after recording spectacular gains, there is a good chance they have been poached within the funds management industry by a competitor waving more money. Sometimes entire teams leave altogether, or a high-profile portfolio manager may walk out, for one reason […]
T.Rowe Price wins global fund of the year
The annual Awards held by Morningstar saw the winners of 2021 announced across various categories, something we covered here. Taking the majority of the awards was the team at Hyperion, which was also rated the overall Fund Manager for the year. Taking the Global Equities Fund Manager of the Year award, however, was Scott Berg […]
Are you winning enough clients?
Summary: There has been a rapid and large-scale shift across many industries towards working remotely. Organisations are investing in remote working technology and infrastructure. The popularity of virtual communication platforms has surged. COVID-19 took the world by storm, bringing economies to their knees, schools deserted, shopping centres empty, entire sectors were closed as people were […]
Portfolio diversification through innovation – Part 3
Part 3 – Daintree Capital Core Income Trust Sydney-based Daintree Capital is an ultra-modern, specialist absolute return funds management boutique with a primary focus on protecting client capital against downside risk. How is Daintree innovating? Daintree has developed an innovative short-duration, active fixed income strategy that manages risk in a ‘lower for longer’ or rising […]
In search of an inflation hedge
During times of fear, investors often become irrational. As the coronavirus pandemic swept through the globe, fear and uncertainty rose, and investors began selling equities looking for shelter, often parking funds in cash until times were better. The problem with holding cash is its susceptibility to inflation, which erodes its value over time. During times […]
Franklin, Hyperion lead Morningstar award finalists
Last week, investment research firm Morningstar Australasia announced the finalists of the 2021 Morningstar Australia awards. Some of the big names include First Sentier Investors, Franklin Templeton and Hyperion Asset Management – all in the running to win the prized fund manager of the year award. Each of these funds has delivered exceptional returns to […]
Portfolio diversification through innovation – Part 2
Part 2 – Apollo Capital Fund It has been a busy few months for Bitcoin and the cryptocurrency world. Bitcoin’s price rocketed to an all-time high of US$51,785 this month on reports that Tesla would now accept bitcoin as payment for its cars and other products. And so, while the price of cryptocurrencies has started […]
Are your clients asking about Tesla, lithium or space?
Are your clients asking you why they don’t hold Tesla? If they have an exposure to lithium? Are they looking for an exposure to the renewable energy boom? ETF Securities’ Battery Technology and Lithium ETF, carrying the ASX ticker ACDC, has been seeing significant inflows from investors, as interest in Tesla and all things sustainable […]
Mirae Asia Great Consumer fund upgraded to ‘Recommended’
The Asian middle class, but particularly that in China and India, is one of the fastest growing-population cohorts in the world; and potentially, the most important long-term thematic for investors. The scale of growth in the middle-class is unprecedented, and will have far-reaching impacts on consumption patterns ranging from luxury goods, to staples, banking, financial […]
Portfolio diversification through innovation
Entering 2021, financial advisers and investors are facing many challenges when it comes to managing their portfolios. On the one hand, low interest rates and quantitative easing policies have all but removed the diversification and income benefits of traditional fixed-income investments. On the other hand, the same policies have sent equity markets back to pre-pandemic […]
JP Morgan launches sustainable global macro strategy
It has been a busy start to the year for JP Morgan Asset Management (JPMAM), with the recently launched Global Macro Sustainable Fund seeking to capitalise on a profound structural shift in global investor preferences toward sustainability. Investors and advisers are increasingly seeking out less-correlated alternative asset classes and to ensure their investments are having […]
As investors grow weary with China the Indian sub-continent emerges
With tensions rising in the South China Sea and regulatory pressure on the likes of Alibaba (NYSE: BABA) continuing to grow, the Chinese market is becoming an increasingly difficult one to navigate as the government seek to exert itself on a global stage. China has long been seen as the investment darling supported by an […]
Managed account sector evolution to continues
Following on from The Inside Network’s MDA Feature – 2020 round-up article published earlier this week, we received an influx of communication around the many managed accounts not included on the list. According to the Institute of Managed Account Professionals (IMAP), funds under management (FUM) for managed accounts in Australia stood at $79.9 billion at […]
Green energy revolution powering a new commodity super cycle
A new commodities super-cycle is underway, with price increases starting to resemble the resources boom that took place during the mid-2000s. During this time, the prices for commodities used for steel and energy production i.e. iron ore, coal and natural gas, skyrocketed. Global demand for these commodities rose sharply and so did prices. The increase […]
Which platform stands out above the crowd?
