Personal Investment

Industry super funds not so flawed

24 May 2012 | Sacha Vidler

PRINT: 24 May 2012 | PAGE 67 | Industry super funds not so flawed

Paul Fletcher suggests the design of industry super funds – which include equal numbers of union and employer representatives on their boards of directors – is flawed (“Unions and the super conundrum”, May 21).

Future Fund tobacco stocks rise to $225m

23 May 2012 | Jacob Greber

PRINT: 23 May 2012 | PAGE 3 | Tobacco lift for Fund

The Future Fund’s tobacco stocks have surged in value by more than 53 per cent since the start of last year, prompting Greens senator Richard Di Natale to fume that the government is “profiteering” from lung cancer sufferers.

His word is his residential bond

23 May 2012 | Sally Patten

PRINT: 23 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | His word is his mortgage bond

Advocacy of mortgage-backed securities arises from this trader’s wide-ranging experience of both debt and equity markets.

FSC joins chorus against relaxed capital raisings

23 May 2012 | Leng Yeow

PRINT: 23 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | FSC joins chorus against relaxed capital raisings

Pressure is mounting on the Australian Securities Exchange to back down from its push to relax rules around capital raisings.

How to put in $50,000 – and get back 30pc

23 May 2012 | John Wasiliev

PRINT: 23 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | How to put in $50,000 – and get back 30pc

If they can get their act together in time, do-it-yourself super fund members have a one-off opportunity to maximise the tax deductible benefits of super contributions ahead of the reduction in contribution limits that applies from July 1.

Challenger (CGF)

22 May 2012 | George Liondis

PRINT: 22 May 2012 | PAGE 35 |

Financial services group Challenger has taken a stake in an 11th boutique funds manager.

Testing times for stock pickers

22 May 2012 | Tony Boyd

PRINT: 22 May 2012 | PAGE 3 | Testing times for stock pickers

BlackRock’s restructure should have sent a shudder through the highly paid stock pickers who form the backbone of Australia’s active equities funds management industry.

Bad investments by SMSF trustees their problem

22 May 2012 | Cres James

PRINT: 22 May 2012 | PAGE 61 | Bad investments by SMSF trustees their problem

Jennifer Hewett (“Investors left holding the baby”, May 18) comments on the report into the collapse of Trio Capital, saying trustees of self-managed super funds, who invested in Trio, received no compensation, unlike those who invested through Australian Prudential Regulation Authority-regulated super funds.

Brookfield targets residential investors

22 May 2012 | Zoë Fielding

PRINT: 22 May 2012 | PAGE 3 | Brookfield targets residential investors

The residential development arm of property giant Brookfield Multiplex will focus on marketing its properties to investors rather than owner-occupiers following the RBA’s cut in the official cash interest rate.

BT leader to join Perpetual

22 May 2012 | Duncan Hughes

PRINT: 22 May 2012 | PAGE 4 | BT leader to join Perpetual

Perpetual, the listed wealth management group, has poached a leading member of rival BT Financial Group to head up its private wealth and financial advisory operation, which was previously led by new chief executive Geoff Lloyd.

Investors hit as Macquarie axes funds

22 May 2012 | John Kehoe

PRINT: 22 May 2012 | PAGE 4 | Investors hit as Macquarie axes funds

Macquarie Group is shutting down a range of retail managed funds, leaving some investors with no choice but to crystalise large financial losses.

Proximity to Asia ensures local appeal

21 May 2012 | Jemima Whyte

PRINT: 21 May 2012 | PAGE 26 | Proximity to Asia ensures local appeal

Going weak at the knees doesn’t normally make for a good fund manager. But in Ella Brown’s case, she may not have ended up in financial markets without it.

Henderson eyes super assets

21 May 2012 | Duncan Hughes

PRINT: 21 May 2012 | PAGE 3 | Henderson eyes super assets

Henderson Global Investors, the Anglo-Australian funds manager with about $103 billion under management, will announce its plans to launch a pure funds management business in Australia.

Unions and the super conundrum

21 May 2012 | Paul Fletcher

PRINT: 21 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | Unions and the super conundrum

The Fair Work Australia report into the Health Services Union reveals a union culture where normal standards of governance are largely ignored. But it is not just union members who are affected. There is a direct link between unions and the superannuation savings of millions of Australians.

Pushing the limits in a Porsche

19 May 2012 | Jacquie Hayes

PRINT: 19 May 2012 | PAGE 3 | Pushing the limits

Hayes | It was the morning after the federal budget and I was blasting up the Pacific Highway in the new Porsche 911 Carrera S.

Put your planner in the spotlight

19 May 2012 | Ruth Liew

PRINT: 19 May 2012 | PAGE 3 | Put your planner in the spotlight

Choose wisely and a financial planner can help you grow your assets, and reforms in the offing should minimise ‘bad eggs’.

Safe, and a sound income for retirees

19 May 2012 | Jonathan Shapiro

PRINT: 19 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | Safe, and a sound income

As more Australian’s approach retirement, there’s a rush to provide them with investment products that suit their more conservative needs.

NAB offer hits the right note

19 May 2012 | John Wasiliev

PRINT: 19 May 2012 | PAGE 3 | NAB offer hits the right note

Income investments paying interest returns that rise and fall with the money market are in the news constantly, with companies and big banks offering them on a regular basis.

