Late last year, I discussed some of the main arguments underpinning a bearish outlook for the Australian consumer and, in turn, major bank loan book growth. But what about the counter argument? In particular, could the tightening labour market create stronger wage growth and thereby boost consumption? Continue…

by Stuart Jackson Posted in Market commentary.

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by Roger Montgomery's Team Posted in Old Content.

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There was a time when department stores were a go-to destination for most shoppers. But not anymore. Today, department stores are doing it tough. And, for the likes of Myer (ASX:MYR)  and David Jones, there seems no respite in sight. Continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Consumer discretionary.

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As 2017 has drawn to a close, let’s take a look at the year that was. Excluding dividends, the Australian market put on 7.8 per cent in 2017, and 7.0 per cent in the six months to December.  Over the year, several indices did significantly better, including the Hong Kong Hang Seng up 36.0 per cent, the US Nasdaq up 28.2 per cent, the Indian Sensex up 27.9 per cent, the New Zealand Gross 50 up 22.0 per cent, the US S&P 500 up 19.4 per cent and the Japanese Nikkei 225 up 19.1 per cent. Continue…

by David Buckland Posted in Market commentary.

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As we come to the close of another year, we would like to take the time to thank you and wish you all a safe and happy holiday season. Continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Montgomery News and Updates.

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We keep hearing government ministers and industry players say that the best way to improve housing affordability is to boost housing supply. The problem is, there are other forces contributing to soaring property prices. And one of them is foreign money laundering – something our governments seem reluctant to tackle. Continue…

by Andreas Lundberg Posted in Property.

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When markets are rising – as they are right now – it can make sense to passively invest in index funds. But when a downturn inevitably comes, passive funds will be hit the hardest. We’re not the only commentator ringing the alarm bell. Warnings against passive strategies have been mounting throughout the year.
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by Roger Montgomery Posted in Investing Education.

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A benevolent love, by contrast, does good, it brings about something beautiful, rather than merely responding to beauty. For a benevolent love, we don’t need to vote.  It has already been freely given to us.  Happy Christmas from all of us at Montgomery.

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Montgomery News and Updates.

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