Introduction At the start of this year, we thought shares would have reasonable returns albeit it wouldn’t be smooth sailing given ongoing issues around inflation, interest rates, the risk of recession and geopolitics. So far so good. This note updates seven key charts we see as critical for the investment outlook. Chart 1 – global…
Global markets are made up of dozens of asset classes and millions of individual securities, making it challenging to understand what really matters for your portfolio. But there are a few important drivers that can help explain returns across asset classes – these are known as Factors. Factor investing, also commonly called “smart beta” has…
October was another difficult month for financial markets, partly reflecting an acceptance among investors that interest rates are likely to remain high for longer than was previously anticipated. Geopolitical risk ramped up too, following conflict in Israel and Palestine. Australian shares were down nearly 4% over the month and overseas stock markets closed lower too,…
We all want to live a good life with our partner, but does that have to include fine dining every night and travelling to exotic destinations? Here are five tips for enjoying the best in life without blowing the budget. Keep track of the little things Everybody’s idea of living well is going to be…
Every retirement is unique. Maybe dining out isn’t your thing, but you couldn’t bear to give up your weekly exercise classes. Figuring out how much you can spend in retirement requires planning. And knowing what you can afford to safely spend, based on the savings you have, will also help you to identify any gaps…
Taking control of your finances starts with your super. As we battle rising interest rates, cost of living pressures and a general COVID-related economic hangover, it’s fair to say that financial stress is affecting most Australians, regardless of age, background or gender. But the reality is that Australian women are feeling the pinch more than…
Picture the scene. You’ve found your dream home—a short stroll to the local schools, close to a leafy park to walk the dog and on a quiet residential street with the best coffee in town right on the corner. You’ve agreed a price with the seller. You’ve organised your deposit. And you’ve arranged a building…
Term deposits offer certainty and savings accounts offer flexibility. Here are some other common features and benefits of each. Putting your money into a savings account, or in the alternative, a term deposit, are two common methods of saving. Working out whether either of these options are right for you depends on your personal and…
If you’d like your money to make a difference to the world as well as your future, responsible investing may be for you. Almost 9 in 10 (89%) Australians feel it’s important their financial institution invests responsibly and ethically across the board1. Ethical, social and governance (ESG) investments accounted for $1,281 billion, or 40%, of…
Retirement is a time that many Australians eagerly anticipate, providing plenty of time to pursue hobbies, do more travelling, or simply kick back and enjoy the fruits of your labour. We will outline key strategies to help boost and preserve your retirement savings, to help you achieve longterm financial security throughout your golden years. It’s…