Bringing together our insiders community to share perspectives, debate strategies, and refine their approach to portfolio construction is always an enlightening exercise.
Last week’s conveniently ‘leaked’ government proposal on its plans to revolutionise retirement income for all Australians has brought retirement back into the headlines. The detail aside, the proposal couldn’t have come soon enough.
So, interest rates have finally been cut in Australia. Once again, our central bank took longer than most expected to ease financial conditions for Australian borrowers, but with every decision, there are winners and losers.
“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.” While not known for his financial advice, Mike Tyson’s famous quote likely resonates with those planning for and entering retirement.
Investing is often seen through the lens of numbers, charts, and performance metrics. But at its core, investing is about people. It’s about the relationships we build, the trust we foster, and the communities we create.
Not happy with the government’s settings on adviser education standards? Well, wait five minutes and they’ll change. Is the latest change a return to the bad old days, or simply common sense prevailing?
A sound investment framework and coherent plan is always advisable, but it’s particularly important when markets are gyrating.
With markets at all-time highs and term deposits paying 5 per cent, the focus needs to shift away from relative returns and back towards positioning for “consistent, absolute” returns that accommodate present market risks.
Australia’s sovereign wealth fund’s prediction of a tough year for investors didn’t come to pass, but they’re not the only well-resourced manager that missed the mark. For investors, this period is a reminder that investment patterns may exist, but markets certainly aren’t beholden to them.
The benefits of alternative investments are clear, but rapid growth in the product set has made the optimal use of alternatives in portfolios unclear. As markets reach all-time highs, it may be time to re-think how we treat the asset class.
