The days when Australia “rode on the sheep’s back” may be long gone, but agriculture remains a critical component of the economy, generating valuable export income. While overseas investors understand its importance, for most local institutions it’s still a bridge too far.
For several years, investors, from institutional to retail, couldn’t get enough of the tech stocks with all their promises of future growth. But now the market has spoken and it’s saying precisely this – valuations matter again.
Once the exclusive domain of institutions and family offices, managers are increasingly bringing these versatile and valuable investment products to the wealth channel.
An ASIC report notes the boom in demand for this asset, saying it heightens the need for “better-quality data” about the size of this sector where estimates range between $1.8 billion and $188 billion.
CPA Australia has weighed into the debate about the cost to oversee the industry, adding its voice to those who argue the fee structure favours the larger funds.
A key architect of the compulsory retirement savings system lauds its many achievements, stretching from the national economy to the individual. Where it’s double faulting is in serving members – and it needs to be addressed promptly.
US President Donald Trump’s tariff announcement has driven spreads wider. In this volatile market environment, investors need to exercise caution and keep a careful eye on the fundamentals.
The dominance of the share market’s heavyweights over the past three years is making valuations further down the line look attractive again.
A Coalition Government will want to curb the union role in superannuation, especially in the industry funds – the largest superannuation sector at nearly $1.5 trillion. Setting up a royal commission to achieve this end will be overkill.
The power of in-depth, fundamental research into companies and broader sectors and trends to generate alpha remains a compelling argument for active investment strategies.
Varun Laijawalla from Ninety One shares insights with James Dunn from The Inside Network on what investors are suited to emerging markets.
Alex Lennard from Ruffer shares insights with Laurence Parker-Brown from The Inside Network on whether the previous strategies will continue well in a new regime.
Wenchang Ma from Ninety One shares insights with James Dunn from The Inside Network on any substitute for going out and meeting companies on the road.
Alison Shimada from Allspring Global Investments speaks to Giselle Roux from The Inside Network on responsible investing in EM.
Hostplus’ young demographics and the mandatory nature of superannuation means it gets “a free kick before every game”. But CIO Sam Sicilia says funds must keep questioning the assumptions that underpin the superannuation system and their relationship to it.
Australia’s largest homegrown asset consultant is plotting an expansion further beyond its traditional superannuation clients, while consolidation in the industry is changing the way they work.
Despite authorities taking their foot off the environmental, social and governance pedal and recent volatility in equities and bonds, the benefits of Artificial Intelligence and improved investor transparency are just beginning.
While the repercussions from ‘Liberation Day’ are still playing out, there can be little doubt it’s a more complex investment environment in which macro conditions, policy actions and asset-level fundamentals will interact in increasingly idiosyncratic ways.
