Insights
Share in the excitement or bank on the house?
October 2020
So, you want to grow your long-term wealth? Do you buy an investment property? Or shares? It’s a complicated but important question. And the answer is not what you might think.
Which are you – a saver or investor? Or both?
October 2020
Are you saving your money or investing it? We look at the difference and why one might be better than the other. We also explore why you may already be a better investor than you believe.
Video: Share markets lost ground against rising global infections
October 2020
Share markets weakened in September against a backdrop of global COVID-19 infections nearing 300,000 per day, and uncertainty over the future of government economic support measures. Senior Economist at MLC Asset Management, Bob Cunneen, discusses.
Where to now?
September 2020
With the world in turmoil it’s hard to know where to invest. So why not invest in your own future via super. Here’s why it could work…
Why super balances fluctuate
September 2020
Your super balance may have fluctuated dramatically this year. We look at why that’s happened and what it means over the short and long-term.
Retirement: where to start
September 2020
If you really want to end up with the retirement you envision, there are some things you can start doing right now.
How much do you need to retire
September 2020
There’s a whole host of factors that will determine how much you need to retire. It can be complex – but it doesn’t have to be.
Is investing in bonds safe?
September 2020
While no investment is completely risk-free, government bonds are regarded as one of the safer investment types in the market. Here's why.
Economic and market update
September 2020
Which key events have been driving markets? Watch this video with Bob Cunneen, Senior Economist at MLC Asset Management, to find out.
Disconnect between upbeat share markets and fragile economies
August 2020
Investment experts Jonathan Armitage and Al Clark share their insights on the unusual recent market movements.
COVID-19 and personal credit ratings
August 2020
Having a good credit rating matters. Bad credit ratings can affect your ability to get a mortgage, secure a car loan, even get a credit card.
Managing your finances after divorce or separation
August 2020
A separation or divorce can be among the most stressful times in your life. These financial tips can help you keep control of your money—and get your life back on track.
Are super contributions tax deductible?
August 2020
Are super contributions tax deductible? We identify those that are.
Managing the COVID-19 crisis–an update on Government policies that might affect you
August 2020
In global terms, Australia is managing the COVID-19 crisis well. However, loss of consumer and business confidence have affected the economy and so the Government has stepped in with massive support measures..
Central bank policies driving share market performance
August 2020
Despite economic stresses, major share markets continued to rise in July as investors remain buoyed by supportive central bank policies.
Shares: why long-term investing works
July 2020
Why long-term investing works when it comes to shares—we address some of the key benefits.
Financial lessons from COVID-19
July 2020
Here’s five financial lessons that are helping people get through the COVID-19 crisis.
Share markets up, but economic concerns remain: what's going on?
July 2020
Markets have been buoyed by central bank and government support for economies. However, COVID-19 remains a threat and economies are still fragile.
Share market valuations a reason for caution
June 2020
The investment environment is complicated. That’s why continue to emphasise intensive risk-management along with careful additions to portfolios. Jonathan Armitage, Chief Investment Officer at MLC Asset Management, discusses.
Economic and market update
June 2020
Bob Cunneen, Senior Economist at MLC Asset Management, discusses the continuation of the May share markets rally in Australia and overseas in anticipation of a reopening of economies, despite COVID-19 infections accelerating in Latin America.
How we're positioning the MySuper portfolio
June 2020
As we did through the most intensive period of the crisis – we’re continuing to balance caution with selective additions of risk assets.
Early release of super Coronavirus – second application
May 2020
If you’re considering making a second application under the Coronavirus early release of super payment, there may be other options available.
Diversification across many dimensions
May 2020
At MLC, we’ve long believed in the importance of diversification across many dimensions, including diversification across mainstream as well as alternative assets, as Gareth Abley discusses.
Economic and market update
May 2020
The coronavirus has had a significant impact on investment markets. Bob Cunneen, Senior Economist at MLC, discusses what to expect over the coming months.
Balancing caution with opportunity seeking
April 2020
There is both high uncertainty, as well as rising opportunity across investment markets. This means balancing intensive risk-management with carefully selected additions to portfolios as MLC’s CIO, Jonathan Armitage, explains.
