News Updates
AS IT HAPPENS
Vanguard has formally announced that they will be significantly reducing the investment fees they charge on their most popular funds to well below industry averages. Vanguard recognise the significant impact that costs have on investment returns and with many of their fund fees now dropping to jaw-dropping lows, our clients now have a greater chance of investment success. We congratulate Vanguard. For more information contact us on 9382 8885. Rick Maggi.
Anti-Detriment payments were introduced almost 25 yeas ago to ensure that the families and beneficiaries of super members were not inadvertently disadvantaged by the introduction of the 15% contributions tax. Does your fund allow for anti detriment payments? Read more here Rick Maggi.
If you're thinking of retiring or resigning (or are faced with redundancy), you should know the special tax concessions for certain employment termination payments (ETP's) will end on June 30 2012. Read more here Rick Maggi
The 'concessional contributions' caps for superannuation contributions are being significantly reduced on 1 July 2012, so if you're over 50 this could impact you in a number of ways. These two articles focus of the caps themselves plus 'transition to retirement' strategies. If in doubt, please contact us before the end of June - its extremely important to get this right. Rick Maggi
Jeff Brunton, Head of Credit Markets (AMP) discusses the benefits of bond funds in an environment of declining interest rates. Rick Maggi. View video here
The Australian share market fell to a two-month low this afternoon, led by miners, as Greece's political leaders prepare for a second election in just over a month. Read more here.
The Australian love affair with cash has been understandable one since the beginning of the GFC. Where else could you get a guaranteed, government backed asset paying 5% plus while all around was failing miserably? Vanguard's Robin Bowerman highlights investors to the age old 'health warning' that applies to all investments - namely that past performance is no guarantee that the future will deliver the same outcome. Rick Maggi Read here
In this brief article, filled with positive messages, Elm Capital's John Robertson takes a look at the strong start to 2012 and what we might expect for the remainder of 2012, based on modern history. Let's hope he's right. Enjoy! Rick Maggi Read here
US stocks advanced strongly again, sending the Dow Jones up over 200 points, to the highest level since 2007, well past 13,000. Read more here
AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver explains where we are in the investment cycle and implications for investors. This is an informative and easy to understand video (approx 9 min) and it reinforces the importance of getting the right mix of assets or 'asset allocation' in your investment or superannuation strategy. Enjoy! Rick Maggi Watch video here
This article, yet another from Dr Shane Oliver, will be interest to all investors, superannuation, pension and wealth accumulators alike. Rick Maggi Read Oliver's Insights
At a time when many investors have become jaded and cynical about shares, often tempted to run to the relative 'safety' of cash or bonds, Warren Buffett's shareholder letter explains why it may pay too be a little more patient. Enjoy. Rick Maggi Read article here
(Video) AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver series of videos takes a look at 2011 and looks forward into 2012. Worth viewing. Rick Maggi. Watch video
Vanguard's Robin Bowerman focuses on the outstanding performance of bonds during 2011, but also highlights the age old importance of diversification. Rick Maggi Read here
AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver looks back on 2011 and, perhaps more importantly, takes a balanced and rational look forward into 2012. Next year could be better than many expect. Rick Maggi. Read Shane Oliver's report
Significant challenges lay ahead for Europe, last Friday's fiscal 'compact' was a step in the right direction. Rick Maggi Read more
Over the last few years we've been helping clients take control of their super and pensions, reduce their fees and better protect their hard earned money better. Making a difference is easy, with the right advice. Rick Maggi Read Case Study (brief)
Research is showing that trustees of newer self-managed superannuation funds are unaware of their risks and obligations. Rick Maggi Read article (brief)
This month's snapshot focuses on the impact of hedging the international component of your investment or superannuation portfolio. This is an area we've been urging our clients to consider for quite some time as the performance difference between a currency hedged international fund versus unhedged (the vast majority of Australians have unhedged funds) can be miles apart in the shorter term. Rick Maggi December 2011 Snapshot
Read below for a summary of the Federal Government's mini-budget announcements. Rick Maggi Mini Budget 2011-12