Aim high if you’re on a low income

19 May 2012 | John Wasiliev

PRINT: 19 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Aim high if you’re low

Readers ask about the government’s low-income super contribution and its super co-contribution plan, as well as after-tax contributions for those over 65.

How to identify the best takeover targets

19 May 2012 | Tony Featherstone

PRINT: 19 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | How to identify the best targets

Big gains can come from spotting companies that are candidates for reverse takeovers, and it is a strategy that suits speculators comfortable with high risk. Here are 10 tips to find targets:

Traps for investors in backdoor listings

19 May 2012 | Tony Featherstone

PRINT: 19 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Traps at the back door

Companies finding it difficult to list on the stock exchange are getting in another way. But this is no guarantee of success and canny investors know timing is key.

MFG return is on track

19 May 2012 | John Kehoe

PRINT: 19 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | MFG return is on track

The corporate regulator has defended the liquidator of MF Global, rejecting claims from clients that Deloitte is unfairly delaying the return of more than $300 million.

HSU affair hits industry super funds

19 May 2012 | Sally Patten

PRINT: 19 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | HSU affair hits industry super funds

Industry superannuation funds fear the crisis that has swamped the Health Services Union is damaging their reputation and spurring critics of the sector to renew calls for governance reform.

Who will win the super fight?

19 May 2012 | Duncan Hughes

PRINT: 19 May 2012 | PAGE 4 | Who will win thesuper fight?

An avalanche of regulatory changes are opening up opportunities for a bigger share of a $1.4 trillion pot of gold.

Rollover and start again

18 May 2012 | John Wasiliev

PRINT: 19 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Rollover and start again

Many do-it-yourself superannuation funds start their existence with a rollover – a transfer of super savings – from a larger fund.

Pension funds get nervous about CSG

18 May 2012 | Angela Macdonald-Smith

PRINT: 18 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Pension funds get nervous about CSG

Concern about growing investment risk in the coal seam gas and shale gas sector has driven some of Australia’s largest pension funds to join shareholder activist Regnan in a global initiative to raise operating standards in the industry.

Investors left holding the baby

18 May 2012 | Jennifer Hewett

PRINT: 18 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Investors left holding the baby

Hewett | Seeking financial advice from an expert sounds sensible. But what protection is there if the financial adviser is incompetent?

AMP (AMP)

17 May 2012 | Duncan hughes

PRINT: 18 May 2012 | PAGE 27 |

Wealth manager AMP faces a tough outlook given its main drivers of revenue and earnings are the volumes and direction of markets.

It all depends on home ownership

17 May 2012 | Fleur Anderson

PRINT: 17 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | Everything depends on owning a home

Anderson | Fed up with the ongoing repairs and maintenance involved with owning a home? Well, don’t get rid of your real estate just yet.

Inquiry report damning on $176m Trio theft

17 May 2012 | Duncan Hughes

PRINT: 17 May 2012 | PAGE 3 | Inquiry report damning on $176m Trio theft

A federal parliamentary inquiry into the theft of about $176 million from fund manager Trio Capital has uncovered a litany of failed regulation, weak governance, inadequate policing and misleading advice.

IBM super mandate goes to AustralianSuper

17 May 2012 | Duncan Hughes

PRINT: 17 May 2012 | PAGE 3 | IBM super mandate changed

AustralianSuper has won the mandate to manage the $1.7 billion IBM staff superannuation fund, the largest corporate out-sourcing in Australian history.

Dalidowicz in surprise exit from AustSuper

17 May 2012 | Sarah Thompson and Anthony Macdonald

PRINT: 17 May 2012 | PAGE 24 | Dalidowicz’s surprise exit from AustSuper

The $45 billion industry superannuation fund, AustralianSuper has lost its senior investment manager Richard Dalidowicz.

Risk and return are not always as clear-cut as they appear

17 May 2012 | Gayle Bryant

PRINT: 17 May 2012 | PAGE 4 | Risk and return are not always as clear-cut as they appear

Know your investment – fixed interest products can vary in their level of safety.

New products to tempt investors back to equities

17 May 2012 | Leng Yeow

PRINT: 17 May 2012 | PAGE 4 | Products to tempt

It’s a gloomy time for investors. They must take more risk and accept the likelihood of lower returns while navigating global economic and political uncertainty, a European debt crisis and a potential slowdown in China.

Creating a portfolio that’s built to last

17 May 2012 | Sally Patten

PRINT: 17 May 2012 | PAGE 3 | Creating a portfolio that’s built to last

While uncertainty remains, it’s important to protect your investments. This means also considering interest-rate risks.

Solid investment or mirage?

17 May 2012 | Ben Hurley

PRINT: 17 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | Nothing low risk about property investments

It’s a popular myth that housing is a safe investment. It’s often the most emotional and expensive investment decision people ever make, and arguably needs to be tempered by even more research than more dispassionate investments like shares.

With an eye on the downside

17 May 2012 | Jeremy Chunn

PRINT: 17 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | Fireproof portfolio a mirage

Let there be no confusion: it is impossible to construct a portfolio of shares which is impervious to loss. “All equities are risky”.

