For many investors, the promise of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) investing has been evasive. Confusion around what “ESG Investing” actually is has led to many investors becoming disillusioned with their portfolios. So, what is “ESG investing”? Is this the same as ethical, responsible or green Investing? The straightforward answer is ‘no”. Unfortunately, many in the industry…
Megatrends are long-term structural changes that affect the world we live in. Importantly, they shape communities but they also create investment opportunities and risks. Learnings from historical megatrends include: 1) they often solve a problem through innovation; 2) the scope of the megatrend can initially be underestimated; and 3) the duration of a megatrend is…
Geared share funds are high risk and high reward. When share markets are doing well, the returns can be very high, but the opposite is also true. We look at the pros and cons, and the role of geared share funds in a diversified investment strategy. Geared share funds can be a great way for…
Global The introduction of DeepSeek’s open-source R1 model shocked global markets in January, challenging our understanding of capex requirements and competition in artificial intelligence. Despite the DeepSeek rout, the MSCI World Equity Index ended January +3.5% higher, led by strength in European equities as investors rotated out of US tech exposures and into defensive and…
The average Australian property investor could lose money in their first year, with those in the nation’s two largest capitals likely to be more than $23,000 out of pocket in just 12 months. With a mix of stamp duty and land tax outstripping rental returns and major capitals thought to be approaching home value peaks,…
Did you know you can have insurance cover in your super fund? If you have super, you might also have some automatic insurance cover. It’s called insurance in super and is exactly what it sounds like – insurance cover available through your super account. Insurance in super is designed to assist you and your family…
Two in five Australians say they are not on track to meet their long term financial goals, according to new research from Colonial First State (CFS)1. When they were asked why, there was one thing the majority struggled to do. Read on to learn more, as well as practical tips to help you get back…
You may be eligible to purchase your first home with as little as 5% deposit via the First Home Guarantee Scheme. Here’s how it works. First Home Guarantee Scheme: financial support for first home buyers The First Home Guarantee Scheme is an Australian Government initiative to support eligible first home buyers to buy a home…
Whether you’re starting work for the first time or you’re changing jobs, there are key things to know and do. When negotiating pay for the role, pay close attention to the remuneration package. The more you earn, the easier it will be to save and invest more. So, before you accept the role, ask if…
Watching your ageing or frail parents or loved ones struggle with some of life’s basic activities such as cooking, cleaning or caring for themselves can be difficult – and yet they will invariably want to retain their independence and live in the comfort of their own home as long as possible. It’s at this point…