Rachel Waterhouse

For anyone seeking professional growth, exposure to new skillsets and the chance to help an organisation make its mark, serving on a board is an ideal learning experience, Loane Avenell writes in a look back at her “remarkable” first year with the Australian Investors Association.

Despite continuing strong economic data for Australia, markets have forecast significant earnings downgrades, and results have been mixed so far. But a main highlight – CBA’s record $10 billion profit – may not be enough to improve investors’ outlook on the banking sector, analysts say.

The Australian Shareholders’ Association recently held its second annual ASA Awards in recognition of best corporate governance, honouring Woolworths Group for its shareholder communications and Northern Star Resources for improved governance standards.

Treasury’s plan would increase the headline tax rate to 30 per cent from 15 per cent for earnings on superannuation balances above $3 million. The SMSF Association and others have called it unsustainable and discriminatory to SMSFs.