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Sustainable investing: Two paths to a common destination
Sustainable investing is increasingly recognised as the practice of incorporating environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into investment decision-making for stocks and bonds. AXA Investment Managers’ Global Sustainable Equity strategy, which will celebrate 11 years in operation in August 2025, interprets the term ‘sustainable’ through two distinct paths: the sustainability of companies’ earnings and the integration of ESG information into fundamental analysis.
Trump-inspired market gyrations the first big test for Australia’s SMA consultants
The spectacular market gyrations of April, sparked by escalating trade conflicts, geopolitical tensions and the Presidential ‘X’ account, represent the first significant stress-test for a generation of separately managed accounts (SMAs) run by Australian asset consultants.
Coller Capital scores Lonsec green light for secondaries fund
The group says tackling liquidity and accessibility barriers are key to the success of its private equity secondaries fund. Researcher Lonsec agrees, recently giving the fund a ‘Recommended’ rating on its platform.
Australian investors set to benefit from bilateral beauty of secondaries market
Secondaries now represent a core pillar of many investors’ alternative assets program, according to Coller Capital.
Wattle Partners and ASA team up to boost financial literacy across Australia
The retirement advice specialists have teamed up with the association to bring greater levels of financial literacy to more Australians. It comes more than a year after the successful merger of the ASA with the Australian Investors Association.
Investment bonds gaining popularity as a gift to help younger generations: KeyInvest
A confluence of compounding returns, further contributions and tax-paid status make investment bonds an attractive option for grandparents looking to give their loved ones a financial leg-up in life.
AI in advice a matter of how, not if: Complii
Advice groups may still be grappling with the best use cases for artificial intelligence tools, but the ones that aren’t at least trying are at risk of being seen as behind the curve according to Complii’s Craig Mason.
Family offices move up the wealth spectrum, push for sophisticated investment
The investment vehicles of wealthy families are internalising asset management and professionalising their investment teams at a rapid rate, according to Citi Private.
Slashed dividend payments an income gut-punch for SMSF retirees
A slowing economy has prompted S&P/ASX 200 companies to keep a lion’s share of their earnings by tightening shareholder distributions, with fund manager Martin Currie identifying the resources sector as a real cause for concern regarding future income.
Governance, representation on the agenda for super funds of the future: Morningstar
Megafunds are set to control trillions in member savings, and a few crucial themes are emerging that will figure in the future direction of the superannuation system.
The three priorities of a robust private credit purveyor
There are three things that an Australian private credit provider should be focussed on, and capital preservation is the “absolute number one”, according to Craig Brooke from KeyInvest.
The art of losing less, and why there’s beauty in the predictability of bonds
The key to employing defensive assets effectively, Burtenshaw explained, is knowing what it will do and how it will act. “If an asset isn’t actually predictable, then it’s hard to defend,” he said.
DNR Capital continues stellar run with third consecutive domestic equities win
Despite a proliferation of providers entering what is an already crowded market, DNR Capital has managed to pull of an impressive run in the Australian Equities SMA space.
Alceon ascends SQM Research’s private debt ladder with property income fund
The respected property and investment research agency has given out its second-highest rating to Alceon’s property-based Debt Income Fund, which serves to highlight just how well the private debt sector can perform if done right.
Barwon and the value of relationships in fund building
“We aim to be considered the ‘safe pair of hands’ when investors look to invest in Specialist Disability Accommodation,” says Barwon’s Joss Engebretsen.
AI impact ‘won’t be linear’, with some sectors set to benefit more than others: Amundi
Some sectors will feel the benefits early, and the impact will be all-consuming. Others will take longer, and the effect might only be marginal. For advisers, the impact of AI could depend on how readily they sidle up to technology partners, Amundi says.
The marketing tool that’s putting wind in the sails of growing advice groups
Public relations executive Abbey Minogue has had remarkable success advising financial firms on content marketing strategies to support their growth. As appetite for content grows, she says, practices that ignore these tools will fall behind.
The two sectors that ruled the ASX in the last decade
One sector consistently outperformed for half a decade, while the other took a much more volatile ride to supremacy, riding some almighty tailwinds along the way.
‘An asset you’d want to own’: Fixed income stability to offset rate uncertainty
Whether you perceive the RBA’s messaging to be balanced or mixed, the uncertainty serves as a reminder that fixed income is a vital sleeve in any investment portfolio.
Final tally for FY24 adviser numbers revealed
Just when the quantum of registered advisers will bottom out is anyone’s guess, but the final tally for FY24 could hardly be encouraging for a government desperate to shore up the numbers.
Advice group United Global Capital’s assets frozen amid ASIC investigation
The freeze order isn’t UGC’s first engagement with the regulator. It was among the first to be pinged for not meeting the Design and Distribution Obligations back in 2022.
Why healthcare has done relatively well in the commercial property convulsion
As Australian healthcare expenditure continues to rise and investors move deeper into the sector, healthcare property is well placed to continue its outperformance of other commercial property sub-sectors.
Super fund and limited license adviser losses prove a drag on numbers
The large advice provision models are holding up in terms of personnel, but super funds and tax advisers are repositioning their offerings as the cost to serve increases at a faster rate than revenue.
Global market ‘sways towards private debt’ as SPV usage tipped to soar
As market conditions turn, private debt is expected to lead the charge of private capital disbursement across the globe, with special purpose vehicles increasingly at the heart of deals according to a new study.
Beyond Nvidia: How listed real assets can also benefit from the AI boom
You don’t need to invest in the world’s most expensive stocks to benefit from the AI boom, with the sector’s tentacles stretching much further than the chip-making titan according to Martin Currie.
Proposed financial abuse hub to help advisers identify and manage cases
Advisers are uniquely positioned to identify and alleviate financial abuse cases, but they need support and an action framework according to the association.
Family offices dive into public markets, but some things still off the table… mostly
The assets family offices invest in haven’t changed much but the ways they’re investing in them have, according to BNY Mellon Wealth. Meanwhile, cryptocurrencies are seeing more interest as a new generation takes the reins.
Portfolios are (still) missing real diversification and downside protection
The private markets have surged in popularity as investors hunt for a potent combination of yield and downside protection. But in a big selloff, the strategy that will do best is one that’s genuinely uncorrelated.
Emissions retreat as energy transition takes effect: Australian Ethical
The move towards renewable sources of energy gathers pace, and while the majority of our power still comes from coal and gas, efforts to put capital behind low-emission companies is paying dividends according to the ethical investor.
Man has the edge on machines in long-term investing (for now): Ruffer
Artificial intelligence might be better at gathering and storing knowledge, but incorporating wisdom into an investment approach (or abandoning it altogether) remains the exclusive domain of humans – for now.
Is private credit the real deal, or is it ‘more sizzle than steak’?
It’s been lauded as anything from a ‘”short-term fad” to the next great diversifier, but while private credit polarises investors it continues to provide robust, stable returns. Are private credit managers good enough to maintain their rapid ascension in the private capital arena?
Longevity is providing a strong tailwind for private assets
Cashed-up baby boomers in the market for yield are finding that it’s increasingly being delivered by non-listed assets with a palatable risk profile. And that’s not the only tailwind behind the burgeoning sector.
Amended QAR draft released without major changes to SOA checking rules for trustees
After the original Delivering Better Financial Outcomes bill was released in March, Treasury this week released an updated version for consultation. With minimal changes, there remains a significant bone of contention for the industry to wrestle with.
Brokerage platforms can be the link between self-directed investors and advisers: US study
Brokerage platforms are understandably wary of nudging clients away from their products, but if they want to be full service providers they need to entertain the idea of linking investors to advisers, according to a new US report.
Why fixed income is back (and better than ever)
Duration is no longer a dirty word. Private debt is a house of cards. Welcome to the new era of fixed income.
Ongoing economic concerns present golden opportunity in Chinese market: Pzena
It’s been one of the most disappointing regions in the world in terms of performance, but Pzena Investment Management thinks China’s bombed-out equity market presents “a real win opportunity”.
Dwelling vacancies up, asking rents down… but real estate crisis far from over: SQM Research
It’s an unlikely source of good news: property vacancy rates are up and rental asking rates have softened slightly. But SQM’s Louis Christopher warns against interpreting the change as a sign that the rental crisis has turned.
The hidden dangers in using style management to create negative correlation
Negative correlation can be an effective way to diversify and protect the underside of multi-asset portfolios, but if the chosen managers stray from their professed style that advantage can be eroded in short order.
One way to avoid the sequencing risk ‘nightmare’
Nobody really cares about outperforming benchmarks – they want to make real money and avoid real losses. Atlantic House thinks it’s got the perfect way to do just that.
What makes an ideal entry point for a high-conviction investment team?
Meeting the myriad metrics for investment set down by Claremont Global is just the start of a selection process that sees no more than 15 companies held at any one time. It turns out that owning the world’s best businesses takes patience and a whole lot of precision.
Australian Ethical hunts opportunities in private debt, climate tech
The $10 billion ethical investors expects “quite an evolution” in climate resilience and mitigation investing, as well as growing interest in sectors like water, where it is “actively exploring” opportunities.
Real estate’s triple play: The clean, the changeable and the ‘out of sync’
All verticals in commercial real estate have become problematic in the last five years, but there remain pockets of opportunity. Figuring out which of those pockets present the best path forward is the real challenge.
Mapping a liquidity advantage through exposure to publicly listed PE vehicles
An enduring structural feature of Barwon’s PE fund is that it doesn’t invest in the companies that require capital, it invests in the companies that provide it. For advisers, that means exposure to the fabled PE illiquidity premium, but with access to daily redemptions.
The red flag that means the most to disciplined PE managers
Trust may be hard to win, but it’s even harder to win back once it’s broken. For private equity managers, keeping a sharp eye out for honesty and transparency is a key part of the company discovery process.
Busting senior secured loan myths with Invesco’s best and brightest
Contrary to popular misconception, senior secured loans actually sit at the safest part of the capital structure and remain backed by company assets. That they’re unsafe is one of several fallacies that needs to be busted, says Invesco’s Ashley O’Connor.
