The latest US non-farm payrolls figure saw a rise of 431,000 jobs in March. Despite being a touch below expectations, the 1.7 million rise in jobs for the quarter was seen as a strong indication that the economy was doing well. “It was both positive and negative news,” Jim Caron, portfolio manager and chief fixed…
The passive vs. active debate remains alive and well, particularly in the larger company universe, where being different to the index is quite a challenge, and in many cases, a career risk. The consistent standout among the quarterly passive vs. active reports, however, has been the Australian smaller company sector. Globally recognised as companies valued…
Key findings from the Australian Financial Advice Landscape Report 2022 have painted a grim picture for the financial advice industry, predicting higher client fees and dwindling adviser numbers. Without a doubt, the last few years have been tough on financial advisers. Increasing compliance burdens have gone through the roof, going back to university to sit…
ETF Securities and 21Shares have confirmed the launch of Australia’s first Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs), allowing local investors to invest in both cryptocurrencies. According to a press announcement from ETF Securities, the leading ETF provider will launch two funds offering simple and cost-effective access to cryptocurrency investments. They are: ETFS 21Shares Bitcoin ETF…
We spoke with Stephen Coltman, Investment Manager within the Alternatives team at abrdn on the growing importance of portfolio hedging amid growing uncertainty and investor unrest. During times of falling equity markets, rising volatility and elevated drawdowns, Coltman is tasked with delivering positive returns. Speaking about his strategy and overlay, he says, “It’s really designed…
“If there’s one thing, I can tell everyone… is that gold is fire insurance, even better, gold is portfolio insurance,” said Ganesh Balendran speaking at The Inside Network’s Equities Symposium. Delivered in a unique technology-driven Pecha Kucha format. Balendran challenged delegates to consider the expanding use cases of ETFs amid a surge in volatility and…
“Change in the asset and wealth management industry is now accelerating at an exponential rate.” That’s the assessment of Australia’s wealth space according to a PWC report. COVID has not only triggered the move to digitisation, but it also made it ultra-competitive for financial advisers with pressures intensifying from all angles. The industry is now…
ASIC’s recent crackdown on “finfluencers” spruiking online financial advice through social media channels without proper licensin, has been welcomed by the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA). ASIC says “unlicensed finfluencers could face five years’ jail time or fines of more than $1 million if they talk about stocks, investment funds or financial products.” The…
ASIC says Regtech could be a great solution after it effectively banned finfluencers from giving unlicensed financial advice with hefty prison time and financial penalties. The corporate regulator has cracked-down on finfluencers spruiking online financial rubbish through social media and stepped up its warnings. ASIC says “unlicensed finfluencers could face five years’ jail time or…
Following on from the Banking Royal Commission of 2017-18, the growing popularity of boutique independent financial advisers has grown consistently, with clients seeing value in advisers that are building strong personal relationships and providing a consistent high-quality service to their clients. Boutique advisory firms typically have a niche area of expertise where they can differentiate…
