Insights

Wall Street wavered as investors digested weak consumer spending data, corporate results and European political developments, while oil prices pushed higher.

Flexigroup appears to be out of the race for GE Capital's consumer finance business, while Kerry Stokes has been quietly cashing in on sliding oil prices.

The latest ATO figures cast doubt on the view that self-managed super is cost effective, unless you have at least $1 million.

In this month's newsletter we look at the global deflation wave. We have been warning about the risk of deflation for many months now and central banks are finally waking up and smelling the putrefying corpses of their economies as this zombie-like plague spreads. Better get yourself max long bonds and US Dollars.

While the decline in oil prices should benefit the global economy as a whole, it will also create specific winners and losers, underscoring the importance of an active investment approach.

The spread of negative yields in the bond market is both distressing and, in theory at least, sound. The numbers after the minus sign could become larger.

In contrast to the developed market gloom, the Asia-Pacific region is, we believe, different: there's a powerful 'reform' agenda creating specific catalysts which may drive markets there. With changes of leadership in China, Thailand, India and Indonesia, a region-wide clampdown on corruption and a drive to improve efficiency, investor perceptions are beginning to shift for the better, along with share prices.

The volatile euro will not damage your investment portfolio in European equities.

The company is well positioned to withstand weak copper prices thanks to the falling Australian dollar and its low-cost operations.

The junior miner has risen over excellent drilling results and strong production despite nickel prices remaining sluggish.

With the interim reporting season now under way, we focus on how the falling Australian dollar and oil price can affect companies' operations.

This week we look at ResMed, Iluka Resources, Atlas Iron, Bradken and GPT Group.

Despite a harder start, this Federal Government soon softened in its approach to China.

Will Asian investment follow trade with Latin America?

Victoria has delivered a gift to Tony Abbott. But keep a close eye on Scott Morrison and Bruce Billson, who are now the key ministers in government.

Internet users throw their support behind SOE reform, and the military and government avoid property scrutiny.