$226M per adviser: Retirement opportunity set ‘never been better’
It’s a dire situation for consumers but a massive tailwind for financial advisers. More people and more capital in the superannuation coffers than ever, with a stubbornly small number of advisers to service them.
Move to micro makes sense, but comes at a cost for advice businesses
There are untold benefits in shifting to a self-licensed advice model, but the move also comes with a host of dangers. Practice owners need to ask themselves some serious questions before taking the plunge.
Not all retirees impacted equally by cost of living surges: ABS
The cost of living increased across all indexes in the March 2024 quarter. But while employee households carried the brunt of higher prices, self-funded retirees emerged relatively unscathed according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
The Inside Network and Future Proof make waves with Huntington Beach partnership
It’s the biggest wealth management event on the planet, where advisers, executives and their associates come to learn, network and have a little fun under the California sun. As the inaugural Australian partner, The Inside Network will be front and centre.
ESG in action: How investment teams are funding research and leaning on laggards
Getting to net-zero by 2025 will require an enormous shift of capital. This can only happen if groups with leverage apply pressure to financial services entities that are at the coal-face of change.
‘Macro distraction’ is why fundies don’t perform: PM Capital
Of all the reasons fund managers get outperformed by the benchmark, Paul Moore explained, the clearest is that they get distracted by macro issues that aren’t particularly relevant to their investments.
Bank of Mum and Dad looks to investment bonds for property deposit
For many, planning to help kids and grandkids out with a first home deposit is something that needs to be done strategically, with timelines, capital growth and tax implications front of mind. Here, investment bonds could be the key.
What to do about the ‘concentration conundrum’: Pzena
Owning the largest stocks has historically been a recipe for underperformance over every period, according to value house Pzena, but the madness of benchmark construction means some investors have few choices but to.
Slow interest rate retreat keep senior secured loans in frame for 2024
In the near to medium term, the group forecasts “ample opportunity” in the loan asset class to generate higher than average returns while maintaining a minimal risk profile for investors.
Small caps come into focus as concentration risk pervades major markets
The historic outperformance of big tech stocks in the US may look like a global outlier, but many developed markets (including ours) have high levels of concentration risk. That may not be the case for long, with a likely softening interest rate environment set to re-order indexes around the world.
Can banks… be good? Why ethical investors don’t automatically shun the big financials
The banks may not be perfect, but their collective role in facilitating a developed ecosystem, combined with the leverage they have through lending and capital allocation, means they often fall within Australian Ethical’s “investible universe”.
The answer to the Magnificent Seven’s ‘really difficult investment problem’
A huge benefit has already been realised in the price of the Magnificent Seven and it might be time to take some risk off the table instead of speculating on future fundamentals, according to Lazard.
Supply comes into housing market as new property dichotomy emerges
All major cities had an increase in national property listings during the month of February, but when you pan out and look at the YoY figure, some eye-popping trends emerge.
ASIC sounds major warning on ‘licensee for hire’ firms
ASIC made no secret of its assertion that Lanterne operated purely as a “licensee for hire”, which is an ominous reminder for licensees operating with thin risk and compliance standards that the regulator is watching.
Time to look ‘off the beaten path’ for growth: Franklin Templeton
The incredible performance of the Magnificent Seven mean investors aren’t always seeing the technological growth that’s driving industries like professional services, construction and medicine.
Advice channel opens up to private markets, but are the products any good?
Every investor wants access to the private markets, and every manager – established or otherwise – wants to help them get it. But when there’s a new product every day, how many of them will be any good?
Breaking traditions and investing for real estate’s new era
In real estate, investors need to think more broadly than the traditional sectors of office buildings and shopping centres. Digital infrastructure and industrial property are one way to update the portfolio.
‘Tide has turned’: Small cap opportunity never clearer, especially in Australia
Inflation has likely peaked and the small cap market has bottomed out. The bad news is that relative returns have already started improving. The good news is that we’re still a few standard deviations from the mean, and there’s still plenty of upside.
Could another Trump term ‘fire’ inflation back up again?
A second Trump presidency would see a new era of American economic protectionism, according to Allspring, sending inflation higher and global growth lower. And that’s without factoring in potential threats from China and Iran.
$3.5 trillion wealth transfer disputes mean families need to think outside the box
With so much capital changing hands through estate transfers in the next few years, the potential for confusion and contention is high. A new whitepaper from Foresters Financial serves as a reminder that there are other alternatives to traditional estate planning.
Tech innovation to fuel drive towards the world’s first trillionaire
Of all the sectors poised to take over this century, venture capitalists are most enamored with green technology and the infrastructure that supports artificial intelligence.
Seasonal change deepens property rental market extremes: SQM Research
The nation’s rental crisis is deepening, with available dwellings across major cities at just one per cent and the asking price for rents reaching eye-watering levels. According to SQM, seasonal factors are also coming into play.
Why private equity outperformance will continue – despite the valuation naysayers
There’s nothing mysterious about the performance of private equity, according to Hamilton Lane, and the mundane reasons it does better also means it will keep doing better – even amidst grumbling about valuations.
The ‘big misconception’ about insurance-linked securities
It’s possible to get equity-like returns from insurance-linked securities with much lower volatility. But a supposed asymmetry of information in the market keeps investors from allocating.
‘Common, observable and exploitable’: Value distortions and the emerging market advantage
The functionality of value investing hinges on one important and fundamental premise: that humans are fallible and emotional operators that over-react, misjudge and fall victim to overconfidence in their own assessment abilities.
Orbis and the private ownership advantage in value investing
The vast majority of quality asset managers will go through periods of five years of underperformance or more, which makes it difficult for that firm to take smart value bets and hold them until maturity beckons.
Take a hard look at leverage in private lending: Challenger
As many as half of all Australian private lending managers are using leverage to juice their returns, according to Challengers Investment Management, exposing themselves and their investors to mark-to-market risk.
How to spread your allocation wings beyond traditional and into alternatives
Diving into alternative investments can be a daunting prospect, but a rewarding one for advisers looking to supplement their growth sleeve and add fresh diversifiers. A panel discussed some tips for those starting out on their alts journey.
Time to look past the perceived risks in private equity: Federation
Advisers may be holding back from private equity investment because they have an exaggerated view on the liquidity risks involved, but providers offer more liquidity now than ever, and smart advisers are capitalising on this.
Don’t wait for a recession to get into ‘misunderstood’ distressed debt
You don’t need the world to end to start investing in stressed and distressed debt, according to RBC BlueBay, but it helps. And what looks to be a multi-year uptick in defaults is creating plenty of opportunities.
How private equity is finding the ‘middle ground’: MLC
Lack of liquidity and transparency have long been sticking points in retail uptake of private equity, but the industry is changing its ways even as an education challenge remains.
Surging equity markets highlight importance of valuation discipline: Australian Ethical
An elevated market is a good thing, but investors that take a valuation mindset into asset allocation need to be wary of what that means for prices. “Chasing momentum” is a real danger, says Australian Ethical’s Mark Williams.
Foresters becomes first B Corp certified investment bond provider in Australia
For investors thinking holistically about future wealth, adding B Corp accreditation to the provision of investment and education bonds makes a compelling offer.
‘No shortage of issues’ with overseas property investing for SMSFs: Deloitte
There are far simpler avenues to overseas diversification for your SMSF than property, but if you are going to take this complex, and somewhat risky route, you better do your homework.
Buffet’s ‘not-so-secret-weapon’ is a double-edged sword
Berkshire Hathaway is built to last, and probably will, with low debt levels and a vast waterfall of earnings that both insulate it against market mania and give it the capacity to act decisively during it. But when your market cap is nearly a trillion US dollars, there’s few deals that can truly move the needle.
The trick to value investing is more fundamental than you think
It’s not always about finding companies that have the biggest market share or the ones that dominate the headlines. For true value investors, the key is to select companies whose forward value is fundamentally underappreciated.
‘Collective wisdom of the past’: Foresters Financial notches 175 years
Key to the ongoing survival of Foresters, the CEO explained, has been the ability to continually reinvent its product offering over generations while retaining its core ethos of being a member-owned friendly society.
‘Make it cool’: Hunt for grads heats up as professional service firms scramble for talent
Making up the adviser shortfall is going to be a challenge, with the big professional services firms just as desperate for top-level talent as advice groups. To get young people interested, Striver founder Alisdair Barr says, we need to make the industry interesting.
AI will reimagine advice marketing and client relationships more than investment: Netwealth
From organisational improvements to client “nudges”, the potential for AI to transform advice businesses is limitless according to Netwealth’s Andrew Braun.
Modelling shows early $20,000 ‘gift’ closes SMSF gender imbalance: Class
The gender gap may be closing in SMSF balances (and at a much faster rate than APRA funds), but it’s still a glacial pace. Class modelling shows that an early boost, combined with the magic of compounding, can redress the imbalance.
Global risks can hit home with a punch, investors warned
True diversification is the only way for investors to protect themselves against global risk, says Jamie Green. “This includes diversification across asset classes, geographies, industries and even company sizes.”
Home bias saw SMSFs outperform APRA funds during brutal 2022 market slide
In a year when Australian equities far outperformed international stocks, APRA-regulated funds felt the brunt more than SMSF trustees, who still favour the double dipped income of franked local dividends.
Unloved value stocks primed for outperformance: Pzena
Rising interest rates and elevated stock multiples have brought down the equity risk premium and created a highly advantageous environment for value investors, according to Pzena Investment Management.
Claremont Global lists active ETF versions of popular high conviction funds
With over 2 million Australians invested in ETFs and every second SMSF holding them, it’s little wonder managers are keen to launch active ETF versions of their most successful funds.
Small caps set for resurgence with softening of inflation: Atchison’s
Toohey notes that on top of softening inflation, small caps will also be buoyed by enhanced consumer sentiment and a better lending environment. “The sector now looks extremely attractive,” he says.
More clients per adviser forecasted as Australia follows UK industry evolution
Our advisers may be a few years behind the UK industry in terms of development, but when they catch up there will be ample reward according to CoreData’s Andrew Inwood.
