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Cliona O’Dowd joined The Australian in 2016 and writes on financial services. She was previously the editor of business news and commentary website Business Spectator. Before moving into journalism she spent a number of years working in the financial services industry in Dublin and London. She holds a master’s degree in European public affairs and law.

@ClionaODowd

Cliona O'Dowd

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Bidding warBusiness

Investing to make money, wealth management, financial planning, market analysis, hand holding dollar sign puzzle complete arrow sign

Bain to look under Insignia hood after upping offer

Insignia has granted suitor Bain Capital limited due diligence after the PE firm matched rival CC Capital’s offer for the wealth manager.

Cliona O'Dowd

Financial ServicesBusiness

22/1/18 Mark Freeman is the managing director of Australian Foundation Investment Company (AFCI). The company has a $650 million stake in Commonwealth Bank, making it one of the largest Australian shareholders in the company. The company has today released interim financial results 2018, announcing a profit of $136.7 million. Aaron Francis/The Australian

Why CBA makes this investment guru nervous

Australian Foundation Investment Company boss Mark Freeman has cautioned on the outlook for equities and bank valuations.

Cliona O'Dowd

EXCLUSIVEBusiness

Cutting red tape and bureaucracy obstacle business concept as a group of scissors making cuts to symbols of government gridlock and regulatory confusion.

Cut red tape and focus on economic growth, says FSC

A red tape ‘razor gang’, a review of the tax system and a growth agenda are top of the Financial Services Council’s wish list for the next federal government.

Cliona O'Dowd

WealthBusiness

Small Solar Garden Light, Lanterns In Flower Bed. Garden Design. Solar Powered Lamp

Australia’s ‘greenest’ fund stumbles on Trump climate fears

The nation’s ‘greenest’ super fund, run by the $140bn UniSuper, was one of the industry’s worst performers in 2024, despite a hefty allocation to listed equities.

Cliona O'Dowd

MarketsBusiness

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ASX set to rise as markets brace for Trump return

The sharemarket is expected to rise on Monday but the rest of the week could be volatile as markets wait to see incoming president Donald Trump’s executive orders.

Cliona O'Dowd

WorkplacesBusiness

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Less hybrid, more office time: fresh demands on workers

Bendigo Bank, AMP and Coles are among those ramping up the work from the office mandates this year.

Cliona O'Dowd

InvestmentBusiness

Australian Retirement Trust head of investment strategy, Andrew Fisher. Pic: Supplied

ART shifts to infrastructure and property

The nation’s second-largest super fund sees a better return outlook for real assets following equities’ strong performance.

Cliona O'Dowd

SuperannuationSuperannuation

Parents and children exercising ... for The Busy Parent's Guide to Raising Super Health Kids book review article. Book by Nicole Monteforte and Shane Byrne.

The surprise super stars outperforming big funds

Super funds delivered bumper returns in 2024, with the best of the lot a retail fund focusing on younger members. See the top 10 performers.

Cliona O'Dowd

BankingBusiness

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - NewsWire Photos AUGUST 13, 2021: Bank of Queensland stock images at the BOQ building in Newstead Brisbane. Picture: NCA NewsWire /Jono Searle

BOQ named and shamed for charging dead people’s accounts

BOQ is the latest to be exposed for charging fees against the accounts of dead customers and now it will be up to regulators such as ASIC to decide whether a financial penalty is warranted.

Cliona O'Dowd

DEALSBusiness

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Australia ‘treasure island’ for offshore dealmakers

The Australian dollar hovering near five-year lows makes Australia look even more attractive to private equity firms hunting for bargains, fund managers say.

Cliona O'Dowd

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/author/cliona-odowd/page/16