CommSec Gold Commentary...
The following is a 3 minute video commentary from CommSec about the prospects for gold during 2013 and 2014. Enjoy. Rick Maggi. Gold prediction video
16/02/13: Market Dashboard: 15 Feb 2013
Facts and figures at your fingertips...
A quick snapshot of share markets, superannuation funds, commodities, rates and more. Enjoy! Rick Maggi. Dashboard
06/02/13: Shares, property, bonds or cash?
Which way to go?
In this easy to understand article, AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver discusses the four investments options and their possible performance over the next few years. The second article takes a look at the current share market 'boom' and it's potential to be longer lasting than past recoveries. Rick Maggi
Shares, Property, Bonds or Cash? Shares: How Long Can It Last?
25/01/13: Japanese reflation a good thing
...and why it's great for Australia!
This article discusses the Bank of Japan's recent decision to raise its inflation target and introduce open ended 'quantitative easing'. It sounds complicated but it is a good read and simply explained. Enjoy. Rick Maggi Japanese Reflation
18/12/12: Outlook for 2013.
Olivers Insights
An excellent overview of 2012 and a refreshingly bold attempt to map out the next twelve months, by AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver. Take a close look at the table of investment returns and forecasts. Enjoy! Rick Maggi
05/12/12: RBA cuts cash rate to 3%
But the song remains the same
While the RBA once again loosened monetary policy in December, the Bank continues to see a silver lining on every economic cloud and is yet to acknowledge that the Australian economy is entering a much more difficult environment now that mining investment has peaked. While many believe that the RBA will ultimately be forced to cut the cash rate to 2%, it seems pretty clear that the RBA still remains hopeful that the rate cuts it has already undertaken will be sufficient to revive growth. As such, it appears that until there is irrefutable proof that mining investment has peaked, or that unemployment is rising sharply, the RBA will remain a reluctant rate cutter, as indeed it has been over the past year. Rick Maggi Update: Since the 25 basis point cut yesterday, most of the major banks have since cut their loan rates by about 20 basis points.
20/11/12: November Market & Economic Update
November 2012 Economic Update (Easy Reading)
AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver presents a brief market and economic snapshot. Enjoy. Rick Maggi. Market & Economic Update
31/10/12: Is the mining boom over?
CommSec Video (3.36min)
In this addition, CommSec comments on the mining sector and whether the mining boom is actually over. Enjoy! Rick Maggi. Watch video here
20/10/12: Viewpoint: Jim O'Neill
Jim O'Neill, Chairman of Goldman Sachs...
Below is a brief global economic update (China, US, UK & Eurozone) from the Chairman of Goldman Sachs, Jim O'Neill… Viewpoint with Jim O'Neill
16/10/12: Managing super in challenging times
Your questions answered...
The last few years since the GFC have been difficult for investors - each time share markets take a step forward, changes in the global economy pull them back. Paul Clitheroe joins AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver to provide their views on where share markets are placed and how to navigate the period ahead. Also included is a link on the Eurozone (easy reading). Enjoy. Rick Maggi.
25/10/12: What does the US election mean for markets?
Dr Shane Oliver discusses forthcoming US elections...
The US elections are only a few short weeks away and the polls have Mitt Romney and Barack Obama neck and neck. This video explores the potential consequences of either a Romney or an Obama win. Watch video here
02/10/12: RBA cuts interest rates
25 basis point cut...
The Reserve Bank has cut interest rates by 25 basis points, taking the official cash rate to 3.25 per cent. More here. Rick Maggi
19/09/12: Q&A on QE3
What is it? Why do it?
AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver discusses the potential consequences for investors and retirees of the US Federal Reserve's recent decision to commence another round of 'quantitative easing'. This is an easy to understand article, well worth a quick read. Enjoy. Rick Maggi. Read more here.
01/09/12: Economy still growing strong
Australia still the envy of the developed world...
In light of recent comments about the state of our economy, I thought this was a refreshing article... Read more Rick Maggi.
27/08/12: Why asset allocation matters...
Vanguard's Robin Bowerman
More than quarter of a century ago, a landmark investment research paper by three US academics concluded that the asset allocation of an investment portfolio is the primary driver of its long-term performance... Read more here
18/08/12: Teaching kids about money
The MoneySmart Teaching Package
This week the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) launched the MoneySmart Teaching Package to primary schools as part of a national commitment to teaching the core life skill of financial education. Secondary students will be targeted in December. It's a great idea. So if you have children or grandchildren you may want to take a look at this particular website and use some of the free materials on offer. Rick Maggi. View website and video here
14/08/12: If you invested $10,000 thirty years ago...
The Vanguard 2012 Index Chart
There's nothing quite like time to smooth out the rough patches and provide investors with some perspective. This chart, just released by Vanguard, shows what would have happened to a $10,000 investment made in 1982 had an investor selected either Australian shares, international shares, US shares, listed property, Australian bonds or cash. While the final result will likely surprise many, I believe the wide gap between Australian shares and cash is the standout statistic. View Chart Here
03/08/12: Will more monetary easing work?
Will Quantitative Easing Mark III be successful?
While recent announcements coming out of the US and the European have been disappointing, there is little doubt that both will need to take extra steps to bolster their economies. When this eventually occurs, will it be as effective? Read more here Rick Maggi.
27/07/12: The search for a decent yield
Oliver's Insights
The uncertain investment environment and poor returns from shares since the GFC has seen the popularity of bank deposits surge while that of shares has collapsed. With term deposit rates falling it makes sense for investors to consider some of the alternatives. This article, written by Dr Shane Oliver of AMP Capital, takes a closer look at some of the options available. Rick Maggi. Read more here
29/07/12: Have shares lost their appeal?
History is on the side of shares.
After several years of poor performance, is the "stocks for the long term" still valid? Are long term investors right to sit tight? Or is this downturn different? Read more here Rick Maggi