PM Capital, Zurich inspired by “outside zebra”
PM Capital’s latest gamble is a global-equity income fund inspired by similar ones in the US that adopt options and currency strategies to help reduce downside risk. The boutique manager has partnered with Zurich and the fund, described by Donohoe as a “halfway house” for investors skittish about global equity markets, will be branded as the Zurich Investments Global Equity Income Fund.
July 23, 2012
FPA to connect the pieces in new campaign
The Financial Planning Association (FPA) will for the first time highlight the value of a CFP qualification when promoting it's brand to consumers. The new message hopes to build on a successful six-week advertising campaign run in 2011.
July 19, 2012
Dumping mental baggage key to managing volatility
A recent Principal sponsored report, Market volatility: friend or foe?, identified a number of key themes, one of which is how investment managers can help their clients benefit from the current market volatility.
July 17, 2012
Licensees, boutiques put focus on IFA skill set
Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs) must broaden their skill set, become more engaged with clients and concern themselves with advice rather than fees if they are to stand out from the crowd. Matthew Johnson, managing director and chief executive of investment-platform provider Wealthtrac, asked three licensees to reflect on IFA performance, managing the needs of clients and anticipated changes over the coming 12 months.
July 12, 2012
July 2012: Digital content
A guide to the Professional Planner July 2012 edition and useful links to authors and additional content.
July 09, 2012
Fee change: Elixir says you better get moving
The 2012 Elixir Consulting Pricing Advice report found the average engagement fee across respondents was $3241 – which puts into context research that purports to show the average fee clients are prepared to pay for initial advice is closer to $600 (earlier research put the figure at $300). The Elixir research found the average ongoing service fee was $3710 a year per client. Structure your fee process
July 09, 2012
“Cash alone is not a realistic solution”
Australia remains an attractive investment destination for investors around the world, most obviously as a result of the commodities boom The Australian Dollar is another recipient of international investors’ attraction to Australia, a mixed blessing.
July 09, 2012
FSC “churning” proposal a bitter pill for risk advisers
Most financial advisers are opposed to the Financial Services Council’s proposed Replacement Business Framework measures, with many concerned that the medicine may prove worse than the malady. The reforms designed to stop the practice of insurance “churn”, as proposed by the FSC in a recent consultation paper, have divided the industry, with many experienced life-risk specialists warning they may result in unintended negative consequences for clients.
July 05, 2012
Jameson joins AMP to drive SMSF strategy
AMP’s newly formed business unit, AMP SMSF, has appointed Craig Jameson as director of business operations with immediate effect. Jameson was previously managing director at ANZ-owned SMSF specialist Super Concepts.
July 03, 2012
Shared philosophy, Google lead to merger
A “philosophical partnership” between the Brisbane-based Fitzpatricks Financial Group and the West Gosford-based Moneywise Group Australasia signals the emergence of a new, national non-aligned group positioning itself as a true alternative to institutionally-owned advice networks. Same philosophy
July 02, 2012
New financial year:
the outlook for markets
The impact of today’s global uncertainties on the Australian economy, stockmarket and investors this financial year can be separated into those associated with a crisis of confidence and those associated with ongoing debt deleveraging. If anything, it might create a short-term buying opportunity for local investors in the Australian market.
July 02, 2012
