November 2022
US presidents battle for midterms in final campaign sprint
Presidents past and present are racing to the crucial state of Pennsylvania to plead for votes this weekend in final campaigning for the midterms that will likely hand Republicans full control of the US Congress.
- Matthew Cranston
May 2019
How to escape the franking credit trap
Whether Labor's franking plan goes ahead is a moot point but advisers say it would just change SMSF behaviour, leading to lower government tax coffers.
- Joanna Mather
Loss of franking credits will lead to $100b SMSF exodus
If Labor succeeds in making franking credits non-refundable, retirees will flee SMSFs in a bid to get maximum value from their shareholdings, Realm risk committee chairman Ken Liow said.
- Joanna Mather
- Opinion
- Superannuation
Industry funds' DIY options could help you keep franking credits
Own shares through an SMSF and concerned about losing revenue on them? There's a way to continue owning them without losing out.
- Tim Mackay
Advice ain't cheap: when you'll need to spend more than $3000
Bill Shorten says he wants to shut down a loophole exploited by millionaires to reduce their tax bills but tax specialists insist mum and dad investors will be hit by this too.
- Joanna Mather
- Opinion
- Monetary policy
RBA cut an intelligence test for Phil Lowe
The Reserve Bank and voters face a challenge over rates and who will define their economic destiny, writes Christopher Joye.
- Christopher Joye
Property investors rush to beat crackdown on SMSF loans
Agents say business owners are doing commercial real estate deals to beat a January 2020 deadline set by Labor.
- Duncan Hughes
- Opinion
- Opinion
Why Labor's 30 per cent super tax may catch you too
Think you'll stay off the hook if your salary's nowhere near $200,000 a year? Take a closer look.
- Colin Lewis
April 2019
- Opinion
- Sharemarket
Are elections good or bad for shares?
On average the All Ordinaries has performed well in both the lead up to and after voting day.
- Elio D'Amato
How Labor's super changes will hit you
Not worried about 30 per cent tax on your super? Think again because the net is wider than you may expect.
- Joanna Mather
How to boost your finances before the election
Wanting to get more into superannuation? You may want to act now before proposed changes to contribution caps and lump sum arrangements.
- Misa Han
How to navigate retiree contribution rules
Recent budget proposals to allow older Australians to top up retirement savings with fewer restrictions only apply to those 66 and under, writes John Wasiliev who answers your questions on super.
- John Wasiliev
Superannuation battle lines drawn for election
The potential arbitrage between pooled funds and SMSFs over franking credits has DIY fund trustees worked up.
- Ben Smythe
- Opinion
- Federal election
Underdog ScoMo has a shot
The election will be much closer than political pundits project, only because Labor’s "tax everything that moves" platform has given ScoMo a chance of pulling off a minor miracle, writes Christopher Joye.
- Christopher Joye
Election tax showdown on who is rich
Welcome to the confusing world of commentary about wealth - it's what every politician is talking about.
- Joanna Mather
- Opinion
- How to invest
How to position your portfolio for recession
Investors should pay attention to the next few months of leading economic indicators, and position their investments accordingly.
- Mark Draper
- Opinion
- Property prices
Focus for property investors should be population growth
Ignore the politicians. The biggest impact on real estate won't lie in election pitches but policies that affect supply or demand.
- Richard Wakelin
Why Labor's franking change will affect those saving in super too
You're not going to escape the chop if you're in accumulation mode – not being able to use excess franking credits will lower your return.
- John Wasiliev
Cloud hangs over markets ahead of election
In the lead up to voting day, the key question for investors is what a Coalition or Labor win will mean.
- William McInnes
How the election will affect your hip pocket
With the federal election just around the corner, this budget is more of a re-election pitch for the Coalition. But households can still expect small windfalls.
- Misa Han