Outlook for Japan in 2014
There is a new-found sense of confidence in Japan, however, there’s also enough scepticism among domestic institutions, economists and the media to suggest the Japan story is not overdone. Many investors remain on the side lines given the widely held belief that economic recovery will be thrown off track by April’s sales tax rise. With
January 07, 2014
On a training ride or on mission to win le Tour?
Even a non-cyclist can appreciate the magnitude of winning the Tour de France. A lot of work and dedication is required to reach the ultimate success in cycling. Team work is integral to success. During the Tour, there is no greater display of teamwork than in a team time trial, where nine riders complete the
January 07, 2014
How to keep and grow your client book – and steal clients from others
The latest adviser research from CoreData reveals that close to three in ten Australians who receive financial advice are contemplating leaving their adviser. This presents a dual opportunity for Australian advisers: first, to identify and keep those clients who may be in danger of leaving; and second, to promote themselves to dissatisfied clients of other
January 05, 2014
Merry Christmas from Professional Planner
The Professional Planner offices will be closed from December 18, 2013, until January 6, 2014. We wish all of our readers a very Merry Christmas, and a safe, happy and prosperous New Year. Best wishes, Leng Yeow Simon Hoyle
December 18, 2013
Premium pricing for retirement advice
Millennium 3 advice practice Reed Financial has spent the last two years reinventing its business model and will start 2014 with a new name and a narrower focus on helping baby boomers transition to retirement both psychologically and financially. Advisers must become specialists in order to thrive, according to principal David Reed who believes generalist
December 18, 2013
In their own words: a review of 2013
From a self-confessed super nerd to a Marx Brothers movie; from bedding-down the Future of Financial Advice (FoFA) reforms to the birth of a financial planning profession; and from churning of life policies to running better businesses, Professional Planner kept readers’ fingers on the pulse of developments during 2013. This is how some of the
December 18, 2013
Advisers seek to actively trade ETFs
Vanguard’s recently launched ETF Trade and Execution Help Desk recorded a surge in financial planner inquiries in 2013, as a growing number of advisers seek to actively trade exchange traded funds. The service, which was launched locally in October 2012 but has been available in offshore markets for some time, received over 600 calls from
December 18, 2013
Economic outlook for 2014, MLC
It was another strong year for share markets. World share markets have performed extremely well in 2013. As the year draws to a close, the MSCI All Country World Index (comprising both developed and emerging share markets) is on track to produce returns well above 20 per cent for the year for Australian investors. Investors
December 18, 2013
AIA sets standard in occupational rehabilitation
AIA Australia has announced it will commission an independent study into the life insurance rehabilitation and return to work process to determine ‘best practice’ principles for the industry. The research aims to deliver better results for super funds, businesses and employees engaging in return to work programs. This follows an initial paper released by AIA
December 18, 2013
Saxo Bank 10 Outrageous Predictions for 2014
Saxo Bank has released its annual set of ‘Outrageous Predictions’ for 2014. Although the probability of any one of the predictions coming true is low, they are deduced strategically by Saxo Bank analysts based on a feasible – if unlikely – series of market and political events. This year’s predictions range from an EU wealth
December 18, 2013
TAL contributing to global sustainability
A global insurance industry sustainability initiative within the United Nations network has agreed to a number of projects following its annual general meeting after its first year, according to board member of the initiative TAL Life Insurance chief corporate governance officer Peter Noble. TAL was the nation’s first life insurance company to join the United
December 18, 2013
