Low interest rates can’t last, and when they rise you should be ready for the impact
There are many who argue that current low world interest rates will continue indefinitely. That goes for short rates as well as long rates. They argue that the weakness of the world economy, weak demand for funds, high savings and/or deflationary forces will keep interest rates low. I disagree. To me, that sounds more like
May 08, 2015
Grab your Walkman and get ready for a new Japanese dawn
Mid-year I’m returning to Japan for the first time since I taught English in Osaka in 1988, walking the neon streets listening to the Pet Shop Boys on a Walkman. Yes, it was a long time ago. I’m told it’s unrecognisable today. That is unsurprising because the Japan I knew then was on the crest
May 08, 2015
Infocus launches Managed Accounts
Infocus Wealth Management Ltd today announced the launch of its Managed Accounts solution for advisers and their clients. The solution, delivered by market leader Praemium (ASX: PPS), adds to the group’s existing managed funds model portfolio solution and provides a Separately Managed Accounts (SMA) platform with integrated reporting and tax optimisation functionality. Infocus Managing Director
May 07, 2015
CML Group launches bond issue for SMSFs, planners
ASX-listed finance and employment services company CML Group today announced the launch of a $25 million unrated bond issue available to private investors, SMSFs and financial planners. The 6-year floating rate senior secured issue, to be arranged by FIIG Securities, will initially pay a margin of 5.40 per cent above the 30-day Bank Bill Swap
May 07, 2015
47% more concerned about economy than a year ago
New research conducted by Bibby Financial Services in March shows that 40% of small and medium-size enterprises (SME) are finding it more difficult to manage their cash flow than 12 months ago. The research revealed that businesses are forced to tackle cash flow concerns by ceasing to trade with customers who consistently pay late (25%),
May 06, 2015
SMSF property investing is much more than residential bricks and mortar
Residential property plays only a minor role in self managed super fund (SMSF) investment portfolios, according to Graeme Colley, director of technical and professional standards, SMSF Association. Property is the third-largest asset class of SMSF investment, with the combination of direct investments and real estate investment trusts totaling around 15 per cent of the total
May 06, 2015
You’ll never know what your clients think if you never actually ask them
Melbourne financial planner Dominic Alafaci, principal of independent advice firm Collins House in Melbourne, has achieved many things during his 34 years in the business. He began his financial services career as a registered tax agent, in 1981, and in 1984 started providing investment and superannuation advice, which he continues to do today. Although he
May 06, 2015
Retiree interest rate pain made worse by barriers to longevity product innovation
The RBA’s decision to cut the cash rate to 2% today has increased the risk that retirees without longevity insurance will outlive their savings, underscoring the urgency with which the Government should act to enable the establishment of a deferred annuity market, says Challenger Chief Executive Officer Brian Benari. “Australian retirees have been hit by
May 05, 2015
Spring FG expands into property management
Diversified financial services company Spring FG Limited (Spring FG or the Company) (ASX: SFL) today announced that it has established a real estate asset management division and acquired the exclusive management rights at Devine Limited’s (ASX: DVN) “Mode Apartments”. The Company said that the division, to be operated by its Spring FG Realty Pty Ltd
May 05, 2015
Plan for Life Market Overview – ETF Market March 2015
Exchange Traded Funds and Exchange Traded Commodities Funds Under Management again posted substantial annual growth, up 60.7% to $17,121m across 108 products, including 6 new products this quarter. iShares is the leading provider with $6,640m or 38.8% of the market, followed by State Street with $4,282m (25.0%) and Vanguard with $2,739m (16.0%). READ FULL REPORT
May 04, 2015
Lonsec active funds outperforming, and the passive v active debate
The latest review of Australian equities by research house and ratings company Lonsec has found its actively managed funds have clearly outperformed index funds in all recent major time frames. According to its Australian Equities Sector Review, Lonsec found the 137 active managed funds it provides investment ratings for have outperformed their corresponding index by
May 04, 2015
Merger of Wealthsure, Sentry begs the question: what is the value proposition?
Perhaps the next challenge Wealthsure and Sentry Group must face is articulating a clear value proposition for its clients and advisers, both existing and prospective. The entity that emerges from the deal between Wealthsure and Sentry Group, which was formally announced last week, will rank among the top three non-aligned businesses in terms of adviser
May 04, 2015