Super funds failing to understand the needs of vast middle market: Report
The financial needs of a staggering 64 per cent of retirees sit beyond the comprehension of super funds, a new report states, because there is too much complexity involved when retirement income isn’t enough to satisfy lifestyle ambitions.
Environmental reporting taking precedence over cybersecurity concerns: Perennial
The pressure of meeting a spaghetti-like network of reporting standards has forced company executives to de-prioritise cybersecurity in favour of meeting global greenhouse gas emission targets, according to Perennial.
Online investment dives as novice investors shy away from platforms
The continuing decline in online investment can be traced back to a few developments, but it must also sit alongside a reminder that usage peaked dramatically in the pandemic.
Australian Ethical zeroes in on energy transition with new infrastructure debt fund
Australian Ethical’s partner in the new fund, Infradebt, is an ubiquitous presence in Australia’s energy transition movement, having funded 40 renewable projects to date.
Policymakers urged to simplify ‘unnecessarily complex’ SMSF system
Transfer Balance Caps, Super Balance Thresholds and the rules overseeing the notice of intent to claim a tax deduction are all overly complex and could do with immediate simplification, according to SMSF Association CEO Peter Burgess.
Economic and political policy key to mitigating future financial risk: Allspring
Biodiversity is under rising threat around the world, with potentially disastrous economic and social consequences. Investing in programs that manage and protect these assets will be key to mitigating the associated risks.
Savvy market moves pitch Complii as ‘new asset class’ in financial services for 2024
The moves made by Complii across 2023 should position the firm well for a rebound in advice industry numbers, which is entirely foreseeable given the proposals stemming from the government’s Quality of Advice review.
Expect volatility bumps in the ‘last mile’ of disinflation road
It’s a narrow path to a ‘Goldilocks’ economic outcome with steep drops on either side. Any easing of inflation is likely to come with real market disruption, which should lead to more opportunity for skilled active managers to show their mettle.
Explaining advice not enough, consumers need to be convinced: CFS
While financial advisers remain at the heart of the issue, the role of convincing consumers about the value of advice is shared with government and the industry at large.
Retirement confidence has nothing to do with markets, but cost of living does
Markets may have outperformed in 2023 after a dour 2022, but it wasn’t enough to lift confidence in retirement as cost of living pressures continued to cloud the financial future of many Australians.
Australian Ethical to ‘push more’ across asset classes in search of greater market power
The CIO of the $10 billion Australian Ethical wants to triple its funds under management by 2030. Getting on that growth trajectory could mean offshore partnerships or acquisitions to augment its in-house investment capabilities.
Value investing’s true believers reap the greatest benefits: Pzena
Investors may find themselves gravitating towards ‘value-light’ or indexed versions of a genuine value investment strategy, Pzena says, but both are likely to dilute the likelihood of generating significant long-term outperformance.
Zero-rate anomaly won’t be repeated: Marks
Interest rates aren’t going back to what the current generation of investors consider ‘normal’ anytime soon, according to Oaktree’s Howard Marks, and different strategies will outperform in the years to come.
Innovation should be the engine of equity portfolios, especially in ‘powerhouse’ Australia
As central banks signal that global economies may have reached a tipping point and the inflation cycle may soon retreat, investment teams need to refocus on fundamentals. In 2024, experts say, innovation will be key.
Integration and ‘platform approach’ will guide compliance into new age: MIntegrity
While technology’s role in compliance is becoming more prominent, advisers and brokers are still looking for clarity on what vehicles will carry that technology.
Innovation in practice: Thematic investing and managed accounts
To provide a value proposition that stands apart, wealth management practices must be adaptive and consider the range of investment products available. Two popular options show how practices can cater to evolving client needs.
Investment bonds ‘ideal vehicle’ to protect will wishes: Foresters
Transferring wealth between estates can be problematic, but investment bonds can add surety by dint of their position outside of a deceased estate according to Foresters Financial.
Small cap sell-off presents ‘promising backdrop’ for market entry: Australian Ethical
With interest rates at or near their peak, the headwinds buffeting small caps could turn into tailwinds. According to Australian Ethical portfolio manager Andy Gracie, that might make now an opportune moment to invest in the sector.
CFS and The Inside Network align for adviser-focused insiders community
Commenting on its multi-year partnership with The Inside Network, CFS distribution lead Bryce Quirk called the insiders community an “ideal vehicle” to deliver its core values, which hinge on servicing financial advisers and their clients.
Alts research lacking, investment teams need to ‘roll up the sleeves’: Panel
Track record is vital, but a lack of comprehensive and independent research is often forcing investment teams to do their own due diligence when it comes to alternative managers.
Pzena, Invesco managers top new investment skill benchmark
Teams from Pzena and Invesco scored highly against the Northern Trust-backed Essentia Analytics’ Behavioural Alpha Benchmark, a system designed to differentiate between luck and true investment nous.
Residential property prices hitting uncharted territory: SQM Research
After a minor blip in 2022 residential property prices are once again soaring to new heights, driven largely by the asking price for houses in major capital cities. But not all is gold for sellers in the country.
Australian Ethical opens up on how its ethical charter shapes portfolios
“The portfolio does look different to mainstream,” says Australian Ethical portfolio manager and equity analyst Deana Mitchell, before explaining how the fund manager tilts up and down to meet its ethical charter.
‘Opportunity rich’ healthcare sector a high conviction play for HMC
The real estate fund’s launch underscores the commercial juggernaut’s belief that the healthcare sector opportunity is a significant one.
Australia jumps to fifth in Mercer’s Global Pension Index
Higher mandatory contributions and increased pension assets helped Australia improve on its 2022 score in Mercer annual index, and move up a spot in the 47-country ranking. Yet the research cited room for improvement.
Property listings surge as prices hit record highs: SQM Research
It may not be a boom, but the marked increase in new listings, total listings and aggregate asking price for properties across the country in September reflects a healthy spring market according to the researcher.
CFS bulks up managed account offerings on new Edge platform
The CFS team is ramping up the suite of model portfolio offerings on its next generation investment platform, while adding new functionality to streamline the adviser experience.
Foresters launches Education Bond on Tanggram, targets younger cohort
Foresters is combining its 150 year history with one of the newest investment platforms on the market to reach a whole new audience for its Education Bond offering.
Industrial property push here to stay: Charter Hall
With the lowest vacancy rate for industrial land in the developed world, Australia’s biggest challenge in the sector is keeping up with demand. But there’s no easy fix, says property group Charter Hall.
Foresters urges investors to take the sustainable path
Foresters is addressing the gap in responsible fixed income investment by offering a sustainability overlay across its funeral, investment and education bond products.
Lack of global warming accountability putting investors, and the planet, at risk
“Rational, economic arguments” are required to support a reduction of the costs of global warming on the planet and the economy, says Australian Ethical.
Institutional backing sees HMC Capital launch $1.3B healthcare fund
With demand for healthcare assets trending in one direction, the surging alternative asset manager has launched its second unlisted institutional fund for the calendar year.
Three reasons senior secured loans can shine through the uncertainty: Invesco
The uncertainty seen in markets over 2023 will likely continue over the calender year, but Invesco sees a lot of positives for loans that can only benefit investors.
Neuberger Berman finds quality in agency mortgage-backed securities
Amidst a tough environment for fixed income, agency mortgage-backed securities are one of Neuberger Berman’s highest conviction areas of relative value in the asset class.
Complii seals MIntegrity takeover to broaden services offering
The compliance software provider has acquired consultancy provider MIntegrity in a move Complii chairman Craig Mason hopes will “open the door” to further business opportunities.
The three reasons high net worth investors don’t seek advice
People stepping up from the $1m-$2.5m bracket to the $2.5m-$5m bracket are the most likely HNW investor to be unadvised, data shows, with a greater allocation to direct shares and property.
No time like the present for senior secured loans: Invesco
Senior secured loans recover strongly from economic downturns and plenty of corporates are well prepared for any ructions ahead. Still, active management matters when it comes to selecting new deals.
Paul Nicol came for the advice, stuck around for the career
A visit to an adviser at a young age gave Paul Nicol pause for thought. Instead of just investing with the help of a financial planner, why not put in the hard work and become one?
Investment to Paris-aligned benchmark challenging, but achievable
Meeting the Paris-aligned guidelines can be problematic for Australia’s big investors, but it’s possible to deliver compliant investment strategies with modest tracking error budgets using a layered approach according to one investment group.
Education bonds an investment in a smarter future: Foresters
With the right application, education bonds can provide a long term savings plan for a child or grandchild’s education that is both flexible and tax-savvy.
Managers need to look beyond ‘knee jerk’ greenhushing: Zenith
Marketing ESG credentials could be greenwashing even if correctly disclosed, according to Zenith, but going “dark” on disclosure isn’t an option either.
A clear bridge to energy transition exists, with listed infrastructure key
The energy transition is full of unknown unknowns, but there are still ways to get some certainty over returns as the world changes how it generates and distributes energy.
IPO market may be ‘dead’, but PE purveyors quietly making moves to build up runway
A confluence of challenges for small caps and technology stocks has led to a dearth of companies developing into IPO candidates in the last 18 months, but that hasn’t stopped private equity teams from working hard to build up their assets.
Why Invesco thinks now is the time for senior secured loans
There’s still ample opportunity for loans generate higher than historical average returns, with Invesco expecting outperformance over the next 6-12 months. And with a recession potentially on the horizon they come with downside protection included.
Generation Life gets flexible on annuity product after adviser consultation
While the need for retirement income solutions is great enough to be mandated in some corners, the local annuity market remains a tough nut to crack. So Generation Life has reached out to advisers and a host of others for input into its product offerings.
Investment bonds easing financial stress for tax-savvy consumers
There may be some caveats, but investment bonds can serve as a tax efficient investment vehicle. This is especially so when planning for life events like schooling, inheritances or property purchases.
The ‘thrill of the chase’ in the small cap space
Small caps are coming back from a tough year, while opportunities abound in the IPO market and founder-led businesses according to Ausbil small and microcap portfolio manager Arden Jennings.
