Features

Strong bank profit results need to be put into context, since they remain slightly below the long-term trend, according to the Australian Bankers' Association (ABA) chief...

Editorial

NAB lifts profit by 15.9%

National Australia Bank has turned a strong half-year result with a net profit of $2.428 billion....

Editorial

Financial services should be wary of a lean and hungry treasurer

With less than a week to go before the Treasurer, Wayne Swan, hands down his fourth Federal Budget, the financial services industry should be wary of a Government that ha...

Tools & guides

Making First Home Saver Accounts flexible

Fabian Bussoletti explains how to increase the flexibility of First Home Saver Accounts....

Editorial

End of the 'phony war' on FOFA

With the Government’s release of its Future of Financial Advice proposals, Mike Taylor writes that the financial planning industry now has a tangible target at whic...

Editorial

China's consumer revolution

The growth story in China is far from over, with Jonathan Wu pointing to the rise and rise of China’s second and third tier cities – all of which boast popula...

Editorial

In search of portfolio diversification

Dominic McCormick explains why achieving true portfolio diversification in the current economic climate is a complex task....

Editorial

Clients need to come before financial planning reform

Despite the current emphasis on FOFA, Ian Knox explains why it is that clients, not reform, should come first....

Editorial

Tax strategies and superannuation

The lead-up to financial year end is usually seen as a time of opportunity for financial advisers to revise tax strategies with their clients. Jeff Scott explains why it ...

Editorial

Macquarie Bank suffers 9 per cent profit fall

Macquarie Group has posted a mixed result, with a full-year profit down 9 per cent on last year, but a significantly better second half....

Editorial

Setting appropriate life insurance standards

Amid the heated debate about standard definitions for general insurance, Tim Browne asks whether the same approach should be used in the life insurance arena....

Editorial

Rethinking hedge funds following the GFC

Having sustained enormous criticism following the GFC, hedge funds are still struggling to garner favour among investors. Richard Keary explains why the sector did not fa...