Analysis

Investors may be in love with the ‘magnificent seven’ technology stocks, yet the top end of the stock market is notoriously volatile. That’s worth noting for devotees of passive investing, says Orbis Investments.

The concept of a ‘qualified adviser’ with less qualifications provoked an industry backlash. While the government has signalled it is open to discussion, the problem remains – how to open up advice to more consumers at a viable cost?

In 2023 governments came to a general awareness that to achieve net-zero, robust and consistent ESG policy frameworks must be put in place. In 2024, we should see a continuation of that theme according to New-York based investment group Neuberger Berman.

The life insurance advice sector has been battling a host of issues, including an ill-fitting education program, remuneration uncertainty and product design flaws, for some time. Is it in a death spiral, or is there a path to sustainability for this crucial arm of the advice industry?

Financial stewards need to cast a broader eye over the stance companies take on social issues like The Voice and the Israel/Palestine conflict. Community attitudes can vary widely, and public opprobrium can swing share prices dramatically.

In this column we take a closer look at the best performing funds in some of the most popular asset classes, with the aim of providing insight and support for those seeking to build more resilient portfolios. This week, we take a closer look at liquid alternatives.

Active managers with sector-specific knowledge really flex their muscles when dealing with countries in the midst of sustainable economic development. In this data-driven comparison, Mishan Dahia from Atchison Consultants looks at two prominent emerging funds.

The recent underappreciation of value stocks has made them an attractive proposition, but knowing the most important metrics to look at when appraising companies is crucial.

For the last decade, equities (repackaged and otherwise) have reigned supreme. But in a market where everything might soon start to break, investors have to be more nimble.

The Australian stock market has seen a stagnation in returns since 2006, leaving many questioning the wisdom of long-term equity positions. For retirees, it’s a particularly fraught issue, as their financial security depends on how these investments perform.

Technology stock valuations are rising, bucking the prevailing market conditions and further inverting the traditional bond/equities relationship. “This shouldn’t be happening”, says Ruffer’s Steve Russell.

Events like the Israel-Palestine and Russia-Ukraine conflicts may shock the world, and they may even influence markets. But history tells us geopolitical risks are always present, mostly factored in, and should never predicate panic selling.