Global investment consultant and support network to the pension fund industry, bfinance, this week released its latest Market Intelligence and Market Trends report, covering the final quarter of 2021. While the world has changed dramatically since the calendar turned over, there are some powerful insights for financial advisers and other asset allocators. According to its…
Among the Federal Budget proposals that received the least fanfare was the extension of the ‘temporary’ relief on the minimum drawdowns for account-based pensions. Whilst the media attention on the legislative change immediately highlights the fact that it benefits the wealth more than the rest, it affords an entire generation of Australians greater flexibility. Few…
The Australian market continues to defy weakening market sentiment, falling less than 0.1 per cent on Friday with the S&P/ASX200 ultimately gaining 1.2 per cent and delivering a third straight week of gains. On Friday, energy and materials came roaring back with BHP (ASX: BHP) the primary contributor, but broad-based gains in lithium stocks also…
The Australian market managed to finish the quarter 0.7 per cent high in price terms, but down just over 1 per cent on an accumulation basis. This was despite the market finishing near its lows on Thursday, down 0.2 per cent. The only positive contributions came from the rare earth and commodities sector with materials…
While watching one of the most popular TV series in recent years, Billions, which follows the story of hedge fund billionaires, you wouldn’t necessarily expect to gain business ideas or insights. Perhaps investment ideas given that the characters in the series are known for pushing the limits to generate the maximum return possible, but definitely…
“Bonds won’t exist in 10 years,” were the words of Vimal Gor, one of the most well-known and respected fixed income managers in the country. He was announcing his departure from Pendal Group, where he had managed as much as $22 billion in fixed income strategies over a multi-decade career. In recent years, Gor has…
In what can only be described as a remarkable turnaround, the domestic sharemarket is closing in on breakeven for 2022, with the S&P/ASX200 gaining another 0.7 per cent on Wednesday. A positive lead from the US and signs of a ceasefire in Ukraine saw every sector barring energy and materials rally, with technology the standout,…
There was little in the way of positive news on Monday, with the market ultimately capitulated to a lack of direction, gaining just six points to start the week. Just four of the 11 sectors finished higher but among them were the markets two biggest, being materials and financials, which gained 1.3 and 0.6 per…
Venture capital has been one of the most popular and profitable sectors in which to operate and invest in the last few years. Traditionally, and ultimately still, the primary domain of the ultra-wealthy, pension funds and statutory investors, the sector has delivered returns exceeding 20 per cent a year for many years now. Private equity…
The Australian market remains resilient to the threat of higher energy prices with the S&P/ASX200 gaining another 0.3 per cent to finish the week. The result was driven by a rally in the energy, materials and utilities sectors, which gained 0.9, 1.3 and 1 per cent respectively. Investors are clearly flocking to perceived inflation hedges…