Insights

July rebounded after a weak June, led by resource names, which saw the ASX200 hit its highest level since before the GFC. Globally, equity markets struggled through the month, but the Australian market enjoyed its best returns in six months as resources stocks led the charge, especially the major iron ore names.

In my monthly Global Markets Review for August, I observe that developed and emerging market equities continued to rise, helped by a rally in bond yields which was due to heightened expectations that global monetary conditions would remain very accommodative for some time.

Even ugly ducklings can grow up to be swans someday and we have started to observe a number of fallen stocks recover and perform well this year as either management teams change (vis APN) or new owners perceive value where the stockmarket didn't (Wotif.com).

A London Business School study shows that Australia has been the best share market in the world since early last century … it's a powerful piece of research.

Growth companies offer a brighter future against challenging macro-conditions in wider markets.

Moving shares to SMSFs from companies, working out Telstra's buyback offer, starting an account-based pension and more.

SMSFs are being unfairly targeted for "evading" paying tax via franking credits … it's time to set the record straight.

It's a dangerous time of the year and fears of a market correction appear to be building … what are the chances?

As Australian investors are urged to seek returns offshore, US real estate offers strong dividends (but no franking).

This latest hybrid securities offer holds its own against other notes on the market, though it has liquidity risk.

Choosing the right super product, an update on inflation-linked bonds and applying for Challenger's hybrid issue.

The Industry Minister may be hoping the renewables sector would prefer a quick and nasty deal over a years-long political battle. But that misreads the sector's commercial imperatives.

Australia has relied on foreigners to buy its exports for too long -- and those days appear to be over.

Iron ore prices will continue to decline as excess supply dramatically increases, eating into the big miners' profits and bringing smaller miners to their knees.

No fan-boys here but some delcious Twitter takedowns.

The week in clean energy saw Beijing set the framework for a stellar solar half, and worries a Scottish 'yes' vote could halt work on $US23bn in renewables projects.