For those movie buffs, you might recall the line from Matt Damon’s character in the movie Good Will Hunting after he secures the phone number of a young lady in a bar;

“Do you like apples? Well, I got her number. How do you like them apples?”

This line springs to mind when we take a look at the recent performance of several listed global companies (some of which you own in your portfolios), returns have been eye watering!

This is simply another reason to ensure that underlying valuations of the investments and/or fund managers we recommend to you are always questioned, prices are challenged, based on the available information. 

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We held our quarterly Asset Allocation Investment committee in September. As part of the committee process we assess the macro economic environment, the strength of the business cycle, asset valuations and sentiment. Over the past 12 months we have been defensively positioned in our asset allocation setting noting stretched asset valuations, improving but mixed economic data and uncertainty around process for the ‘normalisation’ of monetary policy around the globe.

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A day in the life of a financial adviser is never boring.

Things do ‘rev up’ a little in the lead up to Budget night and the last minute rush ahead of 30 June. Some of you may not be aware, but after the annual reporting period (August – November) where companies report their annual results and give an insight into the next six to twelve months; this is also a hive of activity.

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Another week and yet another big four bank making national headlines – a positive this week! The big four have indeed come under considerable media scrutiny over the last 12 – 24 months. Some of this is possibly warranted and some……well it sells newspapers.

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August 2017 represents the 10 year anniversary of the Global Financial Crisis.

Today, there remains several and varied concerns that Financial Keys considers as part of its overall investment research commitment. These include Geopolitical as well as simple home grown risks.

Today we catch up with AMP's Shane Oliver who gives us his thoughts on this faithful anniversary, what have we learnt and his view on the likelihood of this repeating itself.

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For many of our individual and corporate clients we provide financial education with the objective of helping people become more financially astute, so that they have the ability and incentive to make smarter financial decisions. For someone in their late 20’s that might be saving and investing for a deposit on a home. For someone in their 50’s it might be preparing for their retirement in a decades time. We are fortunate to see the impact that developing and implementing a sound financial plan can have on our client’s lives.

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Another end of financial year has now passed us – we rest for the weekend, then back into it!

With a wave of new money coming into markets from last minute superannuation contributions ahead of a raft of new superannuation rules coming into effect from 1 July, it is timely to reflect on the past 12 months  and this tumultuous period and then take a look out for the next 6 – 12 months.

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The Treasurer, Scott Morrison, has now delivered the 2017 Federal Budget.

As with every Budget, from an individual’s perspective, there are perceived winners and losers.

This year, home ownership affordability and related activities to further liquidate the Australian property market takes a lot of the limelight.

Importantly however, these Budget proposals are exactly that, proposals. It is important to remember this, but equally relevant to consider the strategy(ies) that you may now be able to apply to suit your individual circumstances.

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But is the financial landscape changing sufficiently to allow property to take a well-deserved break from the headlines, at least here in Australia?

To help us with the question which is on the lips of millions of Australian’s, AMP’s Chief Economist, Shane Oliver, walks us through his current views.  

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Inflation appears to be back on the agenda, which highlights the extent to which things have changed compared to a year ago when talks of deflation and disinflation dominated discourse. Finally, no conference these days can be complete without pontificating on what a Trump presidency will bring from a geopolitical and economic standpoint. Is ‘up’ the new consensus?

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