ETF's have become the latest big investment trend on the ASX and the growth looks set to continue. Over the past 9 years the ETF market in Australia has increased in value from around $500 million to over $4 billion. In the US the market is far greater having grown by 34% pa over the … Continue reading What are ETF’s?
Category: Investment
Financial Market Volatility and Global Growth
While I don't intend for my Blog to focus only on market updates I think the current volatility we are seeing requires frequent communication. An important aspect of ensuring our financial lives are in order is to make sure we have money when we need it. We do this by managing our savings, investing and spending. We can control two of … Continue reading Financial Market Volatility and Global Growth
My Q and A with BT Investment Management
Recently I had a discussion with BT Investment Management (BTIM) regarding the current state of the markets both in Australia and globally. BTIM manages a significant pool of funds for investors, currently more than $40billion. I asked them the following questions: How do you see the situation playing out in the US and Europe? US The … Continue reading My Q and A with BT Investment Management
The Difference between Price and Value
In simple terms, Price is what you pay for something and Value is what it's worth. If you think about a bike (yes I'm a bit obsessed) the Price might be $1,500 but the real Value is the enjoyment and improvement in fitness it can provide. The same definition of Price and Value is applicable … Continue reading The Difference between Price and Value
Where to Invest for Income?
I was asked by Jane, a client of mine today "where is the best place to invest $100,000 if I need income?. I'm thinking about shares but given everything I've been hearing in the news lately, maybe I'm better off with my money in the bank". It's a great question and the answer is relevant … Continue reading Where to Invest for Income?
What to do (or not to do) with an Inheritance?
Recently I was interviewed for two articles in the Australian Financial Review. Bina Brown was writing on how to make the most of an inheritance and also on a smart estate planning strategy. An enormous amount of wealth is expected to pass down the generations over coming years. While some are planning to SKI (Spend the Kid's Inheritance) their way … Continue reading What to do (or not to do) with an Inheritance?
5 Most Common Questions in the last 2 Weeks
The Dow Jones has swung more than 400 points for the last four days running. It's been a wild ride on the ASX as well. I'd expect this volatility to continue over the next few weeks. The Dow finished 3.95% higher on Thursday after a drop in jobless claims and better than expected earnings. I thought it … Continue reading 5 Most Common Questions in the last 2 Weeks
Further Market Update
In the US overnight the Dow jumped almost 4% to finish back above 11,000 points. This came after a Federal Reserve announcement that its benchmark interest rate will remain near zero percent until 2013. The Australian sharemarket closed up on Tuesday afternoon by just over one percent after spending most of the day in the red. Thoughts … Continue reading Further Market Update
Market Update
We have spoken to leading asset consultant, Russell Investments, who continue to monitor the economic situation and they have provided us with the following information. Market Action A gloomy global economic outlook sent investors on a mass exodus out of risky markets Thursday and into the refuge ofUSgovernment debt, sending yields to yet another round … Continue reading Market Update