Shockproofing your portfolio

17 May 2012 | Stephen Calder

PRINT: 17 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | Investors seek shelter from global fallout

In an increasingly volatile world investors are becoming more aware of the need to review their portfolios and adjust them to changing conditions both here in Australia and in the wider world.

The problem with BHP

17 May 2012 | Tony Boyd

PRINT: 17 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | The problem with BHP Billiton

A speech in Sydney by BHP Billiton chairman Jac Nasser and an earlier presentation by CEO Marius Kloppers in Florida, did nothing for the stock.

Future Fund chairman backs broader super choice

16 May 2012 | Sally Patten

PRINT: 16 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Future Fund chairman backs broader super choice

The intense debate over whether investors are overexposed to the sharemarket ignores savers’ individual circumstances, according to the new chairman of the Future Fund, David Gonski.

Prophet of emerging markets

16 May 2012 | Jonathan Shapiro

PRINT: 16 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | Prophet of emerging markets

Fund manager David Holstein is on a crusade to make emerging markets more popular with investors. He says companies invested in them have the chance to share in the wealth.

Age variations make planning tricky

16 May 2012 | John Wasiliev

PRINT: 16 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Age variations make planning tricky

With considerations such as super from various sources, non-super investments and possible Centrelink entitlements, effective retirement income planning can be a complicated exercise, especially where there is a big age gap between a couple.

Clever collecting puts you in the frame

16 May 2012 | Katrina Strickland.

PRINT: 16 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Clever collecting puts you in the frame

Strong gains are to be had from investing in art, but it’s much more speculative than many would have you believe. You need to keep your eyes and ears wide open, and do your research

Trio report urges AFP super unit

16 May 2012 | Duncan Hughes

PRINT: 16 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Trio report urges AFP super unit

A specialist Australian Federal Police unit should be set up to counter the growing threat of the nation’s $1.4 trillion superannuation assets being targeted by criminal gangs, a report is set to recommend.

Yield puts industrials to work

15 May 2012 | Brendon Lau

PRINT: 16 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | Yield puts industrials to work

The sharp drop in government bond yields is drawing the spotlight on stocks that offer a generous dividend payment.

Super strategy upside down

15 May 2012 | Andrew Podger

PRINT: 15 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | Super strategy upside down

The orthodox approach is to exempt super contributions from tax and to tax all benefits. We do the reverse.

$6m Ferrari leads the pack

15 May 2012 | Scott Reyburn

PRINT: 15 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | $6m Ferrari leads the pack in classic car auction

Ferraris, led by a 625 TRC Spider that raced during the 1950s, were the top three lots in a $US41.8 million auction.

Super funds face full disclosure rule

15 May 2012 | Sally Patten

PRINT: 15 May 2012 | PAGE 3 | Funds face full disclosure rule

Industry superannuation funds will be required to disclose in full the pay of trustees and senior executives as part of a push by the $450 billion sector to improve transparency and boost member confidence.

Super changes are fine but spare its juicy bits

14 May 2012 | Ramani Venkatramani

PRINT: 14 May 2012 | PAGE 55 | Super changes fine but spare juicy bits

The protests against changes to concessional contribution caps and the ALP resurrecting the Costello surcharge would be somewhat credible, if only they came from bewildered members self-funding their retirement.

Weaker dollar calls for strategy shift

14 May 2012 | Alex Waislitz

PRINT: 14 May 2012 | PAGE 4 | Weaker dollar calls for strategy shift

Opinion | Australian investors should be adjusting their portfolios to capitalise on the impact of a prolonged period of lower interest rates and a lower Australian dollar.

Trendsetter VicSuper comes up with debt options

14 May 2012 | Duncan Hughes

PRINT: 14 May 2012 | PAGE 3 | VicSuper offers debt option

The global financial crisis prompted nervous investors to turn away from equities, and an innovative industry super fund has other alternatives on offer.

Creditors to vote on MF Global debt

14 May 2012 | John Kehoe

PRINT: 14 May 2012 | PAGE 12 | Creditors to vote on MF Global debt

Investors may be able to sell MF Global accounts if creditors vote in favour of the move, and distressed debt specialists have made inquiries about buying positions.

Centro: the mother of class acts

12 May 2012 | Nick Lenaghan

PRINT: 12 May 2012 | PAGE 3 | Centro: the mother of class acts

The epic Centro class action trial, the largest in Australian legal history, proved to be a real nail-biter and a nightmare that many would rather forget.

Couple paying off a mortgage

12 May 2012 |

PRINT: 12 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | Rates outlook a reason to smile

Lara and Alan Goode are thrilled the budget surplus could lead to lower interest rates.

Means testing to hit home

12 May 2012 | Bina Brown

PRINT: 12 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | Means testing to hit home

The budget helps those with school-aged children, but families may pay more for medical expenses and insurance.

Golden hand shake-up

12 May 2012 | John Wasiliev

PRINT: 12 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | Golden hand

Unless paid as a result of redundancy, job termination payments will mostly lose their concessional tax treatment from July 1 under a change to the tax rules.

Super doubts | Single mum saving for retirement

12 May 2012 | Debra Cleveland

PRINT: 12 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Lack of control frustrates events manager

Belinda Wight wants to save for retirement but doesn’t agree she should be told where to invest. She’d rather come up with her own solution.