Advice review outcome a boon for consumers, not just advisers: SMSF Association
A principled approach to advice regulation is clearly the way forward for advisers, Neil Sparks says. But what’s missing in the discussion is how beneficial the Quality of Advice Review output will also be for consumers.
‘Too big an issue’: Levy questions whether super funds can handle advice expansion role
If super funds can’t implement the retirement income covenant’s mandate to provide retirement guidance, the review lead pointed out, how are they going to handle the responsibility of saving financial advice?
Investors turning to private investment as companies shy away from listing
At this point companies have so many avenues to raise capital that listing in only one of several options. As a result companies are staying private for longer, and direct investors are taking notice.
Inflation range in view, but is it close enough to stop further rate hikes?
The rate hiking cycle may be reaching its zenith, with inflation showing signs of a plateau. The next few months will be pivotal, Neuberger Berman says, which means accounting for two-way risk is crucial.
Jones grilled by Queensland advisers on QAR and skyrocketing advice levy
The minister was peppered with questions about phases 1 and 2 of the the government’s advice review response, as well as specialist accreditation and data access during a series of events in the sunshine state.
Despite the elephants slowing, two global equity sectors look set to prosper: Bell AM
Plenty of significant investment opportunities exist in the market according to Bell Asset Management’s Ned Bell and John Malloy from Redwheel, but investors need to look beyond large caps and developed markets to find them.
Start clients on values early to avoid ‘biggest fear’ upon wealth transfer
Praemium’s Matt van Dijk sat down with Brisbane adviser Francis Rigby to talk about the most commonly unmet advice need in the country. Talk about values with your clients, Rigby said, and the rest will follow.
Epsilon doubles up on private lending with new senior loan fund
Two years after the launch of its inaugural direct lending fund, Epsilon have forged a partnership with a prominent multi-office family to debut a new low correlation private credit fund.
High tax-payers set to gain max benefit from investment bonds: Foresters
For the right investor, investment bonds can provide a seriously beneficial after-tax return according to Foresters Financial chief executive Emma Sakellaris.
HMC capitalises on public/private hybrid approach to equity investment
David Di Pilla’s listed property group is shaking things up with a fund that combines the best features of private and public investing to create a pro-active management style equity fund.
No easing in cycle yet as ‘confusing’ RBA changes tack: Sage
In a recent market update Sage lamented the RBA’s recent decision to re-engage interest rake hikes after pausing only a month earlier. Policy outcomes have become confusing, the fund manager noted, with the path to a soft landing becoming even narrower.
Active management outperformance rarely lasts: US study
While active management can provide pockets of outperformance both here and globally, research from S&P Global suggests maintaining above-benchmark returns is difficult to maintain.
Private lending gains public approval as credit conditions tighten and banks lose favour
Private lending is going mainstream as soaring inflation forces mid-market businesses to consider more flexible funding options than the traditional incumbent sources.
Everybody’s calling a bigger correction – so where is it?
Money might not be free anymore but there’s still plenty of it sloshing around in markets and the economy. When it runs out, the resulting upheaval (and higher inflation) could herald the return of active management.
More modes of advice being sought by HNWs as validators come to the fore: Praemium
Investment platform provider Praemium explains that while there is an “increasingly positive” attitude towards financial advice, the needs of HNW investors are taking on a whole new identity.
A rocky net zero pathway: Amundi
Taking a long-term view of disruptive trends, and their implications on long-term asset class forecasts and strategic allocation, Amundi shares its updated annual capital market assumptions publication.
SQM dives into equities ratings game with new five star model
The company has expanded its managed fund and property research offering to include an ASX top 200 listed companies ratings service for the Australian financial advice community.
Sequoia links up with SQM Research for ratings partnership
Sydney-based advice and technology group Sequoia Financial Group has forged a strategic partnership with ratings agency SQM Research in a high-profile vote of confidence for the provider.
Mason Stevens’ platform rating surges amid IPO chatter
The firm, which provides investment platform services on top of specialist investment support functions, is making ground on both the new guard and the incumbents by focusing on managed account enablement and product flexibility.
Long-term returns data compelling, but systemic approach to small caps required
Small cap investing has considerable upside, which the long-term returns data shows. But many small caps are less than quality grade, and the managers picking them can be rife with bias.
Company quality is no absolute: Loomis Sayles
Valuing companies and their potential for growth is a slippery, convoluted process. Quality is a key metric, according to Loomis Sayles, but other factors play an equal role.
Cyber security now the number 1 ESG concern across ASX companies: Perennial
While greenhouse emissions and diversity remain key issues, the spate of cyber breaches seen in 2022 has made cyber security the number one ESG issue.
Battle for market share rages as world’s largest provider slashes core ETF fees
BlackRock sent a shiver through the domestic ETF market, which has tripled in the last four years to around $25 billion, slashing prices for two if its core products.
The quest to move from a linear model to a ‘circular economy’
The continuation of an economic world built on linear consumption, LGT Crestone’s Rachel Etherington says, will further burgeoning social and economic issues that threaten to destabilize the global system.
Gold as currency hedging
Investors considering gold sometimes wonder about currency hedging. As gold trades in US dollars, Australians who buy it make a twofold bet.
Overcoming misconceptions key to generational success at Castlerock
Few regional towns are primed for growth, but judicious research and a key partnership with a government agency is seeing Castlerock make the most out of property.
Sage Capital and Martin Currie take gongs at alternatives awards night
The two fundies were among the major winners at the Australian Alternative Hedge Fund Awards in Sydney on Thursday night, with the event celebrating its 18th year in marking the best alternative managers in the country.
Transparency, action central to building ‘consumer love’
Despite a backdrop of weaker returns and uncertainty, Australian Ethical has continued to grow via great engagement and ‘consumer love’.
Progress, flexibility key to ESG impact: Australian Ethical
Many are seeking to oversimplify ESG, which is an inherently complex part of investing, while others are overcomplicating what is really a simple consideration.
‘If we have to, we’ll drive the bus’: Putting money to work in the dislocation
HMC Capital sees “fantastic opportunities” in current market dislocation.
Don’t fear the headlines, residential property remains resilient
It’s easy to get a negative view on property if you only look at the headlines and ignore the data.
Maroney leaves large footprint on SMSF sector
The CEO of the SMSF Association, John Maroney, will step down after the 2023 National Conference in Melbourne after nearly six years in the position.
Advisers urged to tread carefully with ‘wholesale investor’ status
Specialist self-managed super fund advisers need to tread cautiously before giving a client “wholesale investor” status.
Advice complaints trend remains positive
The fact that just 281 complaints were lodged about ‘failure to act in client’s best interests’ and 241 for the providing “inappropriate advice’, shows the legislative changes may well be having a positive impact on the industry.
Australian Ethical, Christian Super merger official
Australia’s leading ethical investment manager, Australian Ethical, is set to grow its already significant $6.2 billion in assets under management after formalising a partnership with Christian Super.
Rethinking fixed income after the year from hell
With both equity and traditional fixed-income investments having exhibited significantly more volatility than most expected, and unfortunately at the same time, understanding and redefining what constitutes a defensive asset is central to managing portfolios in the “new normal” of higher inflation and interest rates.
As lockdowns end, China, Asia opportunities emerge
News that two major Chinese cities are finally emerging from their COVID-19 lockdown slumber has once again highlighted the huge opportunity set available in Asia.
Regulator flags drop in Supervisory Levy
After five years of compounding compliance and regulatory requirements combined with higher costs in every part of their business there are a number of potentially positive catalysts on the horizon.
Franklin Templeton expands alternatives, credit capabilities
Franklin Resources, the parent company of Franklin Templeton, a global asset manager with over US$1.5 trillion ($2 trillion) in assets under management, has bought private debt manager Alcentra from BNY Mellon.
Infrastructure is ‘not just a bond proxy’
There is a common belief among the investment community that infrastructure and other real assets are little more than a “bond proxy”.
Market neutral strategies come to the fore amid volatility
Absolute return or ‘market neutral’ equity strategies as they are widely known, may well be one of the most difficult approaches to understand for many advisers, but also to manage successfully over the long-term for portfolio managers.
Clime buys MTIS Wealth to accelerate growth
John Abernethy’s listed funds management firm, Clime Investment Management (CIW) purchased its second wealth management firm, Melbourne’s MTIS Wealth Management for $7 million last week.
Policy important, but consumer preference key to sustainable returns
“We have seen a monumental shift in the way consumers act in recent years” explained Emilie O’Neill of Perennial Better Future
Innovative approaches open real assets to the masses
The United Nations has described the managers of global real estate assets as ‘one of the most important decision-making groups on Earth’.
Private credit flourishes as major banks recede
Private credit has been gathering pace both globally and in Australia, growing rapidly as businesses start to recognise the unique benefits of private lending and the opportunity that changing conditions in the banking sector provides.
Ombudsman seeks to simplify complaint treatment
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority, the external dispute resolution group of which all financial advisers must be members, this week announced significant changes to their assessment process of new complaints.
Australia’s ‘great arsenal of commodities’ set to boost AUD
Ruffer LLP’s single strategy approach, which is a multi-asset class, diversified fund seeking to deliver consistent returns and limit drawdowns in every market cycle is increasingly rare in an environment dominated by thematics.
Investing through inflation and growth uncertainty
In their latest quarter fixed income outlook, titled ‘Investing Through Inflation and Growth Uncertainty’ global asset manager Neuberger Berman has flagged somewhat of a non-consensus view on the outlook for inflation, growth and fixed income assets.
Value renaissance set to continue
The move away from so-called ‘growth stocks’ which began in Q3 2020 is set to continue, with the winter for ‘value investing’ set to thaw according to Colin Graham of Robeco’s Muti-Asset team.
Private capital flows driving renewable transition
Government policy continues to lag private markets when it comes to the energy transition, with Federation Asset Management’s latest deal to buy two battery assets a sign of the things to come.
Funding model, wholesale test lead FPA’s election platform
The Financial Planning Association (FPA) has outlined its policy platform, or target areas for the next Federal Government.
