March 2026 | Investment Update Recent headlines from the Middle East have understandably raised concerns for investors. With ongoing conflict between the US, Israel and Iran, news coverage has been intense — and in times like these, it’s natural to wonder what it all means for markets and your investments. Here’s our perspective on what’s happening, what history tells us, and how portfolios are being positioned through this period. Markets are reacting — but not panicking Des

Markets came into March on a reasonably solid footing, but with rising uncertainty. February saw Australian shares perform well, global markets move in different directions, and bonds quietly do their job as a stabiliser. Since then, escalating conflict in the Middle East has become the dominant new risk investors are watching closely. Overall, markets are balancing three big forces: Sticky inflation and interest rates Slowing but still positive economic growth Heightened geo

23 February 2026 1. The Ongoing Debate: Will the CGT Discount Change? Speculation surrounding Australia’s 50% Capital Gains Tax (CGT) discount  has intensified in recent months, with government leaders repeatedly declining to rule out changes ahead of the May 2026 Federal Budget. Media reports reveal ongoing internal discussions about whether the discount—described as one of Australia’s most controversial tax concessions—should be wound back to help address housing affordabil

January delivered a mixed yet broadly resilient start to 2026. Australian equities outperformed global peers, commodities surged, and early signs of economic re‑acceleration began to appear domestically. However, sticky inflation, higher yields, and geopolitical tensions kept markets cautious.   Market Overview  Australian Equities Lead Global Peers The S&P/ASX 200 rose 1.8%, supported by strong commodity prices, while small caps outperformed with a 2.7% gain. Energy and Mate

As we step into January 2026, markets have done what they often do at year-end: pause, rebalance, and start pricing the “next chapter.” As 2025 drew to a close, markets delivered a reassuring message: despite volatility, diversification worked. December itself was mixed, but importantly, every major asset class delivered positive returns over the year for the first time since the COVID period — a solid foundation as investors turn their attention to what comes next. December

As 2025 draws to a close, financial markets are catching their breath after a year of strong gains and shifting dynamics. Global markets paused in November after a strong year, as uncertainty around U.S. economic data and the Federal Reserve’s interest rate path weighed on sentiment. Developed market equities were broadly flat, with the MSCI World Index up 0.2%, while U.S. equities edged higher (S\&P 500 +0.1%) despite a robust earnings season where over 80% of companies beat

Following our recent article HERE  on how superannuation benefits are taxed when passed to beneficiaries, one strategy worth exploring in more detail is the withdrawal and re-contribution strategy. This approach can be a powerful tool for improving estate planning outcomes and reducing tax for non-tax dependent beneficiaries. What Is a Withdrawal and Re-Contribution Strategy? A withdrawal and re-contribution strategy involves: Withdrawing  a portion (or all) of your superannu

Global equity markets continued their positive momentum in October, with major indices posting gains despite ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties. The S&P/ASX 200 rose by 0.4%, while global equities, as measured by the MSCI World Index (AUD), climbed 3.3%. Emerging markets outperformed developed markets, with the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (AUD) up 5.5%. Sector Performance: Winners and Losers Australian Equities Materials (+4.3%):  Led the gains, buoyed by rising

In our last article, we discussed who you can nominate as a beneficiary on your superannuation account and the tax treatment of your superannuation beneficiary nomination. If you missed that article, you can access it HERE . Scenario 1: Superannuation Passed from One Spouse to Another A spouse (married or de facto) is an eligible beneficiary and considered a SIS Dependant. A spouse is also a Tax Dependant. All benefits paid to a spouse are tax-free, regardless of the superann

September capped off a quarter of positive returns across most major asset classes, as easing trade tensions and a global focus on artificial intelligence (AI) buoyed investor sentiment. However, volatility persisted, with sector performance diverging sharply and macroeconomic signals remaining mixed.   Key Highlights Global technology stocks—especially those linked to AI dominated headlines and drove much of the positive momentum. Emerging markets outperformed developed mark

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