According to index and data provider FTSE Russell, the global thematic investment market tripled in size in the three years to June 2021, hitting a record of US$660 billion ($892 billion). “Investors are becoming less satisfied with broad-based investments,” said the release, with most “looking for investment vehicles that cater to a narrower, more focused…
The threat of quantitative tightening extended to Australia on Thursday, with the S&P/ASX200 being dragged down another 0.6 per cent almost solely due to the technology sector. Just three sectors finished higher during the session, being perceived defensive companies in the utilities and staples sector, with the technology sector falling another 3.4 per cent. The…
The Sage of Omaha, Warren Buffett, recently highlighted a growing issue within financial markets in his annual letter to shareholders, the idea of earnings versus profit. He drew attention to the fact that Berkshire Hathaway relies on ‘old-fashioned’ profits, not modern measures of ‘earnings’ that can be easily manipulated by boards and accountants. Earnings, profits…
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 wealthy more than the rest, it affords an entire generation of Australians greater flexibility. Few…
Tuesday was a similarly strong day for the Australian market, with the S&P/ASX200 moving within 1 per cent of an all-time high; despite the incredibly difficult geopolitical backdrop. That was until the Reserve Bank of Australia delivered its latest board meeting result and associated explanation. Whilst rates remained on hold at 0.1 per cent, analysts…
April has begun just as March finished, with the domestic market rallying on what was generally stock-specific news. The S&P/ASX200 gained 0.3 per cent despite a broad spread of performances, with six sectors higher led by utilities, up 1.1 per cent, whilst tech and materials also rallied 1 per cent; Fortescue (ASX: FMG) was a…
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…
Buybacks have been all the rage in last the few years. Triggered by the availability and low cost of capital, US listed companies in particular have embraced the strategy with great gusto. The idea is quite simple; if you have excess cash in your company, why not buy back your own shares, in effect “investing…
Global consulting firm Mercer has joined a growing chorus of experts suggesting the Australian superannuation system should be means-tested retrospectively. In a recent white paper, Mercer echoed the views of the Australian Institution of Superannuation Trustees (AIST), which suggests that those with superannuation balances over $5 million are causing an “inequitable” and “unsustainable” system. In…
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…
