Opinion

APRA put the cat among the pigeons when it put these securities on notice. Investors looking for alternative investments offering similar yields are finding they also come with risks.

It might seem counter-intuitive, but this global digital business, which specialises in property, argues that the economic fundamentals are in place for Victoria’s capital city to enjoy a resurgent real estate market.

For self-funded retirees looking for portfolio diversification offshore, the US, led by the Mag 7, seemed the obvious destination. That option is losing its allure as a Trump presidency fuels fears of higher inflation and an economic slowdown. Perhaps it’s time to look elsewhere.

Three adviser firms are telling their clients to trust their portfolio structures to ride out the current market volatility largely sparked by a looming trade war.

If was Corporal Jones from Dad’s Army who used to utter that immortal phrase, “don’t panic”. It’s advice retirees watching the value of their portfolios shrink in response to Trump’s economic nostrums should heed.

Industrial and convenience retail are the real estate hot spots offering growth, solid and regular yield and capital security. Little wonder it is attracting SMSF investment – especially with lower interest rates beckoning.

Growth and balanced super funds shot the lights out in 2024 off the back of bullish international equity markets and a weaker Australian dollar. While it was a standout year, Chant West research shows their returns were in keeping with the historical trend.

While industrial remains the commercial property sweet spot, convenience retail, which is largely immune to e-commerce, is proving an excellent defensive asset.

Australians can be confident that when the time comes to leave the family home and move into aged care, they will be given the appropriate support.

APRA-regulated funds, especially profit-for-member funds, have had a good innings during the accumulation phase. It’s proving a different story in the decumulation phase with a growing number of members demanding a far more nuanced service.

Increasing e-commerce penetration, population growth and rising construction costs will ensure supply for this commercial real estate sector remains tight.

While a surging gold price is on hold as the world adjusts to a Trump presidency, all the factors that saw its price rise more than 50 per during his first term in office – trade disputes, fiscal deficits and geopolitical tensions – are almost certainly guaranteed the second time around.