Ashley Owen examines returns from the main asset classes & sectors for Aussie investors for the past two June financial/tax years, & his graphs show key data including inflation, exchange rates, commodities prices, & house prices.

"Central banks have delivered the most aggressive rate hikes in a generation, but cash rates in Australia, US and elsewhere are still below pre-GFC levels. How high will interest rates need to go? " says Ashley Owen

"Commodities matter! Raw commodities exports made, and continue to make, Australia the richest country per capita on earth. More than half of the 2,200+ companies listed on the ASX are miners." says Ashley Owen

The judges were impressed with Blackmore Capital’s intensive approach to investing, with the Australian Equity portfolio manager taking out the 2020 IMAP Award for Australian Equities.

What are the advantages of using boutique managers when running an Australian equities portfolio in a managed accounts structure? Callum Burns (ICE Investors), Kyle Lidbury (Perpetual Private), and Marcus Bogdan (Blackmore Capital) explain their approach to constructing portfolios with an Australian equities exposure.

Ashley Owen examines why CBA has been in the headlines of late for a few reasons – for re-taking the lead from BHP to be the largest ASX-listed company by market value, for being the most over-priced bank in the world, and also for having the most mysterious share price surge this year.

"Australia and Australians loaded up on debt in the GFC and again in Covid, but how do we stack up against other countries? The answer is probably very different to what you thought. " says Ashley Owen

Beating a high calibre field of entries, First Sentier Investors has taken out the 2021 IMAP Managed Accounts Award in the Australian Equities category

Scott Bender (DNR Capital), Andrew McKie (Elston), Warryn Roberston (Lazard Asset Management) & Sam Ruiz (T. Rowe Price) identify allocation issues & opportunities for global & Australian equities

Ashley Owen's Market Monitor - a quick snapshot of key events affecting investors and investment markets, especially from an Australian perspective

Ashley Owen provides his essential 1 page 30th April snapshot for Aussie investors – covering what happened and why?? with the Australian & US share markets, short- and long-term interest rates, inflation, and the AUD/USD exchange rate!

"It's a confused picture this month with share markets lower across the board from profit taking, interest rate hikes slowing, inflation receding, central bankers warnings,and bond yields flat in most markets", says Ashley Owen

"Share markets are surging back toward their 2021 covid stimulus tech-bubble peaks! After a dozen rate hikes, inflation is easing, rate hikes are slowing, jobs & wages remain strong. What’s not to like? "says Ashley Owen

Ashley Owen provides his essential March 20241-page snapshot for Aussie investors – covering Australian and US share markets, short- and long-term interest rates, inflation, and the AUD/USD exchange rate.

"The All Ordinaries index hit a peaked of 6,853 on 1 November 2007, but it is barely above that 16 years later. Why?
Is the local share market in terminal decline? Has it lost its mojo? Is it ever going to get back to growth? " questions Ashley Owen

"Welcome to the Monthly Market Monitor for October 2023. First, here is our quick snapshot of Australian and US share markets, short- and long-term interest rates, inflation, and the AUD since the start of 2020" explains Ashley Owen

Megatrends are providing opportunities for astute investors in both international & domestic equities. Monik Kotecha (Insync Funds Management), Hamish Tadgell (SG Hiscock & Company) and Brad Creighton (AMP North) share their views on the key drivers and themes playing out in equities over the next six months.

Despite a challenging and volatile investment environment, Martin Conlon (Schroders), Anthony Golowenko(MLC Asset Management), Chris Reynolds (Infinity Asset Management), and Peter Bell (Bellmont Securities) set the case for Australian equities.

 "The 20-year Chinese property construction boom is over, but I’m still bullish on Aussie exports to China continuing to grow", says Ashley Owen

 "If I had to pick a single number that drives Australia’s economic growth, income, wealth, living standards, and overall investment returns so far this century - it would be: China’s steel production" says Ashley Owen