Japan provides a compelling reason why deflation must be avoided
If European Central Bank (ECB) president Mario Draghi needed confirmation of why Europe should do all it can to avoid deflation, Japan has provided it. Digging yourself out of a downward spiral of stagnation and falling prices is difficult – and expensive. The co-ordinated response to the stalling of Abenomics is radical stuff. Shifting the
November 05, 2014
Bank of Japan update: Pump it up
For the second time in consecutive years, Governor Kuroda of the Bank of Japan (BoJ) has surprised the markets with the aggressiveness of his monetary policy easing. While there was some concern in markets over the post- consumption tax hike path of the economy and inflation and some speculation that a further expansion of the
November 04, 2014
The financial adviser register is no game-changer, says Minter Ellison partner
The government’s enhanced adviser register will not have a profound effect on financial planners or consumers, according to Richard Batten, partner, Minter Ellison. He spoke with Professional Planner just days after the Government’s last red tape “Repeal Day” of 2014, which ended on 29 October. “This would seem to have all the hallmarks, no doubt
November 03, 2014
When choosing an AFS licensee is too difficult, partner up instead
A desire to be unhindered by conflicts and sales targets led to a partnered Australian Financial Services (AFS) licensing approach at MultiForte Financial Services. The Sydney-based business has a head office in the central business district and a satellite location in the northern beaches suburb of Manly. Under co-directors Kate McCallum and Tony Clark, MultiForte is
November 03, 2014
What are clients actually receiving for the fees they’re paying?
Are your clients being served? Ray Henderson reflects on the Business Health business diagnostics and client survey work undertaken throughout 2014. We’re extremely fortunate to have many Australian practices use our various tools and diagnostics to help them run their practices more profitably. We are grateful of their support and hope that they are all
November 03, 2014
Good news for borrowers: cash rate likely to drop soon after it peaks
While Australia’s biggest Reserve Bank Survey shows no change expected to the cash rate on Tuesday, borrowers can expect rates to rise next year followed by a downward cycle as soon as 2017, according to one of Australia’s biggest comparison websites finder.com.au. All 33 leading experts and economists in the finder.com.au Reserve Bank Survey –
November 01, 2014
SPAA warns members ahead of a quality review program update
The Self Managed Super Professionals Association of Australia (SPAA) has warned members to act only within their business boundaries and ensure they hold appropriate licenses for all activities. “Make sure you stick to what your core business is, whether that’s self managed fund administration, financial planning or the accounting practice. “And if that’s what you’re
October 31, 2014
Town and country provide contrasting experiences for financial planners
There’s nowhere to hide when working as a financial planner in a regional centre versus a capital city, says the director of Newcastle-based practice JSA Financial Planning. Andrew Shakespeare refers to the relative anonymity of being just one business among many that can be a feature for some working in big cities. This is something
October 31, 2014
What are you really getting from your long short hedge fund?
Put simply, a long short hedge fund looks to maximise total returns by taking long positions in stocks the manager expects will increase in value, and short positions in stocks expected to decrease in value. In this way, the fund reduces market risk and also presents the opportunity for investors to profit in both up
October 31, 2014
AMP to acquire 19.9% of China Life Pension Company
AMP Limited, Australia and New Zealand’s leading independent wealth management business, announced it has agreed to acquire a 19.99 per cent stake in China Life Pension Company Limited, the largest pension company[1] in China. The acquisition, for a total consideration of AUD$240 million, makes AMP the first foreign company in the world to purchase a
October 30, 2014
Market Vectors ETFs lists new MSCI World ex Australia Quality ETF on the ASX
Market Vectors, the exchange traded fund (ETF) business of US-based investment manager Van Eck Global, has listed its new Market Vectors MSCI World ex Australia Quality ETF on the ASX today. Trading under the ASX code QUAL, the ETF is the first of its kind in Australia. QUAL gives investors access to a portfolio of
October 30, 2014
Good technology allows independent planners to extract value through virtual vertical integration
Much has been made of the perceived advantages afforded wealth institutions with their vertically integrated business model, and ability to shift and clip margin from every element of the value chain. From funds management through product manufacturing, administration and distribution, the big players were seen as the only beneficiaries of vertical integration. The right technology
October 30, 2014