Adventures in foreign exchange trading

12 May 2012 | Bina Brown

PRINT: PAGE 3 | Foreign adventures

Before heading into foreign exchange trading, investors should master some basic strategies.

Greatest gain came from the biggest loss

12 May 2012 | Bina Brown

PRINT: PAGE 3 | Greatest gain from the biggest loss

Anton Andreacchio was studying financial modelling and markets at university when he decided to put theory into practice.

Get ready for aged care changes

12 May 2012 | John WaSiliev

PRINT: 12 May 2012 | PAGE 3 | Get ready for aged care changes

Entering a nursing home can be expensive, so how does the proposed assets and income tests affect the aged-care means test?

Threat to your savings

12 May 2012 | Sally Patten

PRINT: 12 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | threat to your SAVINGS

Labor’s commitment to balancing the budget means many tax-effective savings options, starting with super, could be facing a shake-up.

Transition not so attractive

12 May 2012 | John Wasiliev

PRINT: 12 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Not so attractive now

The government’s decision to limit super contribution caps for everyone to $25,000 a year will mean that super savers attracted to transition to retirement pensions from July 1 will need to think carefully.

High earners face cash cuts

12 May 2012 | Sally Patten

PRINT: 12 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | High earners face cash cuts

Tony Abbott’s claim that the government is waging class war is underpinned by modelling showing high-income earners face severe cuts to their disposable income as a result of a raft of tax changes.

Make sure the super cap fits

11 May 2012 | John Wasiliev

PRINT: 12 May 2012 | PAGE 3 | Make sure the cap fits

Wasiliev | Mature age Australians contributing to super will start a new era from July 1.

Top gong for Lambert

11 May 2012 |

PRINT: 11 May 2012 | PAGE 56 | Top gong for Lambert

More than 360 finance types were on hand at the Four Seasons last night for the Money Management Fund Manager of the year awards.

Australian Leaders Fund (ALF)

11 May 2012 | Jane Searle

PRINT: 10 May 2012 | PAGE 33 |

Australian Leaders Fund is trading at a discount of more than 3 per cent to its net tangible assets, well above the weighted sector average discount.

Class warfare debate a bit rich

11 May 2012 | Katie Walsh

PRINT: 11 May 2012 | PAGE 17 | Class warfare debate a bit rich

The class warfare debate sparked by the budget overlooks the fact that it contains welfare cuts and that spending for the less well-off is relatively small, particularly when compared with past budgets.

AMP (AMP)

10 May 2012 | Duncan Hughes

PRINT: 10 May 2012 | PAGE 33 |

AMP chief executive Craig Dunn believes the global financial crisis was a game changer for the world economy.

Super changes sabotage certainty: AMP

10 May 2012 | Duncan Hughes

PRINT: 10 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Super changes sabotage certainty: AMP

Federal government “tinkering” with superannuation and tax is jeopardising the nation’s savings, the chiefs of AMP, the largest wealth manager, warn.

A hit at the psychology of super

10 May 2012 | Martin Codina

PRINT: 10 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | A hit at the

On Tuesday night, the government once again altered the superannuation rules. Two big changes will halve the ability of Australians aged over 50 to contribute to super, and will impose a new tax on higher income earners.

Nothing super in $8bn retirement strip

10 May 2012 | Bianca Hartge-Hazelman

PRINT: 10 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Nothing super about $8bn retirement strip

Nearly $8 billion has been stripped out of the nation’s super system since 2008 and growing uncertainty means people are likely to opt to rely on their own wits to provide for retirement.

Swan’s credit for canning some policies

10 May 2012 | Peter Apps

PRINT: 10 May 2012 | PAGE 71 | Swan’s credit for canning policies

Doubtless there is great wonderment at Wayne Swan’s brilliance in achieving a budget surplus by cancelling a bunch of measures that have never actually been introduced. Such brilliance could only be topped by discovering that this had been cleverly planned all along. Joe Hockey will now be able to see the wisdom of Tony Abbott’s paid parental leave scheme.

World’s biggest factory under new management

10 May 2012 | Duncan Hughes

PRINT: 10 May 2012 | PAGE 36 | World’s factory under new management

A fund manager with a focus on China explains the world’s most populous nation is set on fuelling growth through enriching its people.

It pays to dig deeper in ‘two-speed’ times

10 May 2012 | David Bassanese

PRINT: 09 May 2012 | PAGE 4 | It pays to dig deeper in these ‘two-speed’ times

The debate on Australia’s two-speed economy has long been characterised as a battle between the booming mining sector and struggling non-mining sectors such as manufacturing and tourism.

Budget 2012: The not so super changes

10 May 2012 | Nassim Khadem

PRINT: 09 May 2012 | PAGE 25 | NOT SO SUPER

The wealthy are getting less reason to save for retirement.

Regulatory costs ‘hurt Asian goals for finance sector’

10 May 2012 | Jennifer Hewett

PRINT: 10 May 2012 | PAGE 12 | Costs hurt Asian goals

The Australian Financial Markets Association has condemned the increase in regulatory costs paid for by the industry as excessive and warns the budget is jeopardising Australia’s hopes to compete as a regional financial services centre.