Managing the impact of volatile markets on your retirement savings
April 2020
If your retirement savings are being affected by heightened volatility in share markets, here’s some things to keep in mind.
Dealing with market volatility for soon-to-be retirees
April 2020
While many investors are being advised to stay the course and wait for markets to recover, for soon-to-be retirees with different time horizons, this may not be feasible. Or is it?
Many unknowns mean great care is required for MySuper portfolios
April 2020
Recent market rallies may have caused some to think that a corner has been turned. But as Steve Gamerov, Head of Diversified Portfolios, discusses there are still many uncertainties.
High market uncertainty means caution is sensible
April 2020
Some recent strong market returns may have lulled some investors into thinking that a turning point has been reached. But as Jonathan Armitage, MLC’s Chief Investment Officer, comments, uncertainty remains high.
Economic and market update
April 2020
The coronavirus has had a significant impact on investment markets. Senior Economist Bob Cunneen discusses what to expect over the coming months.
Accessing your income stream in retirement, including minimum withdrawal changes
9 April 2020
In response to the coronavirus, the government has introduced changes to the minimum amount you’re required to withdraw from your income stream when you retire. In this article, we’ll address what these changes are and provide things you might consider when investing your money.
Invest with your head, not your heart: managing investment risk
9 April 2020
The Coronavirus pandemic is first and foremost a health issue. However, it's also a timely reminder that investment risks always exist. The key to investing wisely is to know the risks you're taking and how your investments are likely to perform within these risk parameters.
Insurance inside super — should you keep it?
8 April 2020
If you’re a member of a super fund, it’s more than likely you have insurance through your super. We’ve identified some key things to ask to yourself if you’re trying to determine if you should keep it.
Managing your super in a market downturn
3 April 2020
If you’ve seen a decrease to your super balance as a result of the coronavirus, it’s understandably cause for concern. Here’s five key areas to consider when experiencing a share market downturn and during increased volatility.
Wealth Warning: Things to consider about the Government’s $10K early release of super measure
3 April 2020
The Federal Gov’t has announced people facing significant financial hardship as a result of the Coronavirus may be able to access a portion of their super early. We look at some of the key points to consider.
How business operations may change because of COVID-19
31 March 2020
Which global businesses are riding out the current crisis? Portfolio Manager, Myooran Mahalingam, discusses.
Differences between current environment and 2008/09 Global Financial Crisis
31 March 2020
Current market volatility is distinctly different to the GFC. For one, banks will be part of the solution this time, not the problem. Portfolio Manager, Myooran Mahalingam discusses.
Impact of falling oil price on share markets
31 March 2020
Why oil prices have fallen. And why this is actually good news for many. Portfolio Manager, Myooran Mahalingam, discusses.
Making sense of current volatility global share markets
31 March 2020
Is moving into cash the right thing to do in the current environment? Portfolio Manager, Myooran Mahalingam, shares why maintaining perspective has never been more important.
Drivers of global share market volatility
31 March 2020
In terms of current market volatility, the thing to note is that volatility is normal. However, we are going through a period of time where volatility is quite elevated, and relative to history as elevated as it has ever been.
Market update
23 March 2020
Hear the latest on investment markets from Jonathan Armitage the Chief Investment Officer of MLC Asset Management. MLC Asset Management is responsible for the management of Plum's investment options.
We're making some changes to your fees
March 2020
We’re committed to providing better outcomes when it comes to your retirement. As such, we’re pleased to let you know that we’re updating the fees on several of our products.
Market update
19 March 2020
Hear the latest on investment markets from Jonathan Armitage the Chief Investment Officer of MLC Asset Management. MLC Asset Management is responsible for the management of Plum's investment options.
Market update
16 March 2020
Hear the latest on investment markets from Jonathan Armitage the Chief Investment Officer of MLC Asset Management. MLC Asset Management is responsible for the management of Plum's investment options.
Market volatility update
13 March 2020
Hear the latest on investment markets from Myooran Mahalingam, Portfolio Manager at MLC Asset Management. MLC Asset Management is responsible for the management of Plum’s investment options.
Economic and market update
March 2020
The coronavirus has had a significant impact on investment markets. Senior Economist Bob Cunneen discusses what to expect over the coming months.