The shift towards non-aligned platform advice forced structural change within the wealth management that was long overdue. Findings from the Royal Banking Commission helped drive the push towards independent platforms and product providers because of their renewed client focus. New technology-based platforms have allowed financial advisers the ability to hold, transact and administer on a […]
2021 looks bright for global infrastructure
Founder and Senior Portfolio Manager Nick Langley at RARE Infrastructure, now named Clearbridge Investments, has put out a short note outlining the infrastructure sector as one area that remains bright despite the pandemic. According to Langley “there is a confluence of issues, events and realities that cause us to be extremely positive about the potential […]
Being selective with IPOs delivered for this small cap expert
In a year of bushfires, cheap money, a US Presidential election and a global pandemic, investors were exposed to a rollercoaster ride of mixed emotions, panic selling, and dizzying bouts of volatility. Reflecting back on the calendar year 2020, it is interesting to see which group of companies outperformed. Large or small caps? Tech or […]
WLTH enters ultra-competitive digital lending market
WLTH is a brand-new financial services neo-platform providing Australians with a smarter, sustainability-focused solution to financial products but particular residential and commercial loans. WLTH is the latest ‘non-bank’ digital lending and payments platform seeking to disrupt the financial services industry in Australia. The launch follows the recent shutdown of neo-bank Xinja after it failed to […]
Quality rules the value vs. growth debate
It’s the age-old battle, “value” versus “growth,” that seems to still polarise market participants and populate columns of the financial press. It has been a while since “value investing” made sense. The style has suffered a dreadful stretch of performance since the 2008 financial crisis. The Warren Buffett style of buying low (cheap) and selling […]
The recession is over, where to now?
There are positive signs for the Australian economy following Wednesday’s third quarter GDP figure. It was a positive reading of 3.3% quarter on quarter, signalling a rebound in the economy is well underway. This marks the end to the pandemic led economic downturn and a gradual return to business normality. It was a massive beat […]
Banks, shopping centres underappreciated says Martin Currie
An interview with Will Baylis, Portfolio Management of Sustainable Equity at Martin Currie. Thank you so much for joining us Will, it would be great to get an insight into what you are seeing for the year ahead and to take our readers through the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Starting on a more […]
The winning formula
In a year when a global pandemic, recession and record-low interest rates took centre stage, a growing number of specialist managers, including many high-profile names, failed to beat the market last financial year. Yet with market dispersion continuing to grow, active management has never been more valuable. The first quarter of 2020 saw an unprecedented […]
Is affordable advice possible post the Royal Commission?
The Banking Royal Commission was a watershed moment for the financial advising industry, and almost two years on, has there been change? In one word, yes. Too much change. So much change, that Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Morrison government, along with a long list of industry leaders are all saying that […]
Is your portfolio ready for 2021?
