Managed Funds

  • Time to buy in, not bail out

    The average rebound from a bear-market bottom is 32 per cent - don't miss the boat, writes David Potts.

  • ON THE DEFENSIVE

    In case you hadn't noticed, there's no such thing as a defensive sector in the sharemarket anymore

  • Alternative to CFDs warrants attention

    Volatility combined with a downward market trend have thoroughly spooked shareholders to the point where many have moved capital out of the markets.

  • Inflation not expected to be a growing concern

    As evidence builds of a sharp deceleration in economic growth, it is increasingly likely one of the problems that won't be taxing investors and policymakers as much in the next two years is inflation.

  • Algorithms too clever by half

    Equity markets have changed

  • Snapshot

    Broker Merrill Lynch yesterday downgraded its 2009 and 2010 earnings forecasts for financial adviser network Count Financial by between 2 and 4 per cent due to volatile markets.

  • Beneath the volatility lies value

    In a skittish market, earnings predictability is highly valued

  • Mixed views reflect uncertain times

    A tough housing market and a conservative profit guidance for the coming year has resulted in mixed views on the outlook for well-regarded property group Stockland.

  • Resilience keeps Telstra on message

    Telstra may have missed its target of migrating 5 million customers to its new billing system by the June 30 deadline, but despite the usual consumer complaints about service and analyst mutterings about its high capital expenditure bill, the stock has shown resilience in a time of high market volatility.

  • Three worth retaining

    The beauty of investing in small caps is that investors are not limited to the financials/resources debate that continues to dominate the larger end of the market.

  • Value of recontribution depends on who inherits

    One of the common do-it-yourself super strategies recommended by advisers, especially for clients who have retired before the age of 65, is making a lump sum withdrawal and then recontributing this as a non-concessional or after-tax contribution.

  • Pairs trading has singular advantages

    Derivatives traders - in particular contracts for difference traders - often wring profits out of difficult markets using a strategy known as pairs trading, which tends to reduce market risk and may allow longer-term positions to be taken in volatile markets.

  • China's fixed assets leap

    Chinese nominal fixed asset investment grew 29.6 per cent in July compared with July 2007

  • Supply-chain dangers

    Supply chains are increasingly global and complex, and a McKinsey Quarterly survey found companies are aware that supply-chain risk is rising sharply

  • Bennelong to start from a very low base

    Launching a new operation in such troubled times could be seen as brave or just plain smart, writes Brendan Swift.Bennelong Australian Equity Partners,

  • Downturn calls for alternatives

    Following a year that would rather be forgotten by most market players, fund managers that think outside the square are managing to provide their investors with better than average returns.

  • Partnership delivers for Zurich

    The success of Zurich Investments, the recipient of this year's AFR Smart Investor Blue Ribbon Award for fund manager of the year, has a lot to do with the leadership of director of investments Matt Drennan.

  • Briefs

    CSRF mandates

  • Briefs

    UK property flows up

  • Emerging markets are tempting

    A US expert advocates a flexible, diversified equity allocation that can change as people's lives change, writes Barrie Dunstan.Tim Dunbar , Principal Global Investors,

RTC model

The US appears to be putting its houses - Fannie and Freddie - in order, writes Glenn Mumford.