May 2015
Investing
26 May 2015 |
There are indications that the US Federal Reserve will soon start to raise interest rates. It is a sign that the unique investment conditions caused by the GFC are starting to alter.
20 May 2015 |
What should super investors regard as a good yardstick for their investment returns over time? There are some indicators.
25 May 2015 |
Banks have been the safe haven for SMSF investors. But they now dominate the ASX. Is it time to take a close look?
24 May 2015 |
Buying Australian shares for their dividend yield has been a sound strategy for DIY super funds. But with earnings coming under pressure there may be some difficulties looming on the horizon.
11 May 2015 |
A comment about SMSF investing into shopping centres implies the potential dangers of going for yield in tough investment times.
04 May 2015 |
Most super investors who look at the stock market have invested heavily in Australian banks. The tax advantaged dividends have made it a good investment for a long time. But is the party partially over?
News
20 May 2015 |
David James
The two biggest pools of capital in the country are residential property and superannuation. The debate about whether the super contribution would be better used to pay off mortgages reflects that.
28 May 2015 |
Staff reporter
Super tax benefits exaggerated, discretionary trusts to be targeted by ATO, advisers and accountants preferred, 1 million SMSFs, Australian recession, why Chinese buy Australian property.
21 May 2015 |
Staff reporter
Problems with projecting final outcomes, especially income in retirement; SMSFs move away from cash; Labor's tax slug worse than thought; Coalition's policy to hit middle income retirees; Australia's high tax burden and Portugal's negative interest rates.
14 May 2015 |
Staff reporter
One Budget SMSF surprise but overall no major changes, bad news for rich pensioners, signs of reflation and a possible bubble in oil and commodities.
07 May 2015 |
Staff reporter
Residential property not big factor in SMSFs, compliance fees, NAB not to lend for property in SMSFs, investing in cash under water, the importance of risk management, the impact of falling bond rates.
Economics
10 May 2015 |
The Australian economy is wedged between a recovering US and a slowing China. But it does seem likely that the interest rate falls may be nearing their end.
05 May 2015 |
The RBA's decision to drop interest rates again has made it difficult for those relying on term deposits for their income. Finding the right sort of yield remains a problem.
Portfolio
27 May 2015 |
A million dollars may sound like a lot of money. But when you look at the income you get, especially in an environment of low interest rates, it is not.
10 May 2015 |
David James
It is often thought that investment is a gamble. It should not be. There is risk, but the risk can be managed and embraced.
Super
27 May 2015 |
Putting a commercial business into super is possible, but requires care.
19 May 2015 |
David James
The growing pool of super funds has been a quiet influence on politics and the Australian economy for some time. But with the major political parties developing different policies, the previously submerged effect is about to come to the surface.