Library

In our library, you will find the latest financial news, valuable insights and ideas, tips and tricks we've learnt over the years and other helpful educational pieces.

Investments

Time for a change?

14 January 2020
By John Barton
Often referred to as the lucky country, Australia has long enjoyed the comfort of decades of sustained economic growth. This situation has facilitated the development of simple yet effective approaches to investment...

Building a personal balance sheet with purpose: financial freedom and financial resilience

17 December 2019
In this article we contend that building a personal balance sheet with a specific understanding of purpose can lead people to financial freedom and increased financial resilience.

Is your SMSF investment strategy up to date?

1 October 2019
By Andrew Albury
The ATO has recently issued notices to close to 18,000 SMSFs flagged as holding 90% or more of their money in just one asset class. The move comes as the ATO renews its focus on SMSF investment strategy requirements, specifically diversification and liquidity risks.

Investment fundamentals 101

13 September 2019
By Rachel Barlow
This article is the first instalment of a series we have developed on investment fundamentals which we will continue to build out over the coming weeks and months. The issues may be big or small, but ones we consider relevant for everyone, young or old, wealthy or aspiring to be so.

A note from our Investment Committee: volatility in equity markets

22 August 2019
By Stephen Furness
Large falls in equity markets in recent days have seen commentators focus on the increasing risks of a global recession. We provide a brief update below.

Warren Buffett is not wrong – but not entirely right

30 July 2019
By John Barton
Back in February, Warren Buffett released his 54th annual letter to the shareholders of Berkshire Hathaway. Since reading this year’s letter, I have been meaning to capture my thoughts on an aspect of Warren’s note that, while accurate, misses the point for most investors...

The roaring 80s to today

18 June 2019
By John Barton
You may remember the 80s – it was a decade of big hair, big phones, big pants and big hits. It was also a decade of one of the biggest stock market crashes in history. But even with October ’87 in mind, the 80s wasn’t actually a period of big risk taking for the average investor, or more accurately, an investor seeking an ‘average’ rate of return.

Post-election outcomes and considerations

4 June 2019
By Andrew Albury
With the uncertainty that comes with the lead up to a Federal Election now softening, now is an ideal time to consider the new avenues of opportunity that may emerge for investors. Adopting a policy of continual observation of the post-election market landscape could be beneficial.

Navigating 2019 Forum

21 May 2019
Recently, we hosted our Navigating 2019 Forum where we heard from David Hudson and Dr Michael Drew. The event took place at The Grove in the CBD. Read on for more information, photos and a summary video from the event.

Strategies for retiring in uncertain times

11 February 2019
By Richard Marsden
After the last decade of economic and asset price growth, it is common for investors to remain optimistic or become complacent and assume the good times will keep rolling...

Bitcoin: twelve months later

14 December 2018
By Stephen Furness
Last December, Stephen Furness penned an article exploring cryptocurrencies, more specifically Bitcoin. Now, twelve months later, he reflects on how the digital currency market has fared.

MGD Portfolio Solutions: commentary on overnight market falls

11 October 2018
By Stephen Furness
We have seen some significant falls overnight in the US (around 3%), and the Australian equity market is down today (around 2%).

10-years on… the balance of greed and fear

18 September 2018
By John Barton
Ten years ago, we saw the bankruptcy of global investment bank, Lehman Brothers. In this article, John Barton reflects on the events that unfolded in 2008 and what investors can take away from it.

2018 Investor Forum

5 September 2018
By Stephen Furness
Recently, we hosted our 2018 Investor Forum. The event took place at The Grove in the CBD with a great line up of speakers. Read on for more information, photos and a summary video from the event.

Understanding the First Home Super Saver Scheme

10 April 2018
With housing affordability becoming increasingly challenging, many first home buyers are trying to best manage their path to the goal of owning property. To assist with these efforts, starting on 1 July 2017 a new initiative was introduced for Australians looking at getting themselves into the property market.

Sequencing Risk: Why the path of your investment returns matters when you retire

15 January 2018
For those within the critical five years prior to retirement, the potential for investment losses presents a very specific risk: sequencing risk. That risk is where portfolio losses in drawdown accounts can have a very detrimental long-term effect on the longevity of that capital. This whitepaper explains sequencing risk and some of the ways to mitigate it.

Smart money options for the New Year

20 December 2017
The investment return outlook is relatively subdued for the next five years following a strong post-GFC rally. This means that now might be an ideal time to take advantage of alternative strategies available to you. So, before diving into 2018 and investing in riskier investments in the hope of gaining those higher returns, now is a good time to consider what other options you have on the table.