Colonial First State

There are significant tailwinds behind the financial advice industry at the moment, but some major obstacles are still preventing advice practices from taking advantage of surging demand according to a new study from CFS.

Negative correlation can be an effective way to diversify and protect the underside of multi-asset portfolios, but if the chosen managers stray from their professed style that advantage can be eroded in short order.

While much ado is made of the science that goes into fund manager research, real assessment puts comparable weight on the art as well according to investment leaders.

The bond market has never had great investment appeal for Australia’s self-managed superannuation funds, but with rising yields improving their proposition, some observers say the investment tide may be coming in for fixed interest.

Strongly divided views about the wisdom of using the early release from superannuation have prompted large numbers of fund members to seek the advice of financial planners. Losing insurance cover, reducing retirement benefits and crystallising losses are the main issues commentators have highlighted. According to AMP’s technical adviser support team, early release of super was…