The unlisted property puzzle
Dug Higgins looks at just where direct property fits into the investment jigsaw. The unlisted property funds sector has been hard hit by the events that have unfolded over the past two-and-a-half years. While a large number of funds – and their investors – have suffered as a result, the investment class retains merit, as
August 07, 2010
The secrets of successful investing
The same emotions affect fixed income investors just as much as share investors, says Roger Bridges The same powerful forces that drive share investors – greed and fear – also affect the behaviour of fixed income investors. The greed element was no more apparent than in the lead-up to the global financial crisis (GFC), with investors’ thirst for ever-higher
August 07, 2010
Low flows were so 2009
Greater financial and regulatory certainty have spurred wealthy philanthropists to ramp up their giving programs, writes Simon Mumme. Andrew Thomas and his philanthropic services team at Perpetual were busy for all the right reasons at the end of June. Many of their wealthier clients were either distributing through their charitable trusts, or adding to the
August 01, 2010
Oil’s well that ends well
Last month, I discussed three themes that we believe will be critical in the determination of investment returns going forward. Over the last couple of months, another issue has started to re-emerge that will have a significant bearing on the world in the area of (geo)politics, war, wealth and the environment. I am of course
July 27, 2010
Themes for the decade: Jobs, debt and food
Three key global themes will influence investment strategies in the years ahead. Mathew Kaleel looks at these themes, how they are likely to play out, and the potential ramifications of each.
June 23, 2010
Assessing the true risk of property
Now is not the time to be avoiding risk in property markets. But, warns Frank Gelber, not all property markets. Post GFC, everyone has gone risk averse. Not only did that trigger the magnitude of the downturn, but the market remains excessively focused on risk. I regard that as an anomaly. To me, most of
June 01, 2010
Australia goes it alone in the long run
Reading the tea leaves is no substitute for proper, fundamental analysis, says Ron Bewley. As April drew to a close I wondered why our market seemed to be falling behind the US and UK markets. I was seemingly being bombarded on TV by “Fibonacci retracement levels” and the like, from technical devotees – but I,
June 01, 2010
Why HNWs like tax time
The hook that will bring wealthy clients into philanthropy is tax efficiency, writes Simon Mumme. There are two types of wealthy philanthropists, according to John King, partner with Mallesons Stephens Jaques in Sydney. The first type grew up in a family or faith-based culture of giving generously, and in continuing that practice, like to rack
June 01, 2010
Sticks and bones
It’s that time of the year again, when the taxman is lurking and the issuers of agribusiness managed investment schemes get cracking on marketing their latest offerings. Dug Higgins surveys the market. Following the collapses last year of Timbercorp and Great Southern, amongst others, and Forest Enterprises Australia (FEA) being placed into receivership in April,
June 01, 2010
Why investors could be winners in the World Cup
By Nick Price. This June’s soccer World Cup will focus world attention on South Africa. Will investors’ focus on this emerging market echo that of Beijing and the Olympic Games? The Beijing Olympics highlighted Chinese strength and world cup organisers hope it will do the same for South Africa.
April 07, 2010
The other Lost Decade
As investors mourn Japan’s two lost decades, 10 March 2010 marked ten years since the investment craze in technology and telecommunications companies ended. On 10 March 2000, the barometer of dotcom mania – or what was the technology and telecom bull market of the 1990s – the Nasdaq Composite, closed at a high of 5,048.62.
April 07, 2010