Bring forward retirement plans

10 May 2012 | Debra Cleveland

PRINT: 10 May 2012 | PAGE 13 | Bring forward retirement plans

Executives looking forward to big golden handshakes on retiring are being advised to bring forward their plans thanks to a change in the tax treatment of employment termination payments (ETPs) that may mean vastly bigger tax bills.

Plan cash flows now to avoid penalties

10 May 2012 | Ruth Liew

PRINT: 10 May 2012 | PAGE 14 | Plan cash flows now to avoid penalties

Self-funded retirees need to reorganise their cash flow before minimum income withdrawals from private pensions revert to normal in 2013.

Alternatives to super worth a look for high earners

10 May 2012 | John Wasiliev

PRINT: 10 May 2012 | PAGE 14 | Alternative investments worth a look for high earners

The extra superannuation tax slug for high earners plus the reduced scope to make contributions are likely to encourage people to consider alternative investments to super.

Super funds warn of fee rises to cover levy increase

10 May 2012 | Sally Patten

PRINT: 10 May 2012 | PAGE 14 | Funds warn of fee rises to cover cost

Superannuation funds have demanded that the prudential regulator and the Tax Office disclose how they will spend nearly half a billion dollars to be collected from retirement schemes over the next six years.

Big earners hit by budget super changes

10 May 2012 | Sally Patten

PRINT: 10 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Big earners hit by changes

Superannuation funds have warned that savers will need to inject more money into superannuation from an earlier age as a result of changes revealed in Tuesday’s budget, while arguing that older savers will miss out on a vital opportunity to top up their retirement pots.

Bonds are making stocks look good

09 May 2012 | Jonathan Shapiro

PRINT: 09 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Bonds are making stocks look good

“The one thing in favour of equities is that bonds truly suck,” says James Montier, who helps manage GMO’s asset allocation strategy.

When a stronger investment motive is needed

09 May 2012 | John Wasiliev

PRINT: 09 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | When a stronger investment motive is needed

Many people - including about 900,000 who have do-it-yourself super funds - enter retirement with an accumulation of savings and investment arrangements to provide them with an income.

Get ready to gear up for extra profit

09 May 2012 | Bina Brown.

PRINT: 09 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Get ready to gear up for extra profit

As interest rates fall, the appetite for gearing is growing, but investors need to know what they are doing.

Corporates still waiting for changes to debt issuance

09 May 2012 | Philip Baker

Almost everyone seems to back the idea of developing a local retail corporate bond market to broaden corporate funding sources and provide exposure to fixed income products.

Sell in May? Maybe not today

09 May 2012 | Bianca Hartge-Hazelman

Is it time to sell in May and go away? It’s a question often asked by investors and sometimes it pays off.

Super funds call for more projects 

09 May 2012 | Michael Hobbs

PRINT: 09 May 2012 | PAGE 20 | Super funds call for more projects

Leading investors have criticised state and federal governments for delaying crucial infrastructure spending, arguing there are not enough projects to meet their “huge appetite” for investment.

Phoenix super law under fire

09 May 2012 | Patrick Durkin

PRINT: 09 May 2012 | PAGE 4 | Phoenix law proposal under fire

Directors and leading business groups plan to step up their attack on proposed legislation that hands the ATO sweeping powers to crack down on phoenix activity.

Pauline Vamos, CEO, Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia

09 May 2012 |

Pauline Vamos received far less than she had hoped for. She was especially disappointed at the two-year deferral of the higher contributions caps for over-50s.

Mistrust undermines super funds merger

09 May 2012 | Sally Patten

PRINT: 09 May 2012 | PAGE 5 | Mistrust undermines super funds merger

A proposed $10 billion merger between two industry superannuation funds three years in the making could yet collapse because of last-minute concerns about corporate governance and risk levels.

When delayed could mean denied

09 May 2012 | John Wasiliev

PRINT: 09 May 2012 | PAGE 8 | When delayed could mean denied

Wasiliev | The bottom line of this deferral means all Australians, regardless of age, will be limited to annual tax concessional super contributions of $25,000.

Higher earners face contributions tax slug

08 May 2012 | Sally Patten

All taxpayers will be limited to injecting $25,000 annually into superannuation for at least two years in a move that will curtail older savers’ ability to save for their retirement.

Super fund blue chip focus ‘costly’

08 May 2012 | Duncan Hughes

PRINT: 08 May 2012 | PAGE 20 | Super fund blue chip focus ‘costly’

Private equity’s peak body says super funds have neglected private equity investments, leading them to miss out on assets which consistently outperform major benchmarks.

Fair go on super

07 May 2012 | Tony Reardon

PRINT: 07 May 2012 | PAGE 51 | Fair go on super

It is certainly possible to make the case that, from a point of view of fairness and equity, everybody should get a 15 per cent tax benefit from contributions to their superannuation.

Islamic finance has ‘ethical’ attractions

07 May 2012 | John Kehoe

PRINT: 07 May 2012 | PAGE 22 | Islamic finance has ‘ethical’ attractions

Islamic finance is a foreign concept to most Australian investors. Former investment banker Talal Yassine is head of the first local full-service Islamic-finance wealth manager.

BT head targets sector growth

07 May 2012 | Duncan Hughes

PRINT: 07 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | BT head targets sector growth

Brad Cooper believes the global financial crisis could be a beneficial “game changer” for the nation’s financial services.