How late-stage VC provides ‘air cover’ through market cycles
Demand for venture capital (VC) has soared in recent years amidst expectations for more muted public-market returns. Late-stage VC sits between VC and traditional private equity (PE), and is focused on backing the rapidly growing segment of already-successful companies with established market share, and typically exhibiting $50 million or more in revenue. “The number of […]
Going against “the nirvana people are expecting”
“If you ask 100 engineers how much steel and concrete are required to build a bridge, and 99 engineers say x amount of steel and y amount of concrete, and one engineer – just one – says half of x and half of y, I think there’s probably more chance of falling pregnant via wind […]
SMSF Association seeks to improve delayed APRA fund rollovers
Any current financial adviser understands the challenge attempting to roll-over a member’s balance from an industry or APRA-regulated fund into an SMSF. With every different fund having a different form to complete, and in some cases these requests requiring the client to contact the fund directly, what should be a simple process can extend into […]
Ethical investing isn’t just another theme
The growing popularity of ESG-themed strategies by fund managers is no doubt a positive for the globe, but the “proliferation of product” is muddying the waters of sustainability and green-themed investments. This was the core message delivered by Australian Ethical’s head of domestic equities, Mike Murray, when presenting at The Inside Network’s Equities and Growth […]
Contrarian investing in the age of foolishness
Markets are poised for more damage after a remarkable bull run, and Orbis Australia believes now is the time when contrarianism will prove its worth. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness,” famously wrote Charles Dickens in “A […]
What’s the biggest benefit of late-stage VC?
“(The biggest benefit) of late stage venture capital is the uncorrelated nature of the asset class,” said Kevin Moss, president and portfolio manager at late stage venture capital manager Liberty Street Advisors (LSA). “Everybody’s looking for the capital gains of course, but this really differentiates the asset class… And history will tell you that periods […]
Property investors facing the climate risk head on
Floods, fires, landslides, earthquakes. It doesn’t matter where you are in the world, the impacts of climate change are becoming more pronounced, with many still struggling to understand the implications they have for various asset classes. Long the stalwart of institutional portfolios, commercial properties are among the oldest asset classes in the world, having been […]
Australian Ethical-backed “impact” investor leads green investment
Sentient Investment Group, spun-out of Impact Investment Group this week, and backed by leading Australian responsible investment firm Australian Ethical, is making major investments in the fast-growing renewable and green energy sectors. Overseen by former NAB CEO Andrew Thorburn and run by Oliver Yates, the group manages a diversified renewable energy strategy and has recently […]
Finfluencers warned on the blurred line of financial advice
The financial services industry has not been immune from the socialisation and digitisation trend, with finfluencers now among the most powerful voices in the sector. The idea of a finfluencer is simple, springing from the “Instagram influencer” title that many younger people have sought to achieve, but simply with a financial twist. Spurred by the […]
China fund launches amid surge in Hang Seng
MA Financial, previously known as Moelis, has announced the expansion of its investment suite, pivoting its asset management business into the Chinese market. Named the MA Financial China Fund, the strategy will invest into a portfolio of 70 high-quality Chinese companies and be managed by onshore manager ChinaAMC. ChinaAMC is one the country’s largest asset […]
Consolidation continues as WT buys Synchron
The financial advisory market is set to have a new leader when measured by financial adviser headcount, with WT Financial Group’s decision to acquire licensee company Synchron set to create the “largest non-institutionally-owned financial adviser network”. Completion of the deal, which an announcement to the ASX indicated was for consideration of up to $7.96 million, […]
Quality of advice terms confirmed, appoints Levy as Chair
Year after year of growing compliance requirements placed on the financial advice sector likely came to a crescendo with the Financial Services Royal Commission. The introduction of FASEA, additional education requirements and Code of Ethics whilst on their own were a positive step towards professionalisation. However, they added another burden to an industry that most […]
Non-ESG funds continue to dominate flows
Calastone’s latest Global Fund Flow Index, which tracks more than 500,000 buy and sell orders every month across platforms and managed funds, recently highlighted the challenge facing ESG-focused strategies. Despite seeing record inflows into ESG-focused funds in 2021, quadrupling the levels of 2021 to $3.0 billion, the data highlights that this remains only a small […]
Abolish safe harbour, increase wholesale to $5m should be priorities
The Financial Services Council, which represents more than 100 member companies and is the peak body for the corporate financial services sector this week delivered what they believe are the priorities for the next Parliament: whether that be the Coalition or Labor. After delivering one of the more powerful reports in recent years, they are […]
Exploiting inefficiencies in listed private equity
As expectations for public market returns sour, much attention is being focused on the yield to be found in private equity. It’s still fairly inaccessible for the average investor. But investing in listed private equity – the managers themselves – can provide private equity returns with public market liquidity. To Barwon Investment Partners, private equity […]
‘One size does not fit all’ in trend following
Managed futures and trend following strategies became highly popular following the Global Financial Crisis, with skilled manager able to harness the extreme levels of volatility to deliver strong returns. The idea is simple, buy assets that are going up, short assets that are going down. But the decade since has been an incredibly difficult period […]
‘Shocking and frightening’ invasion of Ukraine uncovers long-term opportunity
Leading Australian ethical and sustainable fund manager Australian Ethical this week offered its views on the fast-developing crisis in Ukraine. “The invasion of Ukraine is a shocking and frightening event, and we can only stand with solidarity and in awe of the resilience and determination of the people of Ukraine,” said the investment team, while […]
This is not time to buy the dip: Amundi
Multi-trillion-dollar global asset manager Amundi this week released a timely commentary to assist investors to navigate the challenging market environment. In this type of uncertainty, it pays to gain exposure to as many different views as possible, with the France-based Amundi offering a unique, on-the-ground, European insight. “The worst-case scenario of a Russian attack on […]
What do I do when nearly everything is down?
Just a few short months ago, we were asking the question “are equities too expensive?” The threat of rate hikes then switched the rhetoric to “why aren’t bond yields higher?” But now investors face an even more challenging question, according to Kerry Craig, global market strategist at JP Morgan Asset Management: “what do I do […]
Will employment levels fall as borders reopen?
The reopening of borders to international travellers in February was naturally cheered as a return to some level of “normality.” Tourism and hospitality operators who were able to hold on now stand to benefit from both a surge in customers by also the potential to attract new staff. Australia has been more reliant than most […]
Property – the new frontier of thematic investing
Thematic investing has been among the most powerful and popular trends in the last several decades. The idea of identifying the next Apple or Amazon is one of the main reasons many people get into investing, and likely the biggest creator of wealth in recent history. The last few months have reiterated that investing solely […]
‘Crisis alpha’ becoming more valuable than ever
There is little doubt that advisers and asset allocators around the world have been rapidly researching which investments have performed best in periods of elevated inflation. Among the most common responses are traditional “macro” hedge funds and “trend-following,” or managed futures strategies. The latter seemingly performed well during both the dotcom crash and the global […]
Bell launches sustainable equity strategy
Melbourne-based global equity manager, Bell Asset Management, best known for its small and mid-cap equity strategies, has a launched a new ‘sustainable’ equity strategy. The Bell Global Sustainable Fund will add to the firm’s growing suite of products and offer another option for diversification, as a number of leading equity managers continue to underperform. With […]
Global X ETFs are coming to town
The power of passive investing has been on show during the pandemic. Combined with the ease of implementation and a flood of new investors entering the market, the exchange-traded fund (ETF) sector has been growing at 40 per cent a year. Such has been the success that the Australian market reached $113 billion in June […]
Adviser complaints continue to fall
It was a busy week for the now three-year-old Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). Among the most important institutions in the financial advisery sector, the external dispute resolution body deals with complaints against most parts of the financial and investment sectors in Australia. A pre-determined review of the operations of the group found that it […]
Following the money key to investing for a better world
“Following the money” was the resounding theme during the first, exclusive session of Australian Ethical and The Inside Network’s inaugural ‘Investing for a better world’ Masterclass. Set over the three separate sessions across three weeks in the lead-up to Christmas, the Masterclass has been adeptly structured to bring together industry experts spanning the financial, investment […]
Following the smart money to guide portfolios
“Follow the money” is among the most popular sayings in markets, with the regular Bank of America Fund Manager Survey one of the few insights available into how some US$1 trillion ($1.4 trillion) is being allocated. As is the case in the age of social media, click bait and meme stocks, those with the loudest […]
ESG integration is like ‘putting sugar in your tea
ESG may well be the most commonly used term in financial markets today, replacing growth, or quality in pitchbooks the world over. However, growth in regulatory pressure and concerns of ‘greenwashing’ have seen some experts calling for the end of the term ‘ESG integrated’ when it comes to defining investment funds. Global asset manager Robeco […]
Rethink or restructure – plotting the future of fixed income
According to research the Australian bond market is in the midst of its worst year of returns since 1994, currently sitting on a capital loss of 3.1 per cent. Headlines harking back to the ‘great bond massacre’ which occurred some 25 years ago continue to grow, which according to EPFR has seen some $890 million […]
The Principals’ Community forges its own path
Kon Costas this week announced the launch of The Principals’ Community, a new business set up to service industry leading self-licensed financial advisers. The business will continue to deliver practice management, networking and business supports following its exit from BT Financial Group. According to a media release, the community has evolved from what was formerly […]
Invesco Inclusive: Fear Factor
Despite being quite simple in its definition, inconsistent reporting, differing approaches and the dominance of market-cap-weighted funds has meant that factor investing remains among the most misunderstood of investment concepts. Broadly defined, factor investing involves tailoring your investment approach such that it targets the characteristics of companies that have been shown to persistently deliver better […]
Private lender sees “significant pent-up demand”
