Insights

A message from MLC Asset Management’s Chief Investment Officer
March 2021
Our evidence-based investment approach means we won’t invest in cryptocurrencies until we have a deep understanding, but we won’t dogmatically say ‘never ever’ either.
Where we are now in investment markets and economies
February 2021
President Biden policies could super-charge the US economy. Those policies, alongside other trends, may also cause inflation to rise.
A message from MLC Asset Management’s Chief Investment Officer
January 2021
President Biden is likely to usher in higher economic growth, which could stir inflation, but potentially benefit value stocks.
Economic and market update video
December 2020
Promising news on vaccines combined with surprising economic resilience drove share markets higher in November.
A message from MLC Asset Management’s Chief Investment Officer
December 2020
There are trends underway suggesting that reflation may be around the corner.
A Hitchhikers Guide to the US Presidency
October 2020
Donald Trump's unique approach to the US Presidency faces a formidable challenge from a conventional politician in Joe Biden. However, investors should recognise that politics is just one factor amongst many that can influence their investments.
A message from MLC Asset Management’s Chief Investment Officer
October 2020
The coming US presidential election is shaping up to be one of the most contentious in modern history. Uncertainty over the outcome means that investors need flexible strategies, come what may.
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.
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.
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..
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.