Looking through coronavirus with timeless investment principles
March 2020
For patient investors, situations like the current period of volatility, serve as a reminder of why they are invested in the first place — to build long-term wealth, usually over years, even decades.
Managing investment risks amid coronavirus
March 2020
The coronavirus is first and foremost a health issue. However, it’s also a timely reminder that investment risks always exist. The strong market returns of the past decade may have caused some investors to forget this.
Investment market impacts of coronavirus
February 2020
Markets are realising that economic dislocations stemming from the coronavirus outbreak may be more significant than previously assumed.
Estate planning: what your will doesn't cover
February 2020
Most of us think of estate planning as simply writing a will. However, ensuring your assets are distributed according to your exact wishes after you pass away can be more complicated than that.
Find out more
Changes to insurance in super
February 2020
On 1 April 2020, government changes will come into effect that may impact the insurance you have in your super. Here's a snapshot of the change.
Economic and market update
February 2020
Which key events have been driving markets? Watch this video of Senior Economist Bob Cunneen in discussion with Portfolio Specialist, Natalie Comino.
2019 year in review
January 2020
Despite macro concerns, 2019 was a good year for investors. In early January, with 2019 behind us, Portfolio Specialist John Owen will provide you with a review of what happened in investment markets over the year.
Economic and market update
January 2020
Which key events have been driving markets? Watch this video of Senior Economist Bob Cunneen in discussion with Portfolio Specialist, Sinead Rafferty.
Economic and market update
December 2019
Which key events have been driving markets? Watch this video of Senior Economist Bob Cunneen in discussion with Portfolio Specialist, Sinead Rafferty.
Economic and market update
November 2019
Which key events have been driving markets? Watch this video of Senior Economist Bob Cunneen in discussion with Portfolio Specialist, Sinead Rafferty.
Planning essentials for comfortable retirement
November 2019
Find out more
Getting the right investment balance in retirement
November 2019
Find out more
Risk management a motivator for retirees
November 2019
Find out more
Why offshore investing is the right move for retirees
November 2019
Find out more
Economic and market update
October 2019
Which key events have been driving markets? Watch this video of Senior Economist Bob Cunneen in discussion with Portfolio Specialist, Sinead Rafferty.
Making mental health a workplace priority
October 2019
A thriving and healthy team of employees who feel good about coming to work every day – that’s just one of the many benefits of improving mental health in the workplace.
The changing dynamics of families and work
October 2019
Forget the 9 to 5, generations of employees now want nothing more than workplace flexibility – and bending to their will could be a win for everyone.
Economic and market update
September 2019
Which key events have been driving markets? Watch this video of Senior Economist Bob Cunneen in discussion with Portfolio Specialist, Sinead Rafferty.
Can Australia afford an ageing workforce?
August 2019
In the face of demographic shift, what does it take for a country to ensure its residents can retire in comfort? We put the microscope on a few.
Booming age pension bill looms
August 2019
With fewer workers and more retirees, is there solution to make our retirement system more sustainable? According to Bernard Salt, there is.
To fly in retirement, plan your own path
August 2019
MLC’s Head of Actuarial, Jason Marler, explains why the right retirement formula is based on your own story rather than the average Australian.
Economic and market update
August 2019
Which key events have been driving markets? Watch this video of Senior Economist Bob Cunneen in discussion with Portfolio Manager, Myooran Mahalingam.
New laws to protect employees' super
July 2019
On 1 July 2019, the Protecting Your Superannuation legislation came into effect. It’s designed to protect super savings, particularly for any employees who have low balances or have insurance attached to their super.
Economic and market update
July 2019
Which key events have been driving markets? Watch this video of Senior Economist Bob Cunneen in discussion with Portfolio Specialist, Sinead Rafferty.
Economic and market update
July 2019
Which key events have been driving markets? Watch this video of Senior Economist Bob Cunneen in discussion with Portfolio Specialist, Sinead Rafferty.
2018-19 financial year in review
July 2019
With the close of the financial year, it’s time to review what’s happened in investment markets. Portfolio specialist John Owen provided this comprehensive review.
An expert on the best time to look at your superannuation strategy
June 2019
Planning for retirement can be overwhelming. How closely do we need to monitor our investments? What work or life changes warrant a review of your super strategy, and when?