Revolution Asset Management, one of Australia’s leading providers of financing to non-bank lenders and corporates, recently highlighted the strong health of Australia’s corporate sector in a portfolio update. The group continues to move from strength to strength just a few years since founding, with the latest Private Debt Fund having deployed $700 million of $1.1 […]
Advisers, open your eyes before clients demand it
Since its founding 35 years ago, Australian Ethical has been at the forefront of responsible investing. The firm was an ESG investor before ESG became the buzzword it is today. In 2020, AE’s experience and approach came to the fore, with assets under management doubling on the back of strong investment performance and positive impacts. […]
Industry super switching amid pandemic under review
The regulatory focus has once again returned to the industry or union superannuation fund sector in recent weeks. The Australian Securities and Investment Commission disclosed that they had been investigating the investment decisions of super fund executives at as many of 23 funds amid the pandemic. The incredibly uncertain times that occurred in March 2020 […]
Associations called on to fill FSCP review body
After an incredibly busy few months for the financial advice industry, the regulatory structure and single disciplinary body is beginning to take shape. The passing of the Better Advice Bill finally disbanded the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA), passing the torch to ASIC’s Financial Services and Credit Panel. The FSCP will be tasked […]
Infrastructure launch as private deals accelerate
Infrastructure remains among the hottest topics in investment banking and equity circles in 2021. Three blockbuster deals involving AusNet (ASX: AST), Sydney Airport (ASX: SYD) and Spark Infrastructure (ASX: SKI) have once again evidenced that demand from massive private investors like AustralianSuper and the Future Fund isn’t going anywhere. Industry insiders are suggesting the deals […]
Lonsec upgrades global credit strategy
The US$4331 billion ($593 billion) global manager Neuberger Berman recently saw its diversified fixed income fund upgraded by Lonsec. Widely known for its $9052 million listed investment trust, the NB Global Corporate Income Trust (ASX:NBI), the group’s unlisted vehicle has seen strong demand from the advice industry. The Neuberger Berman Strategic Income Fund, which is […]
Australian Ethical broadens mandate
Australian Ethical, one of the leaders in ethical superannuation and investments both domestically and around the world this week flagged a change to their ‘Advocacy’ fund. Launched in 2010, the purpose of the Advocacy Fund was to invest into a diverse portfolio of Australian and overseas listed companies that met the requirements of the Australian […]
Better Advice Bill changes enter consultation
Exposure draft legislation for the long-awaited Better Advice Bill was released this week, with advisers gaining greater certainty into the future of the industry. The legislation marks the end of the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority, or FASEA, with ASIC itself set to take over from 1 January 2022 when the law is expected […]
Ox Capital launch emerging markets fund
Ox Capital has officially launched its ‘Dynamic Emerging Markets Fund’ in September 2021. In association with Challenger-owned Fidante Partners, Dr Joseph Lai, who until recently managed the Platinum Asia Fund, and Doug Huey will combine to lead this specialist strategy. The team has grown quickly to five staff since being founded, with Kate Goodwin and […]
SMSFA partners with Deakin and Kaplan
Deakin University, the largest provider of postgraduate qualifications to the financial planning sector this week announced a partnership with the SMSF Association. Along with Kaplan Professional, Deakin will allow students in their Master of Financial Planning degrees to complete SMSF Association accredited requirements. The course will include a unit that meets the educational requirement to […]
Janus Henderson launches sustainable equity ETF
Global asset manager Janus Henderson (ASX:JHG) this week announced the launch of its three-decades-old sustainable equity strategy. With about $569 billion in assets under management, the group is among the global leaders in fixed income and equity markets. The Janus Henderson Global Sustainable Equity Strategy, which currently has $4.9 billion in assets under management, will […]
An opportunity for fixed income, not a threat
We are “talking about talking about tapering,” said U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell earlier this year, as a strong economic recovery increased the risk of an inflation spike. Tapering refers to slowing the pace of the circa $120 billion of bonds that the Fed purchases each month, $80 billion of which are U.S. Treasury […]
Back to basics for Morgan Stanley Investment Management
Morgan Stanley Investment Management has reiterated its focus on investing in those seeking out those companies that are delivering high and sustainable returns on operating capital. In their recent ‘Global Equity Observer’ update, William Lock Head of International Equity, reiterated the power of compounding returns and the characteristics his team continue to covet. Every professional […]
Pinnacle acquires Winston Capital Partners
Pinnacle Investment Management (Pinnacle) a multi-affiliate investment management firm with over $89 billion in assets under management has acquired Winston Capital Partners for an undisclosed sum. Winston Capital Partners was founded by Stephen Robertson and Andrew Fairweather who had been working alongside Pinnacle for several years in the distribution of the Coolabah Capital suite of […]
Perennial Private to Public fund raises $200m
Perennial Value Management, long known only for its value stock-picking prowess, this week closed the third iteration of the Private to Public Opportunities Fund. The raising was fully subscribed, hitting the $200 million cap that was put in place to ensure maximum flexibility for the portfolio managers, including Ryan Sohn. The fund is a unique […]
First Sentier commits to a gender target for investment teams
The Financial Services Council (FSC) has introduced its Women in Investment Management Charter (WIM Charter). The purpose of the WIM Charter is to help improve gender balance in investment management, through the introduction of additional accountability and transparency mechanisms to enable organisations to achieve their desired, self-nominated, gender diversity target. As part of its commitment, First […]
Claremont expands high-conviction equity offering
Claremont Global founder Bob Desmond may well have one of the most interesting CVs among Australia’s leading portfolio managers. Born in Zimbabwe, he cut his teeth in investment markets in both Africa and the UK before settling in Australia and building what is now a $1 billion global equity business. Formerly the Evans and Partners […]
Franklin Templeton opens global small caps to Australian investors
Despite being among the top performing asset classes over the last 12 months, and longer term for that matter, the ability for financial advisers to access the global smaller companies’ sector has been limited at best. The options are, however, beginning to improve, with the launch of New York-based Royce Investment Partners by Franklin Templeton, […]
CSLR, adviser levy the latest hit to advice industry
Another week, another gut punch for the financial advice industry. With the exodus of financial advisers from the industry showing no signs of slowing, the flagging of further increased in the cost of doing business were no doubt an unwelcome surprise. The fallout from the Royal Commission continues to hit the small and medium business […]
Successful growth investing demands clear focus
How difficult is it to be a successful growth manager in today’s turbulent markets? Let’s hear from Francyne Mu, a portfolio manager of the Franklin Global Growth Fund. Growth stocks have driven global equity markets higher over the past few years, but greater volatility in early 2021 may suggest that growth investors face a more challenging […]
Spotting an authentic sustainable investment product
In recent years there has been a large increase in the number of ESG-related investment products on the market, fuelled by increasing demand from consumers who are more aware of where they are investing their money. According to the Responsible Investment Association of Australia (RIAA), about 60% of Australia’s $3 billion-plus investment management market is […]
Central to the problem, but key to the solution on climate
It is clear that ESG is more than a buzzword; ESG considerations are influencing more investment decisions by the day, but many are naturally questioning what impact they are actually having. Real estate and other real assets have naturally been a focus of both the US government and European Union’s fiscal stimulus policies in response […]
Mirae bulks up to drive Australian expansion
Mirae Asset Global Investments, a global investment manager with over $280 billion in assets under management, has announced the appointment of Kris Walesby as the CEO for its Australian operations. In addition to Walesby’s appointment, Oliver Reynolds also joins Mirae Asset Global Investments as the COO for the region. Both these senior appointments are seen […]
Financial advisers driving ETF adoption
BetaShares and Investment Trends released their latest ETF Report, a quantitative study of the financial advice industry based on the responses of around 800 advisers. Whilst representing only a small portion of the industry, the results of the survey were enlightening. According to the survey, as many as 75% of the advisers that responded are […]
‘Consensus is the opportunity’ in global small caps
‘Consensus is dumb’. These were the closing comments of leading global small and mid-cap (SMID) equity manager Ned Bell at the recent Inside Network Equities and Growth Assets Symposium. Presenting on the topic ‘Size Matters’, Ned Bell, Chief Investment Officer, explained to Australia’s leading financial advisers why the opportunity set in the SMID universe had […]
Staving of ‘inflacency’ and what it means for markets
Markets were caught off-guard this week by news that the Federal Reserve had become more hawkish than expected. The issue that gained all the headlines was the fact that Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) members now expected interest rates to increase twice before the end of 2023; a year early than expected. Further, 13 of […]
Epsilon Direct Lending Fund launch great news for Aussie middle market companies
Specialist Australian middle market private credit manager, Epsilon Direct Lending, this week confirmed the successful launch of their first fund after securing foundation investors. As highlighted in our earlier article, published in February here, the private credit market has seen massive growth in recent years as the major banks withdraw capital from the sector. This […]
Parametric highlights key trends emerging as the YFYS legislation nears
Global investment manager Parametric (part of the Morgan Stanley group of companies), which advise on over $378 billion in assets, this week highlighted key issues with the impending Your Future Your Super (YFYS) legislation. Among its views was the need for many funds, but particularly those with weaker recent performance, to “focus on the basics” […]
“Nothing to see here” as inflation consensus builds
Inflation has dominated the headlines in May, with one higher-than-anticipated print in the US triggering a broad consensus that the Federal Reserve is wrong, and will be forced to act far quicker than expected. Yet as with most economic “consensus,” it’s important to look beyond the headlines. This is what respected government bond manager Jamieson […]
‘You can’t just ride the trend’
The “green” future is covered in dirt. As the proposed shift toward carbon targets and decarbonisation continues apace, it is increasingly clear that the shift will rely heavily on old-fashioned commodities. These range from the well-known metals, including lithium and copper, to the lesser lights in nickel and manganese. Presenting on the topic ‘Eyes on […]
Flexible duration strategies pacing fixed income flows
Fixed income allocations have experienced a difficult 12 months, with both performance and sentiment turning against the sector. The threat of higher interest rates has seen volatility in Government bond markets reach levels not seen in decades. With many experts now suggesting that the duration “tailwind” is over, being the capital gains offered by bonds […]
