Smart Money
Outlook for resources | Big miners offer safest bet
After a year of prudent management and stringent cost cutting, large resources companies are exhibiting some value again but experts are still wary of single-commodity miners.
Outlook for retail | Success depends on going the extra mile
Retailers are hoping the Federal government’s renewed efforts to repair the budget in 2014 do not kill off a long-awaited recovery in consumer sentiment and retail spending.
Floats 2013: The ones that got away
A trickle of floats became a torrent in 2013. Sellers seized on a rising sharemarket and rushed for the exits, fund managers absorbed billions of dollars of new stock, and investors enjoyed fast gains in some listings. Nine Entertainment and Dick Smith were two of the biggest IPOs of the year.
Gutsy decisions are the ones that count
The smart ideas and key decisions successful people make that set them up for life.
Super trust deeds a holiday must read
A reality of do-it-yourself superannuation is that few trustees are aware of how important it is for them to have a better understanding of their fund’s trust deed than most actually have.
Q&A | Top-ups off the table without a job
If you want to keep contributing to your super fund beyond the age of 65, you have to earn income to qualify.
Jazz artist sings to her own tune
Emma Pask’s appearance on TV show ‘The Voice’ won the approval of judge Ricky Martin and has seen the hard-working singer’s career skyrocket.
Australia slips in happiness stakes
People who live in South Australia and the Northern Territory are happier than the rest of the country – but happiness overall is on the slide.
What investors should expect in 2014
Global growth may be back on the agenda but Australia faces challenges that will require careful navigation, particularly now that the US central bank has decided to start winding down its bond-buying program next month.
Second wind for mining sector
Since mid-2011 the financial sector has left the resources sector for dead in terms of outperformance, which has largely unwound the near-decade domination by miners during the great commodity price boom.
Fed taper small but perfectly formed
Given the US Federal Reserve’s balance sheet has swelled to around $US4 trillion and was closer to $US940 billion on September 10, 2008, just before investment bank Lehman Brothers went bust, the end game for the Fed is to get its balance sheet down to pre-GFC levels.
Aitken picks his top stocks for 2014
Sydney stockbroker Charlie Aitken has named his top three picks for 2014, choosing to hitch his wagon to three Australian billionaires and the listed vehicles through which they built their fortunes.
Property: proceed with caution
Reflecting low interest rates, better affordability, strong population growth and increased foreign interest, housing demand and house prices have been on a decent upswing over the past year – particularly in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.
Miss Limousines founder is driven to make a difference
Faced with the prospect of no job and with her career at a crossroads, Georgia Ebsary decided to return to a teenage passion – cars.
US recovery bodes well for global REITs
Australian-based global property securities funds received a shot in the arm after Westfield Group announced that it may pursue a listing in the United States or Britain – or both – for its proposed international mall business, Westfield Corporation.
How too much income can cost you
I turn 65 next year and, from my $400,000 DIY super fund, intend to withdraw a $30,000-a-year account-based pension and apply for a part government age pension. My wife, 57 and not working, receives a small $6000 Public Sector Super annual pension. How much can I earn outside super before I need to pay tax and how might any extra income affect my tax and age pension entitlement?
Strong demand for APN-run Industria REIT’s ASX debut
Industria REIT’s $212 million raising was heavily over-subscribed before the $250 million property trust hit the boards on December 3.
National Storage REIT’s listing looms with promise of strong yield
The $287 million National Storage REIT is set to hit the boards as the nation’s only pure-play listed self-storage propery fund just six days before Christmas.
Investor profit opportunity on GDI platform
Boutique syndicator GDI Property Group is joining its well-regarded funds management expertise to a sizeable property portfolio to create a $567.5 million listed office property trust.
Fife wins support for Australian Industrial REIT
Sydney-based investment manager Allan Fife quickly won support from investors when he pulled eight logistics assets into a $176 million portfolio to list as the Australian Industrial REIT.
HPI on track to begin trading on ASX after $279 million float
Investors who buy into Hotel Property Investments will own a slice of 41 hotels and seven detached bottled shops that are managed by supermarkets and liquor giant Coles.
No problem selling DIY assets to relatives
You can legitimately transfer assets out of a DIY super fund to a related party, such as a nephew, as long as it’s at a current net market valuation.
Why investors are being wooed back to real estate
The lure of yield has dragged investors back to commercial property and into a plethora of new real estate investment trusts and unlisted property funds.
Extended low rates boost market appeal
David Bassanese | Fewer economists now expect the Reserve Bank of Australia will cut interest rates again by early next year, but most at least agree that a speedy rebound in interest rates is still some way off.
Festive pressure doubles the heat in housing market
A pre-Christmas auction glut – more than 2700 auctions being held in Melbourne and Sydney alone this weekend –prompts call for caution in the property market as buyers and sellers look to settle quickly.
Sink or swim in the flood of floats
With a number of companies set to list on the ASX, including Affinity, Nine Entertainment and Dick Smith, investors need to pick their punts with care.
Why the dollar may force the RBA’s hand
With ongoing signs of improvement in the housing sector – particularly in Sydney – the Reserve Bank of Australia is unlikely to cut interest rates at the December policy meeting next week.
Buy a business to retire on
Against the backdrop of a public debate that includes suggestions Australia’s retirement age be increased to 70, a reader has asked about a DIY super investment idea that could certainly fit with an era where older Australians are more active in their retirement.
Australians are wealthier and less in debt
Do you feel wealthier? Take heart from a collective summing up of Australian households’ wealth that finds us 2 per cent better off in June 2013 than a year earlier – sitting on assets of $6.3 billion.
Keepers of a curated collective strike gold in Canberra
A Canberra store selling high-quality handmade arts and crafts made by designers from all over Australia attracts 8000 people a month and 12,000 at Christmas time.
