Insights

Ian Smith of Lazard Asset Management is paving the way for Australian investors in overseas infrastructure markets. As opportunities become scarcer at home, Lazard's new fund answers a growing demand for wider options writes associate editor, Michael Pascoe. On video Smith explains why the new fund could be the shape of things to come.

If management talent is the mark of a successful bank investment, then ANZ's John McFarlane and his team at ANZ are the winners says Ian Rogers, as he rates the management teams of Australia's big four banks.

Full transcript of Michael Pascoe's video interview with Carol Austin, broadcast in Eureka Report on Wednesday.

Even the most bullish investors are getting a little hot under the collar as the stockmarket races to new records, but Charlie Aitken knows what to do.

A very strong improvement in net profit at upmarket retailer David Jones has confirmed chief executive Mark McInnes as the market's most successful retailer. He tells consumer trends expert Ross Honeywill its time retail stocks were reconsidered by investors.

Don't play too cool with real estate agents, they've got a lot to sell (and they might forget you), says property editor Mark Armstrong.

What's the secret of making successful investments in the retirement industry? As Russell Emerson explains it's all about 'exit fees'. .

The Australian sharemarket is so strong (it's up again today) some are wondering whether a bubble is developing? Not yet, says AMP Capital's chief economist Shane Oliver, but the risk of it happening is now high.

It's time to start analysing the customers if we want to fully understand company performance says consumer trends expert Ross Honeywill, the man who coined the term NEOs to identify the nation's most lucrative consumers. Today Ross explains how understanding NEOs gives investors the edge over traditional stockbroking analysis.

The home lending market is much stronger than media reports in recent weeks would indicate David Grafton, executive general manager, credit risk management at CBA. tells Michael Pascoe in a full length audio interview..

The Economist magazine has made plenty of headlines with its dire predictions of a massive housing crash in Australia, but the most comprehensive research yet on the impact of falling house surprised on the upside, as well as disclosing which areas could hurt most. Michael Pascoe talks to CBA executive general manager, David Grafton.

High oil prices mean money is pouring into the Gulf States faster than they can spend it. Much has gone into European property and share markets and, of course, luxury goods makers are smiling again says Michael Pascoe.

Currencies are notoriously difficult to predict, says Patrick O'Leary, but here goes: if the Australian dollar goes above 80 cents US, it's likely to keep going to parity.

Investors selling out of the bull market risk that “sick under-invested feeling”, says stockbroker Charlie Aitken.

Yes, the Australian discount to the rest of then world has disappeared and, yes, it's at a record high. Does that mean it's overpriced? No, says Eureka Report Editor James Kirby.

In a positive move for the property market, the nation’s biggest banks are dropping their fixed interest home loan rates. At the same time, rents are falling in some sectors of the Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane apartment markets. How should residential property investors read such mixed signals?