Why balanced funds may not be the best from here

When people ask if the sharemarket is "too hot", they're usually talking about high valuations and rapid price rises. Signs to watch for include stretched company valuations, sharp short-term gains, and heightened media attention. For everyday investors, focus on your time horizon, diversification and risk tolerance rather than headlines — consider rebalancing, keeping an emergency cash buffer, and avoiding emotional, short-term trading based solely on market heat.

An ASX debut (IPO) like Airtasker’s gives retail investors a chance to buy into a listed growth story, but it often brings volatility and limited historical public reporting. Before investing, research the company’s business model, revenue growth, profitability outlook and competitive position. Be prepared for price swings after listing, and consider size exposure carefully as part of a diversified portfolio.

Changes in house-price outlooks affect affordability and demand. When parents step in as the "bank of mum and dad" with gifts or loans, more buyers can enter the market, which can push local prices higher and change competition dynamics. First-home buyers should plan for upfront costs, borrowing capacity and intergenerational help’s implications; property investors should factor changing buyer support and demand into location and pricing assumptions.

Gold and bitcoin serve different investor roles. Gold is a long-established store of value and portfolio diversifier in times of market stress, while bitcoin is newer and typically more volatile, often seen as a high-risk, high-reward digital asset. Everyday investors should weigh volatility, regulatory and custody risks, and portfolio allocation limits — using small, clearly defined positions for speculative assets like bitcoin and considering gold for more conservative diversification.

Interest rates influence mortgage costs and the affordability of off-the-plan purchases. If rates rise between contract and settlement, financing costs can increase and the property’s market value may shift, creating cash-flow or equity risk for buyers. Off-the-plan buyers should understand contract timelines, have finance pre-approval or buffers, consider fixed-rate options where appropriate, and be realistic about deposit commitments and the potential for delays.