Australian Ethical wins Responsible Manager of the Year
Money Management held its fund manager of the year awards last week. Presented by TV personality Andrew Daddo, the awards recognise stellar fund manager performance at a time when markets underwent bouts of extreme volatility. There were numerous awards in various categories, but ultimately the Fund Manager of the Year Award for 2021 was taken […]
Lessons from over a decade investing in Asia
“It’s like drinking from a firehose.” That’s the way Qiao Ma describes the experience of meeting with some of China’s, and Asia’s for that matter, emerging group of company leaders. Speaking at The Inside Network’s Equities & Growth Assets Symposium, Qiao was challenged to deliver unique insights from her extensive experience pounding the pavement in […]
Allianz Retire+ flags defensive alternatives as solution to cash conundrum
The cash conundrum facing retirees is well-known and broadly appreciated, yet little is being done to address it. With global governments forced to flood the economy with cheap cash to avoid a depression, the result has been the transfer of wealth from savers, who receive a pittance on their low-risk investors, and borrowers, who are […]
Infrastructure and utilities remain attractive, renewable valuations ‘stretched’
Infrastructure assets, which range from utilities such as electricity generation, to assets that facilitate the movement of the population, such as airports and toll roads, faced a near “perfect storm” in 2020. Historically billed as a less volatile alternative than direct equities, few infrastructure investors, or anyone for that matter, saw the pandemic and associated […]
The names may change, but green heritage shines through
Stewart Investors is among the world’s leading ESG or responsible investment firms, yet a series of name and ownership changes have somewhat hidden this specialist investment firm. Originally part of the Colonial First State Global Asset Management (CFSGAM) stable, Stewart is now owned by First Sentier Investors, which itself is a subsidiary of Japanese investment […]
Global manager turns to proxies to influence change
US$429 billion* multi-asset manager Neuberger Berman is ramping up pressure on both sides of capital markets with its NB Votes campaign. The group, which was founded eight decades ago, is adopting a more transparent and potentially powerful approach to ‘engagement’ with the companies in which they invest client’s money. In a recent paper prepared by […]
Investors demanding climate focused investments
Australia’s longest standing responsible investment firm, Australian Ethical, recently combined with research house, Investment Trends, to survey investors on their ESG views. The survey covered 2,854 investors and 321 financial advisers, all of whom are based in Australia. Despite the growing popularity of ESG strategies and headlines being dominated by “green-focused” policies in the US […]
Rest Super partners with Eaton Vance managers for ESG integration
Retail Employee Superannuation Trust (Rest), one of Australia’s largest super funds, with over $60 billion in assets and more than two million members, has appointed Parametric and Calvert Research and Management (Calvert), to manage the equities allocation across the newly launched Rest Sustainable Growth Option. The Rest Sustainable Growth Option is a diversified portfolio with enhanced […]
REITs may be the solution to inflation concerns says Resolution
There is a common perception in capital markets that real estate prices are most heavily influenced by interest rate movements. Proponents suggest that an increasing cost of capital and loans will ultimately result in different types of property losing its value. Not so, says Resolution Capital’s CIO, Andrew Parsons. In fact, he suggests that investors […]
Perennial goes long on ESG
Specialist equity manager Perennial Value Management last week announced the launch of a dedicated investment unit or ’boutique’ within their growing stable of high performing strategies. The group launched Perennial Better Future, a new business that will focus solely on developing and managing the group’s ESG strategies. The group, which managed the Better Future Trust, […]
Credit set to spur the economic recovery
This week, The Inside Network held its inaugural Credit Masterclass event, a deep dive into the intricacies and characteristics of the fast-growing domestic and global credit market. During the day-long session, leading advisers and asset consultants covered every aspect of the credit and less traditional fixed-income sector in detail, ranging from its role and diversification […]
Inflation still the ‘wild card’ according to Eaton Vance
After a quick scare in February, which delivered the worst month on record for Australian bond markets and a rare loss for the ‘low-risk’ asset class, markets have quickly normalised. Bond yields continue to retreat despite growing evidence that the global economic recovery is stepping up another gear. Despite this feeling of normality, and perhaps […]
Data the greatest challenge to ESG
The Inside Network’s inaugural ESG Masterclass welcomed leading financial advisers and subject matter experts across the responsible and ESG investment spectrum to discuss the biggest issues facing investors. With delegates encouraged to have input throughout the discussion, the unique format offered an opportunity to gain a ‘temperature check’ on the issues that are most important […]
‘Need to search beyond the index’ for clean energy opportunities
The United States’ re-signing of the Paris Climate Agreement under President Biden, combined with a strengthening commitment on carbon emission targets from China, “sets the stage for a globally coordinated move away from fossil fuels.” That’s the expectation according to Ganesh Suntharam, chief investment officer of Redpoint Investment Management. Putting the ESG trend to the […]
Freehold and Alceon merging businesses, positioned for growth
Alceon Group, led by respected industry veteran Trevor Loewensohn, announced this week that it is formally combining its business with Freehold Investment Management. The consolidation comes after Alceon acquired a 40 per cent stake in Freehold around 18 months ago. Established in 2010, Alceon Group has invested over $4 billion in capital for its diverse […]
Managed account boom reflects diverse industry
The 12th edition of the Managed Accounts Report, a joint effort between State Street Global Advisers and Investment Trends, was released this week, with the results offering powerful insights into a fast-evolving financial planning industry. The diverse, but high-growth, sector spans everything from separately managed accounts, to individually managed and managed discretionary accounts, which according to the Institute […]
Eleven new super funds gain AAA ratings from Rainmaker
As the industry fund sector embarks on what will be a busy and decade shaping year, Rainmaker’s recent release of its latest batch of AAA-rated super funds couldn’t be more timely. The research house seeks to assess the quality of 692 products issued by 178 superannuation funds, including both industry or so-called “not for profits” […]
‘Rational bubble’, but crypto acceptance increasing
Europe’s largest asset manager, with EUR$1.4 trillion ($2.2 trillion) in investor funds, Amundi Asset Management, recently weighed into the cryptocurrency phenomenon, releasing a ‘Blue Paper’ on the topic. It offers a unique insight from a traditional fund manager on what is a clearly non-traditional asset class. From the outset the authors, deputy CIO Vincent Mortier […]
Bonds ‘oversold’ following the worst month on record
Recently crowned with the Fixed Interest Manager of the Year award by Morningstar, its third such win in four years, Western Asset Management is on the front food when it comes to global government bond markets. The conditions, despite heightened volatility, offer a rare opportunity for active management. According to Anthony Francis, investment dealer at […]
Buffett pushes back on ESG proxy pressure
The US$500 billion ($649 billion) investment conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A) is the latest group to come under pressure for its climate change and diversity disclosures. Its response and the growing pressure offers a unique insight into the increasingly complex web that is ESG investing, and how these issues are best applied by both companies […]
Tech stocks now defensive, growth stocks becomes value
Stylistic investing, or the concept of separating companies into arbitrary buckets due to their perceived growth, value or defensive characteristics, tends to dominate discussions these days. Fundamental research and the many rules of thumb applied by investors were founded in a very different world, where “cigar butt” companies (so named by Warren Buffett, who likened […]
Why one manager is bullish on a dividend boom
Are investors looking at a dividend bonanza in 2021? According to Dr Don Hamson, portfolio manager of the Plato Australian Shares Income strategy, the drought may be coming to an end. According to the one of the leading active income investors in the country, investors in the S&P/ASX 200 index are looking at an improved […]
Proactive investing key in emerging markets says Eaton Vance
Emerging markets have been among the most popular targets for allocations from financial advisers in recent months. Whether it is the strength of the economic recovery in Asia, or the more attractive yields available on sovereign and corporate debt, Australian advisers are finally embracing the sector. One group with extensive experience is Eaton Vance, a […]
Top performing funds receive ratings upgrades
It was another busy week for Australia’s rating agencies, both on a corporate and operational level. On the one hand, Australia Ratings Group was acquired by Foresight Analytics, something we covered here. More topical though, was the upgrade of a number of popular, high-performing funds in 2020 and 2021. The Firetrail Australian Small Companies Fund […]
Is inflation all it’s cracked up to be?
According to experts, higher inflation would be the worst possible scenario for long-term or long-duration bond owners like Jamieson Coote, yet the team is welcoming the challenge, highlighting a number of issues that tend to be misunderstood by less experienced investors. Chief among these is the forgotten “carry and roll” strategy that has actually delivered […]
Advice regulator on the front foot to begin 2021
The financial services regulator ASIC has ramped-up its legislative activity in 2021, following a 2020 dominated by pandemic support and leniency. Commenting to media in recent weeks, ASIC’s deputy chair Karen Chester flagged recent proceedings lodged against industry funds Rest Super and Statewide Super as just the beginning. She flagged a “now-mature pipeline of non-Royal […]
Will credit remain immune from the rising rate environment?
Neuberger Berman, a US$405 billion ($527 billion*) global multi-asset manager, this week highlighted the opportunity arising in credit markets amid the bond and equity market selloff. Commenting on recent events that have seen the 10-year US Treasury bond begin 2021 at a yield of 1.0% and reach 1.6% in recent weeks, the firm’s chief investment […]
Challenger-backed Fidante’s busy year continues
Challenger Financial Group (ASX: CGF) and its suite of asset management businesses have started 2021 off the same way 2020 finished. As part of their half yearly accounts, the company flagged a partnership with $500 billion Japanese asset manager Nomura Asset Management as both seek global diversification. According to the deal, Nomura and Fidante will work […]
Private debt continues to offer attractive risk-adjusted returns
According to specialist asset ratings firm, Evergreen Ratings, run by Angela Ashton, who also operates the growing investment consultancy business, Evergreen Consulting, private debt markets continue to offer “one of the most attractive risk-adjusted return profiles” in the market. Commenting after the release of the latest research report, in which Global Credit Investments, or GCI’s, […]
Industry unites against ASIC levy increase
This week the nation’s financial advisers received news that their annual registration fees, or “adviser levies.” would increase by the equivalent of 160% over the next two years. According to the regulator’s announcement, the total cost per retail advice licence is now $1,500 plus an additional $2,426 per authorised representative under the licence. This means […]
What’s in a name?