This year’s Sohn Hearts & Minds Conference, an annual one-day event that brings the finance and investment community together, saw a select group of fund managers share their best stock ideas for the year ahead. The recurring theme without a doubt was COVID-19. But grief and tragedy aside, COVID-19 has forced us to go digital. […]
China ramps up its campaign for self-sufficiency
Australia is facing yet another round of export bans after Chinese authorities knocked back tonnes of lobsters, timber from Queensland, and barley from a second grain grower. Without warning, paid goods that had arrived at ports were sent back in what is known as a ‘soft ban’ that falls outside of current trade agreements. Authorities […]
A step forward in offering financial advice to the masses
Map My Plan is the all-in-one ‘digital’ financial planner that does it all. Founded in 2014 by Paul Feeny, Map My Plan is a platform that doesn’t attempt to replace the skill and experience of a financial planner, but intends to service the “80 per cent of unadvised Australians” that don’t have a financial planner […]
An interview with Ralph Czhichon, PSK Financial Services
This month we were lucky enough to catch up with Ralph Czichon as Australia slowly moves towards a COVID-normal environment. Ralph is a stalwart and industry thought leader having operated for 30 years and now heading PSK Financial Services in Parramatta, NSW. First off, we aim to learn a little more about Ralph: Whilst a […]
Tesla among six new stocks added to the Chi-x TraCRs platform
Investors are piling into COVID-hit international companies amid a share trading boom. According to ASIC’s analysis of trading volumes during the COVID period, share trading volumes among retail investors have doubled. With that in mind, international share trading has become a lot easier, but can still come at a substantial cost, with added tax implications, […]
MDA market review: a watershed year
Managed Accounts, or Managed Discretionary Accounts (MDAs), are a relatively new investment solution available to consumers and financial advisers following recent advances in platform technology. MDAs have evolved to a point where advisers can offer clients a broad range of investment assets and clients have complete visibility of the investments held in their portfolio. What […]
Growth managers continue to shine
It’s been a while since “value investing” made sense: the style has suffered a dreadful stretch of performance since the 2008 financial crisis. The ‘Warren Buffett’ mantra of buying low (cheap) and selling high has seen value-oriented managers underperform the market year after year. But that’s not to say value investing is dead, it’s just […]
State of the market – platforms
Building a financial advisery practice isn’t easy. From regulation to compliance, overheads to staff wages and client reporting to administration, there are so many time-consuming, ad hoc tasks that take up the time of an adviser which could be better spent dealing with clients. The solution? Streamline and automate manual, time consuming processes. And this […]
DNR adds SkyCity and Scentre
Australian equities fund manager, DNR Capital, which is managed and led by chief investment officer Jamie Nicol and Portfolio Manager Scott Kelly, says the local market “continues to enjoy a strong run despite lockdowns in Melbourne, uncertainty regarding the outcome of the US elections and ongoing trade disputes with China,” which are just some of […]
IIG launches its $70m Impact Fund
Impact Investment Group (IIG) announced the launch of its new $70 million impact investment fund, designed to balance profit and purpose with a sustainable and socially conscious investment thesis. Inside Investor’s Ishan Dan spoke with IIG CEO and Co-Fund Manager Daniel Madhavan about the fund and his his career at Impact Investment Group. For those […]
Q&A with IPO hopeful, Gefen
This week we interviewed Co-founder and Co-CEO Orni Daniel from Gefen Technologies, an Israeli-based digital distribution platform that has been initially aimed at Australia’s insurance market. The company is looking at an ASX listing towards the end of the year. After speaking with Daniel, it was immediately apparent that Gefen Technologies has built what looks […]
Managing complexity – A buy enters the Citadel (ASX:CGL)
Pacific Equity Partners is looking to acquire 100% of the Citadel Group (ASX: CGL) in a transaction worth $503 million. PEP is planning to provide funding to help Citadel expand its global footprint and to develop new products in specialist software and critical-secure information management for its customers in healthcare, defence and national security, government […]
Interest free credit cards take on the BNPL
“If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em,” as Bugs Bunny would say. This is exactly what NAB and CBA have done to take on the Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) phenomenon. NAB was the first to launch its new StraightUp credit card, which is aimed at millennials by offering interest-free purchases on credit anywhere that accepts Visa. Credit […]
Time to buy into the Australian property sector?
As Coronavirus cases drop, and talk of CSL’s contracts to manufacture vaccines (that is, AstraZeneca’s and/or the University of Queensland’s candidate, if they are successful) starts doing the rounds, hopefully it shouldn’t be too much longer before second-wave lockdown restrictions ease and the economy is back on track. That is the plan, notwithstanding any unforeseen […]
The Battleground: AMP Capital Vs Magellan on Infrastructure
In this piece we compare two funds in the wholesale infrastructure space: AMP Capital Core Infrastructure Fund and Magellan’s Infrastructure Fund, both pioneers in the space with a great track record.
