Investing

Combining social good while building your wealth and boosting your income in retirement via the Future Generation. That’s a story worth shouting from the rooftops.

Many born before 1946 or the Baby Boomers have been well served by shares paying fully franked dividends. But as longevity kicks in, they could need to factor in a greater emphasis on growth stocks.

It was former US President Herbert Hoover who said we have gold because we cannot trust governments. Globally, that sentiment is ringing true for many investors.

Many retirees choose to financially assist in their grandchildren’s education, primary, secondary and tertiary, leaving a powerful legacy that will benefit future generations.

At the close of another tumultuous year for markets, our most-read stories show readers were interested in the effects of higher interest rates, as capital protection and income security gained importance amid cost-of-living concerns.

The ASX 200 fell 3.8 per cent over the month, the biggest fall this year, as investors sought to understand the impact of war, economic factors and other concerns on markets at home and abroad, according to Selfwealth.

The Australian Shareholders’ Association and the Australian Investors Association have agreed to amalgamate in the new year, seeking to grow their membership and influence as a unified leader in advocacy and education.

Derivatives should not be a “dirty word” for investors looking for better returns, capital protection and diversification at a time when volatility and higher inflation appear here to stay, according to Atlantic House Group’s Andrew Lakeman and Global X’s Evan Metcalf.

Australian companies’ dividend payouts are down 24 per cent from a year ago, as higher interest rates and cash flow challenges darken the outlook. Payouts from miners decreased significantly, although the dividend picture remains positive for banks.

Shares of the in-demand chip maker hit an all-time high of US$502 on the back of a strong profit report, and analysts say it could be set for more gains, despite rising US bond yields complicating the outlook for equities and especially tech stocks.

Analysis of June trading by Selfwealth platform users with portfolios of more than $1 million showed clear patterns in how different generations prefer to invest, with Baby Boomers seeking income and quality while Millennials and Gen X-ers prefer exposure to the clean-energy transition and ETFs.

Five per cent on a one-year term deposit will tempt a lot of investors, and with good reason, but equities have proven their worth over the long term. As ever, experts say, personal needs should guide investment selection.