News broke this week that one of Vanguard’s popular ESG or Environment, Social and Governance-focused strategies may not have been as true to label as one would expect. According to reports and the group’s website, the benchmark index tracked by the fund did not measure up to the name. Holding 4,500 individual fixed income securities, […]
Digital divide exacerbated income inequality during pandemic
According to US$3.3 trillion ($4.3 trillion) asset manager, Fidelity International, companies with strong ESG characteristics outperformed in 2020, and should be expected to continue delivering strong returns into the future. That said, significant work lies ahead as the global economy moves towards a more ‘sustainable’ footing with asset managers central to this process. “Engagement” has […]
Hub 24 voted best platform by advisers
The innovative wealth management platform is recognised as Australia’s Best Platform Overall by Investment Trends, and its managed portfolio solution recognised as the Best Platform Managed Accounts Functionality – a title the platform has held close to its chest for the last five years. The Investment Trends Competitive Analysis and Benchmarking report “measures platform functionality across a […]
Yarra Capital acquires Nikko AM’s Australian operation
This week Yarra Capital announced the acquisition of Nikko Asset Management’s Australian business, named Nikko AM, in a deal that will see the combined group hit A$20 billion in assets under management. The combined multi-asset manager will become one of the largest independently owned fixed income and equities managers in the country. This transaction, set […]
Channel Capital expands into the US in search for opportunities
Channel Capital this week announced its expansion into the massive US asset management market, partnering with respected industry leader, Des Mac Intyre, formerly CEO of the US$600 billion ($770 billion) Mellon Investments Corporation. Since its founding in 2013, Channel Capital has grown into a A$16 billion asset manager, incubating investment talent while providing important back-office, […]
Advice complaints remain low despite 2020 increase
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) was established in 1 November 2018, combining the Financial Ombudsman Service, Credit and Investments Ombudsman (CIO) and Superannuation Complains Tribunal (SCT) into a more efficient and well resourced group. Covering most aspects of the financial services industry, the data was naturally tilted towards complaints against the banking sector and […]
‘Now is the time for value’ – Martin Currie
According to Martin Currie chief investment officer Reece Birtles, the timing “could not be better for ‘value’ stocks.” This is a theme reiterated by the likes of Andrew Clifford of Platinum Asset Management this week, who described markets as being gripped with “speculative mania in high-growth stocks” in a world that has “gone crazy.” Birtles’ […]
Barwon Healthcare Fund ‘Recommended’ by Zenith
Barwon Investment Partners this week announced that their long-standing Healthcare Property Fund had received a ‘recommended’ rating from independent research house Zenith Investment Partners. The group, named after the Barwon River in Sydney and founded in 2006, has built a niche assisting wholesale and institutional investors and now manages over AU$1.5 billion in assets. The […]
Emerging market debt best positioned in decades
The search for diversification has forced financial advisers to look far and wide as they seek non-correlated opportunities to fortify client portfolios. Among the most popular asset class in recent months have been emerging market equities, primarily those focused on China and Asia. As is typically the case, equity markets get all the attention and […]
Revolution expands investment team to meet growing demand
Revolution Asset Management, a specialist private debt manager under the Channel Capital stable, has announced new appointments to its investment team to meet growing demand from institutional and wholesale clients. Lucie Bielczykova and Steve Sutinen will be joining the growing firm as assistant portfolio manager and portfolio manager respectively. Established in 2017, Revolution has grown […]
Three stocks that delivered for Sage Capital in December
Most fund managers would probably prefer smooth sailing in their first 18 months of operation, not a global pandemic and the most volatile period for equity markets in recent history. But Sean Fenton of Sage Capital, which is backed by the growing Channel Capital group, welcomed the volatility. The fund, which started in August 2019 […]
Evergreen launches portfolio stress-testing tool for advisers
Evergreen Consultants, founded by experienced consultant Angela Ashton, this week launched an industry leading stress testing program for financial advisers. It is said to be the first of its kind made available in the ‘retail market’ and is available to Evergreen clients via their proprietary GreenVUE reporting platform. The launch comes after the most volatile […]
Platinum looks within to replace top performing manager
The departure of top performing Asia Fund manager Joseph Lai before Christmas has forced contrarian value manager Platinum Asset Management into some leadership changes. The company announced to the ASX recently that Clay Smolinksi, who is currently the Portfolio Manager of the Platinum International and Unhedged Funds would be promoted to co-CIO with Andrew Clifford. […]
Green bonds enter mainstream amid pandemic
According to think-tank Climate Bonds Initiative, green bonds were created to fund projects that have positive environmental or climate-related benefits. They typically fall into the basket of “use of proceeds” bonds where the capital raised is earmarked for green projects, but remain secured by the issuer’s entire balance sheet. Calvert Research & Management, an Eaton […]
The stars are aligning for traditional ‘value’ stocks
Angela Ashton, founder and director of asset consultant Evergreen Consultants, suggests that TINA – or ‘There is No Alternative,’ to equities, that is – will be one of the driving themes of 2021 for investors. After outperforming the Chant West superannuation benchmarks, delivering a return of 4.93% from its balanced option for 2020, Evergreen now […]
Quoted funds powering Mainstream
Investment and superannuation service provider Mainstream Group (ASX: MAI) reported a 20 per cent yearly rise in funds under administration this week. The company, which has broadened its services from traditional administration including application forms and tax reporting, to complementary businesses lines like custody and superannuation, is riding a tailwind of structural growth. Founded in […]
BNY Mellon launches ‘Future’ thematic focus
BNY Mellon, one of the three oldest banks in the US, in partnership with its subsidiary Newton Investment Management, is launching a range of industry-leading global equity strategies. Aptly named the “Future” funds, they will seek to offer investors exposure to the tailwinds associated with climate change, the revolution in food production and importantly, the […]
Is it time to be dynamic?
Dynamic asset allocation (DAA) refers to the process of frequently and significantly adjusting the mix of asset classes in a given portfolio. It sits at the stark opposite end of the strategic asset allocation (SAA) approach implemented by most financial advisers and pension funds, which effectively relies on a set-and-forget allocation with some tinkering around […]
Q&A with Fabio Ferro
This week we had the pleasure of speaking with the exceptional Fabio Ferro, Director of Scala Private Wealth. Specialising in investment advice for high-net-worth families, Fabio is an avid writer and outspoken market commentator. Here’s what he had to say: Favourite weekend activity in COVID-19 lockdown? Heading out cycling with my boys. What was your […]
Can you be converted?
There is a US$550 billion ($764 billion) market that is rarely considered by Australian investors. Convertible bonds (CBs) are barely used locally, while in the US and Europe these are a key component of a growing company’s capital and pension fund portfolios. To appreciate this market, we must consider why CBs make sense for an […]
Winning in a “K-Shaped” Recovery
The S&P 500 Index reached a historic high on February 19th of this year, only to break that record less than six months later. On its face this sounds reasonable, however when considering the unprecedented nature of the events that transpired in-between, this is downright shocking. Over this six-month period the S&P 500 realised its […]
Two out of three on ESG
Melbourne: ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) is one of the fastest growing trends ininvesting globally. It has become part of the funds management zeitgeist, aided, in part, by research pointing to betterperformance by fund managers that favour companies with good ESG policies and practices.The recent decision by the Trump administration to restrict the ability of […]
A Q&A with Luke Laretive
We are pleased to speak with Luke Laretive of Seneca Financial Solutions this week. Luke Laretive must be one of the most prolific sharemarket writers in the market, filling LinkedIn with insightful weekly insights. Laretive offers a unique view of the industry having started in a full-service broking house before going out on his own […]
HESTA continues its evolution
The $52 billion health sector focused industry fund HESTA announced the appointment of Alan Sheen as head of portfolio management this week. Sheen comes direct from the private sector, leaving the absolute-return firm he founded, Dalton Street Capital, to add further depth and support HESTA’s ambitious growth plans. Sheen will report directly to CIO Sonya […]
Property never sleeps
Although the economic shutdown in Melbourne has put a dampener on property transactions, the world continues outside Victoria, with several major transactions as we pass through September. Specialist property fund manager Castlerock has added another key regional property to its Auslink Property Trust (No.2), spending more than $55 million to acquire the property at 45 […]
Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) departures – a win for ESG?
Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX:RIO) today announced that CEO Jean-Sebastian Jacques; head of iron ore, Chris Salisbury; and head of corporate affairs, Simone Niven, will be stepping down from their roles following the Juukan Gorge incident. While someone losing their job should never been seen as a positive, is this the first high-profile ‘win’ for the […]
Super tax changes will cost retirees
The possibility for government to increase superannuation taxes in response to the ballooningbudget deficit caused by COVID-19 could severely hurt member balances at retirement, according to a research note by the global implementation specialist manager Parametric. Raewyn Williams, head of research (Australia) and analyst Josh McKenzie, in a short paper titled“Will retirees pay the price […]
Webinars you don’t want to miss
With reporting season coming to an end, it’s time to hear from all the managers how they performance and the key themes that emerging from one the strangest months in recent memory. Insights into the future of investing What Japanification means & revisiting the value anomaly in a post COVID world? Moving to the growth […]
Govt grant to help develop breast cancer tests
Research on a blood test for the detection and monitoring of breast cancer has taken a step forward with the Federal Government announcing a $372,654 grant.
Looking for hidden ESG gems
Looking for hidden ESG gems: a new frontier for responsible investing with “improvers” The ongoing Covid-19 crisis is likely to bear long-term consequences on equity investing, reinforcing the ESG vs. traditional non-ESG equity divide, with the former enjoying large structural demand. Such trends emerge from the 2020 fund flows data available thus far, which show […]
Get to know Adrian Frinsdorf from William Buck
Adrian Frinsdorf is a Director of Wealth Advisery at William Buck, a 30-year old multidisciplinary financial services group. Adrian has attained a Bachelor of Business at the University of South Australia along with a Diploma of Financial Planning at Deakin University. He is a fully accredited adviser with experience across stock broking, asset management and […]
Getting back to normal with Franklin Templeton
Franklin Equity Group’s John Remmert and Donald Huber share which trends they think are permanent and which are likely just a phase.