Insights

This week we look at Macquarie Group, Magellan Financial Group, Ansell, JB Hi-Fi and REA Group.

Your feedback on hoe Eureka gives advice.

Short term relief about the banking sector is likely to steady nerves, at least temporarily in early trading. A solid profit result from CBA coincides with Deutsche Bank's stock price climbing off its low in late New York trade.

The gut-wrenching sell off in European and US markets overnight means regional investors are looking for a market to sell. New Year holiday closures in most Asia Pacific markets has Australian shares taking the weight, trading lower in percentage terms than the US close.

Our reporting season videos get underway

China's demand for Australian consumer goods is well known - but how long can it last and are we missing any stocks reaping the benefits?

It's the only way for an ASX investor to get direct exposure to China through an LIC, but investors might be best off keeping their powder dry for now.

We'll sell the demerged Clydesdale component and take the cash for the benefit of our income portfolio.

Oil is approaching the bottom, and an expected rebound in prices should help equities.

InvestSMART has recently reviewed their Diversified Portfolios and projected returns for the different asset classes. The take-away? Our portfolios remain well diversified and we have decided not to change any weightings across the various asset classes. Australian equities, are currently a little bit kinky or volatile, but at these prices, should provide a decent long term returns with a few meaningful bumps along the way. Bond investors shouldn't expect too much.

Stronger than expected US wage growth has called into question last week's accepted wisdom that the US Dollar would fall as moderating economic growth pressured the Fed to delay its rate hike programme.

Is ER giving enough advice? Nevsky Capital, IFP Global Franchise fund.

Risk levels in the local share market are higher than usual but it was worse six months ago.

Some ETFs are better than others, and it pays to know the market before you pick the product. Everyone should be open to a bit of intellectual debate. When it comes to investing, you have to be willing to listen to other people's opinions. You don't have to buy what they're saying, and sometimes it's good to "block out the noise", but qualified views are always worth hearing.