All Financial Services » Financial News

Are markets back to normal?

AFS — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 01:19:32 +0000

What a difference a year can make. Twelve months ago the world was in the grip of the Global Financial Crisis. Credit markets were effectively closed, sharemarkets had halved in value, economic activity had come to a sudden halt, and investors saw only darkness ahead. Few were prepared to forecast that, 12 months on, investors would have a far more constructive view of the world.

‘The big questions’ by Stephen Halmarick

AFS — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:50:11 +0000

How did Australia make it through the global recession so unscathed?

What will drive the sharemarket in 2010?

What are your expectations for the year ahead?

What are the key risks for 2010 and beyond?

How do global investors view Australia?

Read the views of Stephen Halmarick, Colonial First State>>>

‘Shares – still okay, and looking up’ by Paul Clitheroe

AFS — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 05:02:18 +0000

Australian shares have enjoyed a fabulous run lately, with the sharemarket rising around an amazing 25% over the last three months. The big gains have also provided a much-needed boost to investor confidence.

According to the latest Westpac- Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index, 12% of us reckon shares are the best place to park our savings at present. That’s about double the proportion who nominated shares back in March.

Budget snapshot: How are you affected?

AFS — Thu, 14 May 2009 01:58:37 +0000

The 2009/10 Federal Budget has significant impacts on financial strategies, particularly for people nearing retirement. Here’s a quick summary.

Key financial strategy impacts

~ Tax cuts confirmed

~ Changes to Commonwealth Seniors Health Card dropped

~ Age Pension full rate increased

~ Pension income test tougher

~ Concessional contributions to super trimmed

~ Lower minimum super pension drawdown extended

~ Private health insurance to cost more for high-income earners

~ Employee share plan benefits cut

Seize the sharemarket opportunities by Paul Clitheroe

AFS — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:19:39 +0000

Successful investors tend to regard downturns in the same light that most of us view department store sales – a chance to buy something for a lot less than you’d expect to pay normally.

At present the world is on sale. US stocks are currently selling at 1997 prices. A big discount is also available in our market with prices well down on their peak. While disastrous stories dominate the headlines, many companies are actually bigger and better than they were years ago. If you believe, as I do, that we will continue to consume and support the products of quality companies through our daily activities then economies and businesses will continue to grow over time.

Property market outlook by Paul Clitheroe

AFS — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 07:56:22 +0000

Okay, your super has taken a flogging and your shares may have tanked. But for the first time in many years I reckon now is a good time to invest in property. Prices have dropped, interest rates are low and rents are up, and while I’m not expecting a boom any time soon, if you choose the right property in the right location, the long-term growth prospects are good.

Investment Outlook

AFS — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 02:20:10 +0000

Can it get any worse? And what should I do with my investments?

Retiring post-sharemarket falls by Paul Clitheroe

AFS — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 09:11:08 +0000

Retirement has always been a financial juggling act. But sharemarket falls of around 40% in 2008 have forced plenty of retirees, including those with the best-laid plans, to rethink how they will stretch their money over the next 10, 20, even 30 years.

Click here to read more.

Investment Outlook

AFS — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 02:44:02 +0000

2008 – A tough year on many fronts.

We are deeply conscious that the last year has been exceptionally difficult for investors. The impact of the unfolding global financial crisis has been brutal on capital markets, producing exceptionally weak returns for most asset classes. All long-term investors have had to endure sharp declines in the value of their portfolios.

Click here to read more.