The Superannuation Story, part 1

In our first post for the new year, we begin a multi-part examination of superannuation, using the recently released data from APRA on industry and fund level performance to June 2013, together with DFA’s own research. Superannuation has become big business, with total assets now worth over $1.62 trillion (compare this with the $5 trillion … Continue reading “The Superannuation Story, part 1”

The Real Story On Rates (2)…

I was joined by Steve Mickenbecker to review this weeks news from the RBA and others. How should we interpret the data, and what does this tell us about the rates outlook? Steve Mickenbecker is in Canstar’s Group Executive Team, bringing more than 30 years of experience in the Australian financial services industry. As a … Continue reading “The Real Story On Rates (2)…”

A history of failed reform: why Australia needs a banking royal commission

From The Conversation. The move for an inquiry into how banks treat small business customers should not overshadow the ongoing call for a broader royal commission on banks. Several financial inquries (outlined below) have failed to tackle the growing concentration in the Australian finance sector, or the need to separate general banking from investment banking … Continue reading “A history of failed reform: why Australia needs a banking royal commission”

Wealth inequality shows superannuation changes are overdue

From The Conversation. The government is still consulting on superannuation after concerns raised by backbenchers over changes made in the budget. However these changes are more important than ever, as evidenced by the 2016 HILDA statistics on wealth and superannuation. The statistics highlighted changes in the distribution of wealth of Australians since the survey commenced … Continue reading “Wealth inequality shows superannuation changes are overdue”

This Crypto Winter May Not Turn To Spring!

Well, those following my channel over recent years will know that I have been quite skeptical of Crypto wave, and while Crypto has gone through several major drops in its history, this time could be different. I was not impressed with so called celebrities starting spruiking them, including Kim Kardashian, but when financial mainstream started … Continue reading “This Crypto Winter May Not Turn To Spring!”

Markets in the eye of the storm

Damien Klassen is Head of Investments at Nucleus Wealth has penned an excellent article which is reproduced here with permission: Investment markets are in the eye of the storm. The initial storm danger came as COVID-19 hit, decimating jobs and smashing demand. Governments and central banks ably stepped up to stem the damage, and investment … Continue reading “Markets in the eye of the storm”

RBA Parallel Universe Is SO Dovish

The RBA released their minutes today, and its all upside. Just seems disconnected from reality! Rates will remain low, for years!!! International Economic Conditions Members commenced their discussion of the global economy by noting the International Monetary Fund’s forecast for global growth to pick up in 2020 and 2021. The easing in trade tensions between … Continue reading “RBA Parallel Universe Is SO Dovish”

RBA Advocates A Strong Digital Identity System

Governor Lowe spoke at the Australian Payments Network Summit yesterday. He discussed the rise of electronic transactions, especially though the New Payments Platform, the high relative costs of international retail payments, and the need for, and potential of a Strong Digital Identity System. He also highlighted the decline in cash transactions which now accounts for … Continue reading “RBA Advocates A Strong Digital Identity System”

APRA’s MySuper Heatmap Is A Nightmare

From the excellent James Mitchell, at The Adviser. If the prudential regulator was hoping to provide clarity on MySuper products it has failed miserably. Call me ignorant, but when APRA announced the launch of its MySuper heatmap, I didn’t envision downloading an Excel spreadsheet and navigating multiple tabs in order to decipher what the hell … Continue reading “APRA’s MySuper Heatmap Is A Nightmare”