Investment
2024 Year in Review: Successfully navigating uncertain times
The many unpredictable events of 2024 could easily have been disastrous for investment markets. Instead, we saw remarkable resilience and growth despite occasional volatility as investors reacted to the extraordinary times. While economic growth in Australia and overseas was underwhelming, share markets rode out the ups and downs to finish 2024 strongly. Super funds benefitted…
LP Financial Planning: Proudly Leading the Way in Aged Care Advice
We are thrilled to share some exciting news with you! One of our founding directors, Brad Monk, was invited to participate in a national webinar hosted by Challenger Limited, a leading company in retirement and aged care income solutions. The webinar, titled “1st July 2025 Aged Care Advice Opportunities,” was a significant event with over…
Buying shares for kids: a gift that keeps on giving
Many parents and grandparents worry about how to help the children in their lives achieve financial independence. But the value of long-term investment can seem like a dry and complicated idea for kids to get their heads around. In fact, many young people would like to know more about money, according to a Young People…
Sustainable investing on the rise
Sustainable investing isn’t new and is becoming more mainstream. From climate change to gender diversity, more people are aligning their money with their values. In 2021, Australia’s sustainable investment market increased 20 per cent to a record $1.5 trillion. The Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) 2022 benchmark report found sustainable investments represents 43 per cent…
How to react when markets drop
Even for investors who buy stocks for their long-term growth potential, sharp drops can still be hard to stomach. Here are some things to keep in mind if a market tumble makes you feel the need to “do something.” While investing in the stock market is typically a prudent choice for investors seeking long-term growth,…
Have investment markets hit the bottom?
What can you expect from markets over the medium term? Equity and bond markets have lost ground this year, but are they at or near the bottom? And what investment strategies should you be using right now to maximise your long-term returns? They’re burning questions for all investors as volatility continues to impact markets. Watch…
Bonds in the spotlight
Many myths and misconceptions about bonds abound, particularly during periods of rising rates. Here’s why despite current economic conditions, investing in bonds is still essential. Written by Jean Bauler, Head of Bond Indexing, Asia Pacific Fixed income markets routinely hum along without much fuss, leaving the share market to capture attention and fire up the…
How to manage rising interest rates
Rising interest rates are almost always portrayed as bad news, by the media and by politicians of all persuasions. But a rise in rates cuts both ways. Higher interest rates are a worry for people with home loans and borrowers generally. But they are good news for older Australians who depend on income from bank…
How to calm those market jitters
It’s been a rocky start to the year on world markets but that doesn’t mean you should hit the panic button. Staying the course is generally the best course, but that’s easier said than done when there’s a big market fall. In January markets plunged some 10 per cent but then staged a recovery. That…
What’s a cryptocurrency?
Like most things with a rising price tag, cryptocurrencies have garnered global recognition and interest for their sudden increase in value. From experienced investors to individuals just beginning their investment journey, many are wondering: are cryptocurrencies something I should look into? Here’s Vanguard’s take. At a glance: A cryptocurrency is a digital currency stored on…
Investing in inflation
Inflation appears to be firmly on the rise and while that is bad news for consumers it’s not necessarily bad news for investors. In fact, inflation may provide new opportunities. In the September quarter, the consumer price index (CPI) rose 3 per cent year on year, a level previously not forecast to be reached until…
What exactly is inflation?
By Beatrice Yeo, Economist What exactly is inflation? Why is the RBA so keen to see it return? And more importantly, what does this all mean for investors? The Reserve Bank of Australia has recently made an unprecedented change to the way it targets inflation. The bank’s mandate is to use monetary policy to keep…