APRA

The federal government is seeking feedback on proposed changes to rules aimed at preventing non-arm’s-length transactions by superannuation funds, in a bid to address concern that SMSFs and smaller funds that breach the provisions could be disproportionately penalised.

Superannuation funds are more commonly offering ‘lifecycle’ investment options that adjust with a saver’s age. But a recent paper by the superannuation regulator highlights that some of these funds aren’t sticking to their mandates.

Australians should be putting more money into superannuation and diversifying out of property, some say, even as super performance remains a question mark.

Funds have adapted to the test’s metrics, but the consequent risk aversion could put the industry in “limp mode” and curb performance.

Company dividends have been on a quick and steady path to recovery from pandemic lows, with the potential for further “upside surprise” in certain sectors and stocks, according to Ausbil Investment Management. Portfolio manager for the Ausbil Active Dividend Income Fund, Michael Price, said “The outlook for dividends is now showing a rebound towards previous…

Last year APRA ordered the big four banks to slash their dividends to conserve capital due to the COVID-19 pandemic; not that it was required, as boards had already decided to hoard as much capital as they could. Shareholders were dealt a rather large blow, especially self-retirees and super fund members. Banks have always been…

While all the headlines are dedicated to the ballooning budget deficit, tax cuts and a departure from the traditional “balance the budget” approach of the Coalition, there were a number of positive takeaways for both older and younger Australians. The announcements have increased the flexibility and attractiveness of both the superannuation and self-managed super fund…

ANZ Bank – 218% profit increase ANZ shares were lower after delivering a slight “miss” on earnings. ANZ’s cash profit rose 218%, to $2.99 billion, which came in at below expectations, but the dividend was better-than-expected. Management declared a 70 cents-a-share dividend, up from 25 cents a year ago, and just below the pre-pandemic final…

With bank reporting season underway, it’s important to know what to look for when assessing the big banks. The days of looking solely at dividend payout ratio and price/earnings ratio are long gone. We live in a global world, with cross-border comparisons more important than ever. The first cab off the rank every year is…