Change that will make your head spin
Happy New Year! The following is an interesting video on the progression of information technology - a timely reminder of how things continue to change so rapidly, as we move into 2012. Rick Maggi. Watch here
25/12/11: Embrace Life: Always wear your seatbelt
Drive safely
As we are now well and truly immersed in the holiday season, I think this award winning advertisement says it all. Take care this season. Rick Maggi Embrace Life Ad
24/12/11: What matters more than your talents
Amazon Founder and CEO Jeff Bezos
In this Princeton University graduation address, Jeff Bezos makes the case that our character is reflected not in the gifts we're endowed with at birth, but by the choices we make over the course of a lifetime. Rick Maggi Watch video here
22/12/11: Light Up Christmas for a Sick Child...
Starlight Children's Foundation Australia
The Starlight Foundation are aiming to grant over 100 wishes for seriously ill children and their families by Christmas. Please read below to find out how you can help make Christmas a little brighter for them. Rick Maggi
20/12/11: The year ahead...
A year of disasters
(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
16/12/11: Behold the beauty of bonds
An outstanding year for Bonds...
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
13/12/11: Should we be concerned about 2012?
Oliver's Insights
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
12/12/11: Europe Update:
Progress?
Significant challenges lay ahead for Europe, last Friday's fiscal 'compact' was a step in the right direction. Rick Maggi Read more
07/12/11: Case Study: Superannuation. Taking Control.
It's easy to make a difference...
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)
07/12/11: New SMSFs unaware of risk
Get advice...
Research is showing that trustees of newer self-managed superannuation funds are unaware of their risks and obligations. Rick Maggi Read article (brief)
02/12/11: December 2011 Snapshot
Hedging against uncertainty
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
30/11/11: Mini-Budget 2011
Superannuation and tax announcements
Read below for a summary of the Federal Government's mini-budget announcements. Rick Maggi Mini Budget 2011-12
04/11/11: Shares and the long term - how long is long?
A timely reminder
As Greece assesses it's options, bringing global markets on an emotional roller coaster along the way, AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver takes a sober look at the long-term performance of shares versus cash and bonds - easy reading. Read here
01/11/11: MARKET Snapshot
Investing today: Getting the right mix
This month's Snapshot focuses on selecting the right asset allocation when investing, pre and post retirement. Read November Snapshot
22/10/11: China's turn?
Hard or soft landing?
AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver looks at the recent outbreak of worries about a hard landing in China. Read here
21/10/11: Market Dashboard
Market Dashboard
A snapshot view of global sharemarkets, interest rates, currency, superannuation and other financial data. Read here Rick Maggi.
06/10/11: Steve Jobs - How to live before you die
Steve Jobs
With the passing of Apple CEO and co-founder Steve Jobs today, his 1995 Stanford University speech seems timely and poignant.
"...brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it." Barack Obama
04/10/11: October 2011 Snapshot
BRIC and Australia's fortunes
This snapshot steps back from the current upheaval to take a broader view of what is taking place, what it means, and why it is significant for Australian investors. Read October 2011 Snapshot
04/10/11: Back to Basics: Defensive vs Growth assets
A deeper insight
AMP Capital's Michael Fazzini explains the difference between growth and defensive assets - an easy to understand 4-minute summary. Watch Video
29/09/11: What the world needs now...
Have global policy makers run out of bullets?
The chronic failure of Europe to bring its debt problems under control, an ongoing flow of poor global economic data combined with alarmist comments from global officials has seen global share markets retest lows. AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver shares his views. Read Oliver's Insights