Nimble LICs outrun funds and cost less

07 May 2012 | Ruth Liew

PRINT: 07 May 2012 | PAGE 3 | Nimble LICs outrun funds and cost less

Australia’s listed investment company sector has outperformed the wider equities market since 1979 and beaten the returns of its managed fund peers during the past 10 years.

To cut taxes, cut middle-class welfare and concessions

05 May 2012 | Brian Toohey

PRINT: 05 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | To cut taxes, cut middle-class welfare and concessions

Wayne Swan has to fund handouts and tax breaks from the Howard years using a tax base that gets ever narrower.

How to avoid the brat race

05 May 2012 | Jacquie Hayes

PRINT: 05 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | Avoid the brat race

Hayes | No-one wants to raise self-absorbed kids who grow up with a sense of entitlement. So how much should you leave the children?

Broaden the home office boundaries

05 May 2012 | Penny Pryor

PRINT: 05 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | Broaden your home office boundaries

When start-ups and small businesses need to leave home, a serviced office can provide more than just space.

What to tell Centrelink

05 May 2012 | John Wasiliev

PRINT: 05 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | What to tell Centrelink

A retired couple, who get account-based pensions from their DIY super fund and part government aged pensions, want to know how often they have to advise Centrelink of regular changes in the value of their share portfolio.

Loyalty comes without a price

05 May 2012 | Jemima Whyte

PRINT: 05 May 2012 | PAGE 28 | Loyalty comes without a price

Kate Corbett isn’t a diehard loyalty card fan, but she says there is the odd benefit to joining up.

US loans available, at a premium

05 May 2012 | Ben Hurley

PRINT: 05 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | US loans available but at a premium

There are some dazzling loan arrangements overseas, such as in the United States where major banks are offering mortgage rates fixed for 30 years at less than 4 per cent.

Brothers flat out in London

05 May 2012 | Zoë Fielding

PRINT: 05 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Brothers flat out in London

The De Rohan brothers have found London property yields far better than those in Australia.

Jailed Trio Capital boss talks

05 May 2012 | Duncan Hughes

PRINT: 05 May 2012 | PAGE 3 | Jailed Trio boss talks

The jailed former boss of Trio Capital, Shawn Richard, has revealed a litany of regulatory weaknesses and adviser excesses that contributed to the loss of about $123 million worth of investor assets.

Mr 1 per cent fails to figure it out

05 May 2012 | Michael Dwyer

PRINT: 05 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Mr 1 per cent fails to figure it out in another tax grab

Wayne Swan’s plan to add $1 billion to the bottom line by doubling the tax top earners pay on their super contributions will hit the top 1 per cent of taxpayers.

Green light for fee for service

04 May 2012 | John Wasiliev

PRINT: 05 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | Green light for fee for service

New rules about trustees of do-it-yourself funds being paid for services to their funds should clarify what trustees can and can’t do, especially in relation to finance or property.

If the cap fits, the strategy might not

04 May 2012 | John Wasiliev

PRINT: 05 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | If the cap fits, the strategy may not

Changes to the amount certain members can contribute to super from July 1 may require a rethink of the transition to retirement strategy.

The risks of owning a foreign home

04 May 2012 | Ben Hurley

PRINT: 05 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | foreign

High returns can await those willing to take the plunge overseas, but if you’re offered a deal on a foreign house, ask why locals aren’t so keen.

Minchin’s short memory and hypocrisy

04 May 2012 | John Coleman

PRINT: 04 May 2012 | PAGE 47 | Minchin’s short memory and hypocrisy

Former coalition finance minister Nick Minchin recently attempted to defend the present and former governments’ decisions not to fairly index the pensions of retired Defence personnel and Commonwealth public servants.

Super policy needs rebuild

04 May 2012 | Willibald Hajszan

PRINT: 04 May 2012 | PAGE 47 | Super policy needs rebuild

Your headline “Super slug for rich in budget” (April 28-29) would seem to suggest how hard the high income earners will be affected by this change in the contribution tax for superannuation. But it is the least the government can do to try to disguise the high tax concessions for very high income earners.

Banking on humble depositors

04 May 2012 | Jennifer Hewett

PRINT: 04 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Banking on humble depositors

Hewett | It’s the revenge of the savers. The glamour era of bankers wanting to lend as much as possible to consumers is a faded memory.

We need a corporate bond market

PRINT: Capital | 03 May 2012

The big four are the dominant source of funds for debt financing, but if the major market players came together they could create a whole new approach to raising capital in Australia.

Pensioners win in cost of living stakes

03 May 2012 | Geoff Winestock

PRINT: 03 May 2012 | PAGE 4 | Pensioners ahead in cost of living stakes

People’s cost of living has grown even more slowly than the general rate of inflation over the past year after taking into account the cuts in interest rates and the boost to buying power from the high dollar.

Opposition will back tax relief for super funds

03 May 2012 | Sally Patten

PRINT: 03 May 2012 | PAGE 13 | Opposition will back tax relief

The opposition has flagged its intention to support legislation to grant tax relief to superannuation funds that wish to merge, which could help accelerate consolidation in the $1.3 trillion retirement savings industry.