Is it time to buy into the unloved Australian property sector?
As Covid-19 cases drop, and talk of CSL’s vaccine starts, it shouldn’t be too much longer before lockdown restrictions ease and the economy is back on track.
2 Broker upgrades and downgrades
Broker upgrades 24-28 August 2020 Redbubble (ASX:RBL) – Morgans has upgraded its recommendation to Add from Reduce. That’s effectively a double ratings upgrade with a target price of 433c up from 54c. A 700% increase in target price. The massive upgrade comes on the back of the company’s recent profit result. The result reinforced […]
Post-pandemic, the only way is robo for advisers
Navigating their way through a pandemic both personally and on behalf of clients, has served to further increase the burden on an already stretched financial advice industry. It’s hard to blame the thousands of advisers choosing to exit and seek careers elsewhere when you combine the increasing compliance requirements and nuances of the Royal Commission […]
Why Walmart is so interested in Tik Tok
TikTok can be described as a social networking app, primarily used by millennials, to share and view amateur video content. The app is Chinese owned. Known as Douyin, owned by ByteDance. As of August 2020, TikTok, had surpassed 1 billion users worldwide in less than four years. How does it work? Users film videos of […]
Magellan launches its Core ETF series
The well-known fund manager has launched a series of low-cost ETFs which will help further its reach into the retail investor market.
3 unlikely stocks to get your dividend fix
One of the main themes that played out this reporting season was the absence of company dividends. The cash doled out by the largest 50 ASX listed companies was by in large withdrawn to conserve capital during the pandemic. A study released this week by Janus Henderson looked at the dividends paid out recently by […]
“What happens when we go back to the office?” COVID-19 risks for financial advisers.
The focus of health and safety regulators has been on helping employers implement measures to minimise the risk of employees either contracting COVID-19 at work or bringing it to work.
Reporting season enters its final week – August 24 – 28
Company reporting season is in its final stretch with roughly two-thirds of the ASX 200 having reported and another +40 companies still to go.
A Q&A with RARE Infrastructure – Following a volatile year
Traditional infrastructure has been impacted heavily during the pandemic as human movement is restricted to all but its basic levels. The RARE Income Fund has been the standout performer within the Infrastructure fund peer group, due to its high weighting in defensive utility assets. We took the opportunity to digest RARE Infrastructure’s latest portfolio insights […]
5 stocks that are predicted to raise capital
We’re in the second week of reporting season and it’s been a mixed bag of results.
Gold to hit US$3,000 on virus fears
The gold price is soaring, all thanks to a world gripped by fear, or is it hope?
Earnings season update: REA, RBL, GPT
REA Group (ASX:REA) – Posted it 1H result last Friday, the result coming in slight better than expectations, shares closing the day +1.87%.
Is this the one stock that will come out of COVID-19 stronger?
The ASX 200 Index hit a high of 7,197 points on the 20th Feb before falling all the way down to 4,402 points on the 23 March 2020. A 38% drop from top to bottom.
Lockdown 2.0 – How the second wave will hit markets
Just when you thought it was over. Coronavirus strikes again.
Australia’s recent unemployment figures are hiding something a lot worse
The figures show quite a confusing picture. According to the data, an unemployment rate of 7.4 per cent is the worst rate Australia has seen since November 1998 despite the addition of 210,000 jobs, which is a huge increase.
6 stocks that benefit from a US-led conflict in the South China Sea
The South China Sea conflict has largely been a case of ‘failure to act’ whilst the law of the sea has been flouted. China continues to exert military control over its neighbours over the hotly contested waterways, completely unabated.
Wealth platforms merging to become more competitive
Often dubbed the ‘original fintech’s’, the wealth management platform space is becoming a highly competitive area as disruptive innovative start-ups threaten the status quo and cashed up platforms actively acquire businesses to leapfrog ahead. Following on from the Royal Banking Commission, a record number of advisers shifted towards non-aligned financial advice, away from a vertically integrated banking world. Consumer led demand has forced advisers to become a lot more mindful that the selection of the right platform can significantly impact the outcome for their businesses and their clients.