Fixed-interest ETFs supplanting bank hybrids in retail portfolios: AUSIEX
APRA’s decision to draw the curtain on this controversial investment that blends debt and equity might be seven years away, but investors are increasingly looking elsewhere to get this asset fix, with some of the more adventuresome venturing offshore.
Biodiversity fund to target high-net-worth investors, family offices
The Kunming-Montreal Global Diversity Framework is to biodiversity what the Paris agreement is to climate change, and local investment firm Skjander aims to ride its growing investment appeal across the globe.
Advisers investing time and money to protect clients from scammers
Advice firms are on the front line in combatting this nefarious activity that often targets seniors and has cost all Australians nearly $150 million this year alone.
Investors to benefit from private credit safety net
The global ratings agency Moody’s and the index provider MSCI have joined forces to create a first-of-its-kind solution to help assess risk for this burgeoning asset class.
Don’t be trumped by the White House’s economic nostrums
Three adviser firms are telling their clients to trust their portfolio structures to ride out the current market volatility largely sparked by a looming trade war.
Platforms rise to multi-pronged set of challenges
The advice community is being well-serviced by platforms, according to the research house Investment Trends’ 2024 Platform Competitive Analysis & Benchmarking Report.
Franked yield bonanza keeps retirees from selling beloved bank stocks
Self-funded retirees understand the capital risk in holding the ‘big four’. It’s one they’re prepared to take knowing their effective grossed-up yields are much higher than the nominal figure.
Term deposit turn has retirees in two minds as private credit gains steam
With many economists expecting the Reserve Bank to start cutting interest rates in early 2025, returns on term deposits could feel the pinch. Private credit is an alternative, but those pursuing this investment option will need to do their homework.
‘Just a little crazy’: SMSF retirees continue to shun fixed interest investments
Institutional investors get it. So do some financial advisers. But for most SMSFs, sovereign and corporate debt is the forgotten asset class – despite the defensive benefits it can deliver.
SMSF trustees will have to dig deeper to pay for their aged care
The Aged Care Act, achieved with rare political cooperation, will put residential and home care on a more sustainable basis with individuals’ contributions more closely attuned to their financial position.
Retirement income perceptions bear little relationship to reality
Peoples’ notion of how they will fund their retirement habitually downplays the role of social security. Reflecting a lack of understanding about how the different income streams interact, it behoves superannuation funds to better educate their members.
Power of attorney practices ‘inconsistent’, and under-served by advisers: Report
A landmark report has uncovered a frightening lack of understanding about a financial enduring power of attorney, with financial advisers surprisingly under-represented.
‘The Golden Times’ launches, covering retirement investing and lifestyle issues for Australians
The Inside Network is launching a new publication aimed at keeping retirement-age Australians informed about investing, with a host of content designed to help them live their best life.
Partners Private co-founder takes private equity path to portfolio management
Sick of being locked out of large scale private equity investments, the group put together their own project in 2013. Forty projects and some outsized returns later, they’ve only recorded one that didn’t reach its targeted internal rate of return.
David Leon: Leading the boutique, independent advice brigade
After witnessing the evolution of the US advice market, David Leon knew his Australian clients would want product and advice to be separate. It’s why the Adelaide adviser was so surprised the Hayne Royal Commission took so long to come about.
Jones’ advice dilemma: How to foster Holden advice provision in a Rolls Royce industry
The concept of a ‘qualified adviser’ with less qualifications provoked an industry backlash. While the government has signalled it is open to discussion, the problem remains – how to open up advice to more consumers at a viable cost?
Advisers beware: Social issues the new ESG frontier
Financial stewards need to cast a broader eye over the stance companies take on social issues like The Voice and the Israel/Palestine conflict. Community attitudes can vary widely, and public opprobrium can swing share prices dramatically.
A link to the next generation of advisers: Steve Sloane
The decision to build an academy for advisers wasn’t taken lightly, says Link Wealth founder Steve Sloane. But the strategy is paying dividends, with some of the best young advice talent in the country coming through its ranks.
China relationship brings new volatility dynamic to Australian portfolio management
The importance of Australia’s economic relationship with China cannot be overstated, but with the Red Dragon’s economy faltering and our historically close bonds strained, investors need to tread a careful path.
Don’t panic! Markets (mostly) shrug when geopolitics shock the world
Events like the Israel-Palestine and Russia-Ukraine conflicts may shock the world, and they may even influence markets. But history tells us geopolitical risks are always present, mostly factored in, and should never predicate panic selling.
Qantas’ fall from grace tests limits of customer loyalty
It’s up to incoming Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson to restore the Spirit of Australia’s battered reputation after a series of high-profile trust breaches. But getting the Flying Kangaroo back on top will take some guts from the board.
Fixed income finally ‘stirring interest’ among SMSF trustees
The bond market has never had great investment appeal for Australia’s self-managed superannuation funds, but with rising yields improving their proposition, some observers say the investment tide may be coming in for fixed interest.
Ripoll: FoFA righted the ship, but QAR is right for its time
While FoFA was the right policy for its era, Ripoll says the industry has come a long way and has different needs. The Quality of Advice Review’s proposals are an “important step” for today’s industry, he believes.
Professionalism in advice is worth protecting: Andrew Hewison
From labouring on snowy London mornings to seeing clients through the carnage of the GFC, Andrew Hewison has seen off more than a few challenges. But there are no easy answers, he says, when it comes to advice reform.
LRBA holders to ride property market out, despite volatility blip
Australians’ penchant for property investment comes with the caveat that patience is a necessary virtue. This applies doubly so for fretful LRBA holders, writes Nicholas Way.
Emilie O’Neill: Fighting the ‘ESG trade-off’ perception
“Sometimes, the market thinks we prioritise ESG factors above investment fundamentals,” says Perennial’s Emilie O’Neill. “But the reality is that it’s just another investment lens.”
‘China’s goal is not to kill capitalism’: Foord embraces tidal shift on Asia
While the market is broadly underweight China, South African-based Foord Asset Management is confident that President Xi Jinping’s economic plan for the country will bear fruit over time.