Fears super break for over 50s will go

03 May 2012 | Sally Patten

PRINT: 03 May 2012 | PAGE 13 | Fears concession for over-50s will go

Superannuation funds have urged the federal government not to penalise savers over the age of 50 in next week’s budget as speculation mounted yesterday that Treasurer Wayne Swan may scrap or delay a proposal to allow older members with low balances to contribute up to $50,000 a year into super.

Aspirants, workers shoulder tax load

02 May 2012 | Richard Tanner

PRINT: 02 May 2012 | PAGE 51 | Aspirants, workers shoulder tax load

Your “Top earners carry the weight” (May 1) and a succeeding report glosses over some features of the current income distribution of taxpayers where allegedly the blue-bloods of Sydney’s Darling Point, Melbourne’s Toorak and Perth’s Cottesloe have the highest mean taxable income.

Fixed securities require timely decisions

02 May 2012 | Philip Baker

PRINT: 02 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Fixed securities require timely decisions

Baker | Half the girls born today will live beyond 95 – highlighting the challenges for people retiring at 65 who may have to fund 30 years of retirement.

Adjusting for longevity

02 May 2012 |

PRINT: 02 May 2012 | PAGE 28 | Adjusting for longevity

The Actuaries Institute says improvements in life expectancy present major risks to the future of super funds, investment managers, insurers and other financial product providers.

Getting into a fix a good strategy for retirees

02 May 2012 | David Potts

PRINT: 02 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Getting into a FIX a good strategy for RETIREES

In the first 15 years of your retirement, the sharemarket is likely to have three serious corrections. So holding more cash and fixed interest securities such as bonds a decade either side of retiring is a no-brainer.

Bonds no longer the bridesmaid

02 May 2012 | David Potts

PRINT: 02 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Bonds no longer the bridesmaid

Bonds have beaten shares for 25 years, not that it’s something fund managers or brokers highlight. The asset class should be viewed as more than just insurance for a portfolio.

Age-old super poser headed for too-hard basket

02 May 2012 | John Wasiliev

PRINT: 02 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Age-old poser headed for too-hard basket

Hot on the heels of the halving of the superannuation contributions tax concession for high income earners is speculation that another change in next week’s federal budget will be the government stepping away from its promise to allow a higher than $25,000 contribution cap for those over 50.

Erratic currency movements keep traders on their toes

02 May 2012 | Ann-Maree Moodie

PRINT: 02 May 2012 | PAGE 8 | Volatile currencies keep

In a post-GFC world, currency traders have had to be much more flexible with their decision-making to accommodate the new environment.

Businesses suffer vertigo from dollar’s heights

02 May 2012 | Stephen Calder

PRINT: 02 May 2012 | PAGE 6 | Strong currency invites hedging

It seems we are stuck with a high value for the Australian dollar against the US dollar for the foreseeable future, and it’s a problem. Many of those affected have recently called for official interest rate cuts in order to slake the world’s raging thirst for Australian dollars.

Super needs to take the next step

02 May 2012 | Sally Patten

PRINT: 02 May 2012 | PAGE 32 | Super needs to take the next step

Superannuation funds must do more to prepare their members for the challenges they will meet in retirement

RBA moves to control the game

01 May 2012 | Joanna Heath

PRINT: 02 May 2012 | PAGE 23 | Reserve moves to control game

Whether the Reserve Bank of Australia’s 0.5 percentage point cut has its intended ‘big bang’ effect on the real economy will depend on whether banks choose to pass it on in full, economists say.

Industry funds not union playthings

01 May 2012 | John Ingram

PRINT: 01 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | Industry funds not union playthings

The ideological view of industry funds as being ‘union-controlled’ is divorced from reality – but they do need more independent directors.

Q&A | Deemed dividend changes hit home

01 May 2012 |

PRINT: 01 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Q&A: home for holidays

Pitcher Partners director Ray Cummings explains the implications of failing to pay market rent for the use of a company-owned holiday home.

Victorian stamp duty is out of step

01 May 2012 | Katie Walsh

PRINT: 01 May 2012 | PAGE 13 | Vic hammered over stamp duty

One of the nation’s biggest property groups has lashed the Victorian government over the state’s stamp duty regime ahead of today’s state budget.

Bad policy in super change

01 May 2012 | The Australian Financial Review

PRINT: 01 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | Bad policy in super change

Editorial | There is much to be gained from overhauling our super system to reflect the demands of an ageing population. But to double the contributions tax for the highly paid is just tinkering to extract more money.

Well-off to take $7500 super hit

01 May 2012 | Sally Patten

PRINT: 01 May 2012 | PAGE 5 | Well-off to take $7500 super hit

Individuals on an annual income of $300,000 and who contribute $50,000 into super each year will need a $14,000 pay rise to maintain the value of their package as a result of the super tax changes to be announced in the budget.

Tax Office loses out in super

01 May 2012 | Sally Patten

PRINT: 01 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Tax Office wins some, loses some in super market

Self managed superannuation funds collectively paid 71 per cent less tax in 2009-10 than the year before despite a sharp rise in the local sharemarket.

Twin budget hits for top earners

30 April 2012 | Katie Walsh

PRINT: 01 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Twin budget hits for top earners

Nearly 60 per cent of all personal tax is paid by little more than 17 per cent of Australian taxpayers, but the federal government is preparing to slug the very top earners with more imposts.

