Insights

The Australian market has taken a turn for the worse after a strong lead from overseas markets and a surprise Chinese rate cut on the weekend. After being up about over 60 points and filling the "gap down" from last Thursday, the financials, healthcare and staples sectors have been sold off in what could be a rotation back into the materials and energy sectors.

Share investors got some relief from world bond markets last night with the big increase in yields seen in recent days coming to an end, at least temporarily. Higher bond yields have been placing pressure on equity valuations with investors becoming concerned that we may be witnessing the first stages of a seminal adjustment to higher levels in bond yields.

The worst aspect of the planned Budget pension changes is that they skewer those in the middle range.

With ever lower interest rates the government must review pensions - they could start with the 'distribution rate' which is excessive.

This week's new round of bidding for iiNet is all about a telco land grab before the NBN becomes a reality. Here's how it works for investors.

Would you rather senior debt from a company with a higher probability of failing, or lower ranking debt from a better rated company?

The hunt for yield remains very much alive and stocks sensitive to any rise in the Australian dollar are suddenly in focus.

Clime's John Abernethy pointed out the pros of LICs and the cons of ETFs. Here's the alternative view.

Financial planners and protection against market falls.

The local market has descended deep into the red today, with disappointing reporting from CBA and Woolworths sparking a broad and savage sell-off. The index has fallen around 125 points, or 2.15%.

The InvestSMART diversified portfolios have had a bias towards growth assets for some time. With relatively defensive bonds offering such low yields this had made sense and for investors with very long term investment horizons this is probably still true. The problem now is that both bond and equity markets have performed so well and as a result the yields they offer have reduced.

Trading in Australia will be dominated by local factors today, as analysts pore over this morning's quarterly result from ANZ and await the RBA's interest rate decision this afternoon. Gains in industrial commodities and shares overnight could see a positive but cautious start to the session.

The diagnostic imaging services company has retraced amid fears the federal budget will reduce funding to the industry.

We update our calls for Amazon, Facebook, Xilinx, Intuitive Surgical, Google, Dow and Infosys in response to their latest results.

This week we look at IOOF Holdings, Ten Network Holdings, ResMed, Independence Group and Insurance Australia Group.

The housing construction cycle has already reached elevated levels, but there are still opportunities.