How to set up your portfolio like a pro
As more SMSFs realise the value of international exposure, they should stick closely to one of the most important principles of investing.
Eight ways to end credit card fraud
The rise in online spending and one-tap transactions has made these few simple safeguards critical for all shoppers.
Covered call horror stories
Covered call strategies sold as fool proof methods of income generation were anything but.
Psychology drives hybrid sales
Does the preference for hybrids expose a neurological disconnect?
ASX200 to return $90bn
Almost $90 billion is set to come back into the hands of shareholders this year, comprising $80.5 billion in dividends and $9.3 billion through share buybacks.
Forex leverage warning
The issue of capped leverage has reared its head again as brokers pick off Australia for its extremely high leverage.
Commonwealth vs Westpac Bank
In the battle of Australia’s two household favourite banks, CBA has a slight edge over Westpac.
Australian Equity Indices
| Points | Change | % Change | Value | Volume |
| S&P;/ASX 200 | 5,969.1 | + 13.0 | + 0.22% | $ 3,462,894,798.0 | 544,652,872.0 |
| ALL ORDINARIES | 5,934.5 | + 13.5 | + 0.23% | $ 3,587,096,715.0 | 723,725,740.0 |
| S&P;/ASX 100 | 4,987.6 | + 9.4 | + 0.19% | $ 2,970,041,309.0 | 339,046,199.0 |
| SMALL ORDS | 2,204.5 | + 13.0 | + 0.59% | $ 579,176,703.0 | 323,400,102.0 |
Rates could hit zero
Respected US analyst thinks interest rates could fall below the one per cent mark.
Will LRBAs be banned?
SMSF borrowing arrangements could be on the chopping block in the next budget.
Stocks leveraged to US bonds
When the bond market experiences volatility, some stocks make money hand over fist.
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Market Summary
Currencies
| AUD | USD | EUR | JPY | GBP | |
| AUD |  |
0.7862 | 0.7188 | 94.04 | 0.5263 |
| USD | 1.2711 |  |
0.9141 | 119.59 | 0.6698 |
| EUR | 1.3904 | 1.0935 |  |
130.79 | 0.7324 |
| JPY | 0.0106 | 0.0084 | 0.0076 |  |
0.0056 |
| GBP | 1.898 | 1.4933 | 1.3653 | 178.56 |  |
Stock price lookup
Shares
Is Sirtex a buy or a sell?
Sirtex’s plunging share price hasn’t stopped some big named from rallying behind the life sciences company.
Four stocks to buy and four to avoid
A rising tide does not lift all boats. The ASX might be eyeing 6000 but a handful of stocks are bumbling about near multi-year lows.
ASX200 to return $90bn
Almost $90 billion is set to come back into the hands of shareholders this year, comprising $80.5 billion in dividends and $9.3 billion through share buybacks.
Property
Super debate flawed
If the primary aim of superannuation is to provide for our retirement then we shouldn’t discriminate against asset classes.
The $1m median market
Sydney’s booming housing market is tipped to rise 20 per cent in the next two years.
Are heritage homes worth the hassle?
Fireplaces and veranda lace are attractive design features however the upkeep can be prohibitively expensive.
Topics
Fixed Income
Making money with passive investments
Bonds are far from the boring diversifier if you know how to properly use them.
New-breed hybrids conquer cash rate
The latest hybrid security offering from ANZ Bank is perfectly timed.
NAB’s latest hybrid issue
The $750 million raising follows an $850 million issue by ANZ Banking Group, completed this month.
Specialist Investments
Gold tipped to break key level
Signals that the US Fed is about to lift rates spells trouble for gold bugs as analysts tip the precious metal to fall below $US1100.
Good reasons to buy Europe
A game-changing decision from the European Central Bank has investors piling into the troubled region.
New LIC in the offing
Former Equity Trustees chief investment officer is behind the next listed investment company to hit the ASX.
Topics
Market Intelligence
Small caps are pricey too
Small ords look more expensive than the top 100, trading at 20 times forecast earnings, data shows.
Bank boss eyes yield risk
ANZ Bank CEO Mike Smith fears excess liquidity and record low rates has seen some assets improperly priced.
How to set up your portfolio like a pro
As more SMSFs realise the value of international exposure, they should stick closely to one of the most important principles of investing.
Superannuation
Will LRBAs be banned?
SMSF borrowing arrangements could be on the chopping block in the next budget.
Super funds ‘vulnerable’
An investigation has exposed a staggering number of funds with ‘weak’ or ‘vulnerable’ conflict of interest safeguards.
One binding super mistake
When it comes to self-managed super funds and binding directions, says Sydney barrister Noel Davis, the advice that is given often leaves a lot to be desired.
Topics
New Investor
Eight ways to end credit card fraud
The rise in online spending and one-tap transactions has made these few simple safeguards critical for all shoppers.
Six wealth lessons from wise elders
Investors wanting long term results could learn a few things from older generations.
How Harold Mitchell tops up his fortune
Advertising-industry leviathan Harold Mitchell explains how expert advice and a long term view made him a rich lister.