Tax fiddle risks entire pension system

30 April 2012 | John Piggott

PRINT: 30 April 2012 | PAGE 55 | Tax fiddle risks entire pension system

Separating superannuation taxes from personal income tax makes tinkering with pension tax tempting for governments. Changes can be made without their showing up in a pay packet the next week.

Time to restore faith in super

30 April 2012 | Sally Patten

PRINT: 30 April 2012 | PAGE 21 | Time to restore faith in super

Retirees already have to bear market and longevity risks in retirement savings, and they do not need their confidence in the super system eroded any further.

Cash in vogue among wary investors

30 April 2012 | Ruth Liew

PRINT: 30 April 2012 | PAGE 20 | Cash in vogue for wary investors

Shares used to be fashionable among mum and dad investors, especially those nearing retirement, but many now seek asset allocations that look safe by comparison.

Funds, planners challenge Swan on super

30 April 2012 | Sally Patten

PRINT: 30 April 2012 | PAGE 9 | Funds challenge Swan on super tax

Retirement funds and financial planners have accused Treasurer Wayne Swan of undermining confidence in Australia’s $1.3 billion superannuation system and depriving infrastructure projects of a critical source of finance.

The bottom line is trust

28 April 2012 |

PRINT: 28 April 2012 | PAGE 2 | The bottom line is trust

Douglas Smith, national sales manager for a solar panel manufacturer, switched his income protection and life cover into his super fund about six months ago when he changed to a new super provider.

The ins and outs of income cover

28 April 2012 | Anna Fenech

PRINT: 28 April 2012 | PAGE 2 | The ins and outs of income cover

Income protection insurance is often ignored. But it can be invaluable – so it’s wise to look at whether to hold it in super, or out.

Should we pad pension funds?

28 April 2012 | John Wasiliev

PRINT: 28 April 2012 | PAGE 3 | Is it right to pad pension funds?

Excluding our family home, my wife and I, who are in our late 60s, have two-thirds of our wealth in Colonial First State pension-paying funds and one third in blue chip shares. These shares pay us franked dividends. Would we be better off selling them and putting the proceeds into the pension-paying funds?

Super charge traps visitors

28 April 2012 | Bina Brown

PRINT: 28 April 2012 | PAGE 3 | Super change traps visitors

Executives moving to Australia may be caught out by changes to super rules which could mean a bigger tax hit down the track.

Independent souls left in the ether

28 April 2012 | Sally Patten

PRINT: 28 April 2012 | PAGE 4 | Independent souls left in the ether

Friday’s announcement from Bill Shorten was nothing if not underwhelming, given that the government has been prattling on about the need for greater disclosure.

Trilogy files $60 million class action against City Pac

28 April 2012 | Zoë Fielding

PRINT: 28 April 2012 | PAGE 30 | City Pac in $60 million class action

A $60 million damages claim has been filed against directors and officers of City Pacific, a company formerly the responsible entity of Pacific First Mortgage Fund.

No escape for tax-free plans

28 April 2012 | John Wasiliev

PRINT: 28 April 2012 | PAGE 2 | No escape for tax-free plans

Tax-free pensions drawn from superannuation will be included as income when determining who will be slugged with the new 30 per cent contributions tax.

Savings are not safe from Swan

28 April 2012 | Sally Patten

PRINT: 28 April 2012 | PAGE 10 | Savings are not safe from Swan

Few people are going to be crying over their latte this morning as they learn that individuals earning more than $300,000 a year will be slugged on superannuation contributions tax to help plug the hole in Wayne Swan’s budget.

Plenty of paws have dipped in to honeypot

28 April 2012 | Penny Pryor

PRINT: 28 April 2012 | PAGE 4 | Plenty of paws have dipped in to honeypot

The last time the government tried to tax higher income earners more on their superannuation contributions was Peter Costello’s superannuation surcharge. That 15 per cent extra tax was introduced by the Treasurer in the Howard Government’s first budget of 1996.

Super slug for rich in budget

28 April 2012 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 28 April 2012 | PAGE 1 | Super slug for rich in budget

High income earners will have the tax they pay on superannuation contributions doubled in the May budget, in changes that will bring back the Howard-Costello government’s superannuation surcharge.

First cuts may not be the last

28 April 2012 | Brian Toohey

PRINT: 28 April 2012 | PAGE 3 | First cuts not the last

The change to concessional superannuation contributions for those earning more than $300,000 a year will trim the tax expenditure on super in the budget papers from a projected $42.4 billion in 2014-15 to about $42.1 billion. This suggests more cuts to entitlements for higher income earners could occur if a tight budget is required in future.

Managers throw a lifeline

28 April 2012 | Ben Wilmot

PRINT: 28 April 2012 | PAGE 30 | Managers throw a lifeline

Gold coast mortgage funds were hard hit by the global financial crisis but one survivor is planning a new scheme to keep afloat.

Back down on super independence

27 April 2012 | Sally Patten and Mark Ludlow

PRINT: 27 April 2012 | PAGE 3 | Backdown on independence

The federal government has backed away from requiring superannuation funds to appoint independent directors but will insist that trustee and executive pay be disclosed.