Opinion

Credit and equity markets both suffered a very bad 2022, as the collapse of negative correlation between stock and bond prices left no safe haven for investors. But 2023 could be a big year for bonds, and experts say investors waiting on the sidelines risk missing out.

Private debt has several key advantages over equities and other forms of fixed income investing when it comes to influencing companies in the development and implementation of ESG commitments.

Like diversifying amongst growth assets, diversification of defensive strategies provides more robust portfolio outcomes. Fundlab’s Michael Armitage highlights recent performance in various defensive alternatives.

For ESG discourse to matter, it must translate into quantifiable action. That means broadening the conversation beyond the close circle of sustainability converts and having tough conversations about capital flows.

Speaking on a fireside chat during The Inside Network’s recent ESG event in Tasmania, Nick Langley said that while infrastructure assets will continue carrying the burden of inflation there is likely more to be concerned about with REITS, both in the dominant US market and around the world.

Sir Isaac Newton was one of the greatest scientists in history; he founded classical mechanics and developed the law of universal gravitation. For all that, he lost his life savings in the South Sea Bubble of 1720.

Retail investors now have several ways to access private equity investment and its potential of resilient returns, particularly after a recession. But experts say investors should be aware this asset class also comes with some risk.

British investment firm Ruffer’s current cash weightings have hit historic levels after perceived risks in the global economy moved it to help preserve rather than accumulate capital.

Diversification is one of the most effective tools an investor can use, for the simple reason that spreading risk means you are unlikely to get wiped out if one or two investments go bust. But it is not a foolproof concept, and in fact it is laden with potential traps.

ETFs have revolutionised the investing universe for many good reasons. But ultimately ETFs are just like stocks – there are the good, the bad and the ugly.

The lack of any significant change in this week’s announcement should be welcomed. The job of our politicians is to govern throughout the year, not solely through the delivery of an annual or semi-annual budget.

Few regional towns are primed for growth, but judicious research and a key partnership with a government agency is seeing Castlerock make the most out of property.