Investing

During times of crisis such as the current war in Ukraine and rising global tensions, markets tend to fall because of fear and uncertainty. Advisers looking for a way to hedge against this declining market or the possibility of a decline to come might want to consider using covered call options for their clients, especially…

The Sage of Omaha, Warren Buffett, recently highlighted a growing issue within financial markets in his annual letter to shareholders, the idea of earnings versus profit. He drew attention to the fact that Berkshire Hathaway relies on ‘old-fashioned’ profits, not modern measures of ‘earnings’ that can be easily manipulated by boards and accountants. Earnings, profits…

Buybacks have been all the rage in last the few years. Triggered by the availability and low cost of capital, US listed companies in particular have embraced the strategy with great gusto. The idea is quite simple; if you have excess cash in your company, why not buy back your own shares, in effect “investing…

Against a backdrop of deepening geopolitical tensions, heightened inflation and rising interest rates, First Sentier are hoping for smoother sailing this year. But with inflation on the rise the outlook is far from clear. The asset manager’s portfolio managers have listed 10 investment themes that will be on their watchlist for the remainder of the…

Listed Investment Trust (LITs) have become the latest income-producing craze, with income-seeking investors starting to consider a switch to the closed-ended trusts. What are LITs and LICs? Firstly, listed investment companies (LICs) and listed investment trusts (LITs) are both managed investments that are listed on the ASX, and have a range of unique characteristics. LICs…

Blood diagnostic company Haemokinesis Limited is ASX-bound, with its $17 million share issue, at 20 cents a share, closing this Wednesday, with Haemokinesis expected to commence trading on the exchange on Friday, 8 April. When it hits the screens Haemokinesis will have a market capitalisation of $77 million. Haemokinesis – which means “moving blood with…

The deepening war crisis in Ukraine is showing no sign of abating any time soon, with inflation hitting historical highs as war effects compound inflation triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic. BlackRock has released a research note covering its macro and geo-political view. The global asset manager says, “The war in Ukraine has already caused a…

And that’s a wrap. Another positive earnings season, with 47 per cent of the S&P/ASX 200 Index beating on revenue estimates and 44 per cent beating on EPS (earnings per share) estimates. Ausbil Investment Management has released its reporting season wrap and outlook for earnings going forward. Here are the highlights: HY22 was another positive…

Thematic ETFs have been the ‘in’ thing for several years now, but particularly in 2022. You can do just about anything with them. Looking for robotics exposure? Sure, buy the ROBO ETF. What about oil? No worries, the crude oil ETF, OOO. Get tactical on defence, invest in the latest tech or even profit when…

Bond yields have become one of the biggest and most important talking points within investment markets in 2022. At their most simple, bonds and the interest or yields they offer, represents the so-called risk-free rate off which every other asset class in the world is priced. The purpose of this article isn’t to discuss the…

The ASX 200 has fallen 5.5% in 2022 as inflation fears spook investors. Inflation reached 7.9% in the United States. It’s not nearly as bad in Australia, but 3.5% is still well above what economists prefer. Here are three ASX 200 shares to buttress your portfolio against inflation. 1. Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) Woolworths is…

The pandemic combined with the invasion of Ukraine has sent global commodity markets into flux. Commodities ranging from grain to crude oil are surging to near-record levels with 2020’s demand weakness offset by 2022’s significant supply-chain issues. In an environment of growing volatility and inflation, investors are naturally seeking hedges for their portfolios with gold…