Why so much money is wasted on the wrong infrastructure

Today's article highlights issues in govt spending on infrastructure.  Whilst there will always be a difference of opinion, the amounts involved are so large that we are all affected by the process.

https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/why-so-much-money-is-wasted-on-the-wrong-infrastructure-20180728-p4zu6o.html

Confessions of a Portfolio Manager

Some interesting thoughts on managing funds are discussed in this article

http://blog.russellinvestments.com/confessions-portfolio-manager-1/

5 best and worst performing equity funds of FY2018

Not much explanation required here. 
What is interesting is the large disparity between the best and worst funds.

NOTE.  PPCP's Dynamic Market Long Fund has returned 26.54% (before fees) over the same period, putting it up with the best returning Large Cap funds.

https://www.morningstar.com.au/funds/article/5-best-and-worst-performing-equity-funds-of-f/169076

"On the Retirement Crisis"

Today we look at a major unsolved problem of financial security in retirement.
This is even after all the research and the new "whiz-bang" products being offered, retirees are no better off.

https://blogs.cfainstitute.org/investor/2018/07/24/screams-from-a-burning-theater-jeremy-gold-on-the-retirement-crisis/

Fund Manager performance affected by Size

Today we revisit an age old argument about the affect of FUM Size on Performance

https://www.investordaily.com.au/markets/43346-capacity-like-weighing-down-a-horse-lonsec

Industry Funds vs Bank Run Funds

Today we highlight 2 articles that put forward opposing sides of the argument.

https://www.theguardian.com/business/grogonomics/2018/jul/22/greg-jericho-industry-super-funds-keep-outclassing-retail-ones-but-the-attacks-dont-stop

https://www.moneymanagement.com.au/news/superannuation/no-certainty-industry-funds-out-perform-says-cfs

Why Good People do Bad Things

Interesting reading with litt comment required.

https://www.smh.com.au/money/banking/why-good-people-do-bad-things-20180716-p4zrq5.html

Why Index Funds Promote Market Efficiency

Index Funds have been growing in popularity with investors due to their low cost, index replication features.  Arguments have been made recently that Index Funds may cause market volatily or even cause the next crash.  This article explains how Index Funds may actually improve market efficiency.

https://www.msci.com/www/blog-posts/why-index-funds-promote-market/0977080570

How to Make Property Work Better for Society

Today's article is thought provoking, in that it makes us think a little differently about Property.

https://www.strategy-business.com/article/How-to-Make-Property-Work-Better-for-Society

Superannuation Returns not so "Super"

Today's article highlights the low returns delivered by some funds for their investors over the longer term. 

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1OOtBE0BQ1NFORH9FkRVTZQNfmDSzU6jN

Risks in a Diversified Business

Today's article looks at Diversified Businesses or Conglomerates and the risks associated with operating in more than one industry.

http://aicd.companydirectors.com.au/membership/company-director-magazine/2018-back-editions/june/strategist-jack-of-all-trades

How Hedge Funds are Performing

Hedge Funds can perform well in times of higher volatility. This article shows that the hedge fund index has not performed recently.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/12/business/hedge-funds.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fbusiness&action=click&contentCollection=business&region=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=sectionfront

How the 'big four' Accounting firms could threaten the global economy

Today we look at some commentary on the expansion of accountancy firms into consultancy services.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-12/richard-brooks-accountants-who-broke-capitalism/9971084

The Cost of Retirement

Today's article highlights the inevitable position we all face - what is the Cost of Retirement?
Flowing from this is the income level and capital required to provide for the Cost of Retirement.

https://www.morningstar.com.au/learn/article/falling-short-aussies-underestimate-the-cost/168815

Where to for the US Stock Market

Today we highlight some views on 10 year Nominal Return expectations for investors.

https://www.morningstar.com.au/stocks/article/us-stock-market-offers-worst-returns-for-next/168750

Some thoughts on Diversification

Today's article offers some thoughts on diversification.

https://www.smh.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/review-your-risk-and-sleep-well-at-night-20180706-p4zq03.html

Thoughts on Value Investing

Value Investing is a popular approach used by investors. Why?

Todays's article gives some thoughts on this question.

https://www.morningstar.com.au/stocks/article/why-value-investing-works/168708

Holding Cash in a Portfolio

Investors hold cash in their portfolio for various reasons, including liquidity, capital preservation and for the ability to time asset purchases at more attractive prices (ie buy when there is fear in the market).

https://www.morningstar.com.au/Video/cash-a-safe-haven-in-overvalued-markets/168660

"Exploiting a Vulnerability in Human Psychology"

Today's article focusses on Social Media and the effect it is having on the generations who are immersed in this technology.

Are Users of Social Media "basing their sense of self-worth on the number of "likes" they obtain"?

Are we creating a new form of addiction?

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-44640959

Vanguard to Offer Commission Free Trading for ETFs

Vanguard is expanding its offer of Commission Free Trading of Vanguard ETFs to include many other non Vanguard ETFs.

This is a strategy of Vanguard leading the marketing to attract more business into its Vanguard Broking Accounts.

https://www.institutionalinvestor.com/article/b18wyy6hw7wwh6/Vanguard-Lures-Investors-With-Commission-Free-Trading-of-Rival-ETFs

https://pressroom.vanguard.com/news/Press-Release-Vanguard-Lowers-Cost-Investing-Broadens-Commission-Free-ETFs-070218.html

Invest Without Regrets - Preparing for the Worst

Today's article provides an interesting view on investment psychology. 

Preparing for the worst outcome seems to be a sound way to get around the "regret propensity" for each individual investor.

https://qz.com/1312744/how-to-invest-without-regrets-according-to-a-nobel-winning-economist/