Let’s not waste wisdom of elders
June 2019
Congratulations! You’ve just retired. After 40-plus years of work you deserve to reap the benefits from all your savings and wise financial decisions.
The rise of the activist retiree
June 2019
I know them, you know them, we all know them. Which is hardly surprising because, my dear fellow Australians, they are everywhere.
Why more of us are finding new purpose in later life
June 2019
Priorities can change as we get older. The financial concerns that nag away in the background throughout our working lives may start to fade away, replaced by other priorities like personal health.
Economic and market update
June 2019
Which key events have been driving markets? Watch this video of Senior Economist Bob Cunneen in discussion with Portfolio Specialist, Sinead Rafferty.
Ageing is old hat for baby boomers
22 May 2019
Baby boomers still want to enjoy a long and happy retirement — it’s just that they don’t want to be labelled with the concept of the “r” word.
Aussies making a slow transition to retirement
22 May 2019
Let’s explore the growing cohort of Australians who work past the age of 65.
Worry, wellbeing and why more of us work later in life
22 May 2019
Pre-retirees, typically somewhere in the final decade of their working lives, feel less prepared for retirement than ever before.
Economic and market update
8 May 2019
Which key events have been driving markets? Watch this video of Senior Economist Bob Cunneen in discussion with Portfolio Specialist, Sinead Rafferty.
Economic and market update
8 April 2019
Which key events have been driving markets? Watch this video of Senior Economist Bob Cunneen in discussion with Portfolio Specialist, Sinead Rafferty.
Empowering women to own their finances
28 March 2019
We talked to four senior working women about money conversations, financial wellness and their practical tips on managing money better.
Economic and market update
15 March 2019
Which key events have been driving markets? Watch this video of Senior Economist Bob Cunneen in discussion with Portfolio Specialist, Sinead
Economic and market update
7 February 2019
Which key events have been driving markets? Watch this video of Senior Economist Bob Cunneen in discussion with Portfolio Specialist, Sinead
We’re changing our MySuper investment option
February 2019
We’re making changes to give members who are invested in MySuper more opportunity to grow their super while they’re younger.
The 2018 year in review: a confident start but a volatile finish
15 January 2019
With 2018 behind us, it’s time to review what happened in investment markets last year.
Economic and market video - January 2019
January 2019
Which key events have been driving markets? Watch this video of Senior Economist Bob Cunneen in discussion with Portfolio Specialist, Sinead Rafferty.
What's new from Plum
December 2018
Plum is introducing a few initiatives to help our members reach their retirement goals.
Member Q&A: What does the recent market volatility mean for members?
October 2018
Portfolio Specialist John Owen discusses what’s causing the market volatility and how Plum is managing their portfolios for customers.
In the Media: Financial Services Royal Commission
September 2018
Financial advice and superannuation have been closely examined in the ongoing Financial Services Royal Commission.
NAB appoints Geoff Lloyd as CEO of MLC
July 2018
The appointment follows NAB’s announcement in May it will exit its advice, platform, superannuation and asset management businesses currently operating under MLC, Plum and other brands.
NAB announces changes to its wealth management strategy
May 2018
NAB has announced a reshaping of its wealth management strategy.
On board with the Insurance in Super Code of Practice
March 2018
The Trustee of all MLC super funds, which also cover Plum products, proudly announces that it will opt in to the Insurance in Superannuation Voluntary Code of Practice, coming into effect from July 2018.
Women get frank about finance: MLC research reveals women feel in control but are unprepared
March 2018
More than half of Australian women feel in control of their finances, but many are concerned about their savings and are missing out on valuable opportunities to boost their superannuation, according to new research released by MLC.
Is this super oversight costing you thousands?
March 2018
A “set and forget” mentality could be costing Australians thousands of dollars, but reviewing one particular aspect could turn that all around, research reveals.
Australians in for a boom with new super changes in 2018
March 2018
Australians who are looking to buy their first home or are preparing for retirement could be in for a windfall in 2018, with a number of key superannuation changes expected to come into effect.
How to add thousands to your super in just 10 minutes
March 2018
A simple super oversight is costing Australians thousands of dollars in their retirement, according to research released by MLC.
