In this week’s video insight, I discuss how Treasurer Jim Chalmers highlights that Australian wages are growing faster than the Consumer Price Index (CPI); a claim that overlooks the CPI’s failure to account for mortgage interest payments, thus not fully capturing the cost of living. With household debt and mortgage interest on the rise, I explore the expectation of an easing in the decline of real wages relative to living costs, amidst speculation of potential interest rate reductions. Continue…

by David Buckland Posted in Economics, Video Insights.

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With surging quarterly results and a bright outlook, Megaport’s (ASX:MP1) recent performance ignites optimism, marking an impressive rebound and spotlighting the company’s strategic growth amidst the tech industry’s evolving landscape. Continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Companies, Stocks We Like.

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Until recently, China’s decelerating inflation was welcomed by the West, as it led to lower imported prices and helped reduce inflationary pressures. However, China’s consumer prices fell for the third consecutive month in December 2023, delaying the expected rebound in economic activity following the lifting of COVID-19 controls. For calendar year 2023, CPI growth was negligible, whilst the producer price index declined by 3.0 per cent. Continue…

by David Buckland Posted in Economics, Editor's Pick, Global markets.

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I recently wrote about my two big forecasts for 2024. One was that private credit would gain traction as an important asset class and would also feature more prominently in advised portfolios, especially for those seeking uncorrelated returns, lower volatility, and regular attractive income. I also stuck my neck on the block and suggested that if disinflation and positive economic growth dominate the economic backdrop, investors will adopt more risk and buy select small-cap stocks, closing the gap that emerged in 2023 between them and the mega-cap technology companies. Continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Editor's Pick, Market commentary.

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The price of uranium has jumped from U.S.$20/lb. in January 2018 to U.S.$40/lb in January 2022 to U.S.$90/lb in January 2024. Boss Energy (ASX: BOE), with its strategic market position and two significant projects, is poised to capitalise on this upward trajectory. Continue…

by David Buckland Posted in Companies, Editor's Pick, Stocks We Like.

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In my recent interview with Ausbiz, I discussed the opportunity for private credit, with the Reserve Bank of Australia identifying that it is a $500 billion opportunity. The brief loan durations and monthly pricing in the private credit sector offer investors flexibility and the potential for returns, ranging from 7.5 to 9.5 per cent annually. The attractiveness of this opportunity is further underscored by well-established track records, appealing yields, and robust security supporting the loans. Watch the full interview here:  Australia’s emerging $500 billion private credit opportunity 

by David Buckland Posted in TV Appearances.

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As we delve into the February reporting season, investor focus shifts to company profits and identifies sectors and companies anticipating earnings growth. This period can be marked by volatility in share prices, contingent upon whether companies exceed or fall short of expectations. Continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Companies.

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As we kick off another year of investing, I thought I would offer a couple of predictions. They come thick and fast at this time of year, so rely on them as you might dental floss for security when rock climbing.

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by Roger Montgomery Posted in Editor's Pick, Market commentary.

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