BKO 'In Focus'Hard to believe we are about to enter the second quarter of 2009 already. Recent news has had a slightly more positive spin and there seems to be an appetite for more of the same. The US plan to deal with toxic bank assets has met with early positive reaction from the markets and in Australia the ASX 200 index which had fallen steadily from 4018 at the start of November 2008 to 3146 on February 13 has since climbed back 15.9% to 3647 (at close of trade on March 26th). Whether this is the turning point, the 'burning bush' we referred to in our last BKO 'In Focus' is open to conjecture - we think it is more likely to be a 'bear market rally' and that further declines may still be yet to come. Nevertheless it is proof that there is still an upside and an indicator that sentiment is not unrelentingly negative even though times remain challenging. In this edition we revisit some investment basics and offer a BKO update on investments for those seeking an income bias. We also have a brief comment on gold. As ever we hope you find this of interest and welcome your feedback.
|
A Word to the WiseThere is noise from various quarters that the May budget will contain some changes relating to Superannuation especially surrounding the scope to make contributions. History lessons – what’s really changed?We think it’s timely to look back at recent Australian history to see what really changed, and what’s likely to change as a result of the last few months. Preserving Capital & Investing for IncomeThe difficult conditions affecting share markets around the world has presented as big a problem for defensive investors seeking a higher income component to their investment returns, as it has for those seeking capital growth. Positive early results from the stimulusThis month's feature article by Brad Matthews, Hillross Chief Economist, looks at the impact of the Commonwealth Governments economic stimulatory measures that have been announced in recent months. |