Winners of our Gold Giveaway
More than 22,000 investors and traders went into the draw to win the CompareShares gold giveaway – signing up to the CompareShares newsletter, the FatCat newsletter, or to the new social networking site MoneyConfessions. While investors can gain gold exposure via listed funds (one is aptly named GOLD and lists on the Australian Stock Exchange);…
Earnings
While it may seem like an obvious answer, the most important number in a company’s financial statements and the major reason why share prices go up is the company’s earnings. However many investors get confused as to what exactly “earnings” is and whether earnings relates to a company’s revenue or its profit. Company analysts at…
Top 5 technical indicators to trade commodities
What are the most popular technical indicators used to trade commodities over the short term (1-3 months), and do they differ depending upon the commodity traded? Response: The technical analyst will use a number of methods when reviewing commodity markets. These methods typically include such things as Price Action (pattern recognition, candle stick charts, Elliott…
The impact of commodities prices on mining companies
I have been reading that iron ore and coal export prices are due to be negotiated in the near future? Can you tell me how the process works and where I can find the results of the negotiations and final pricing outcome? Also what short term impact does this have on mining company’s share price?…
What factors determine how much we pay for petrol at the pump?
Petroleum pricing has become a factor of concern to consumers, refiners and producers across the world, and price determination has come under the microscope, especially as crude oil prices were reaching record highs earlier in 2008 and prices at the bowser were sky-rocketing. There is a lot of discussion surrounding petroleum pricing, and the primary…
I am tossing up between a DIY super fund or opening a wrap account
I would like more control over my superannuation savings and am considering starting either a self-managed super fund or doing it via a super wrap account such as that offered by [ABC] Investment Management. I found out the fees for a [ABC] Direct Wrap and calculated it would be an average of 0.57% pa of…
Should I sell my home, buy a cheaper one, and invest the remaining funds for retirement?
We have 5 1/4 acres of residential land 20km south of Brisbane with an 7-year old home build by us on it. We have owned it for 10 years and our cost is around $300,000. In October last year we were offered $1.5 million by a stgeloper who knocked on our door, which we did…
Dumping cash into super before retirement
I have triggered the bring forward rule which allows me to invest 3 years non concessional contributions in 2007/8. ie 3 by $150000 = $450,000. However I have only contributed $400,000 as at today’s date. I turn 65 on 6/1/2009. Could you please advise me as to whether I can contribute the outstanding balance of…
Clever DIY super strategy – but is it legal with the ATO?
Question: I have a large taxable component in my self-managed super fund. My financial advisor suggests I withdraw $140,000 and deposit it into my own bank account for one day then deposit it back into the SMSF and repeat this transaction for the next five years. Is this legal with the ATO? Answer: Super re-contribution…
How best to handle retirement payouts without jeopardising the age pension
I do have a financial planning question. I’m 64 years old and working for a government statutory body, which is Legal Aid Qld. I’m also a member of the Centrelink pension bonus scheme. I earn approx $50,000 pa, but salary sacrifice a bit less than 50% of this. That’s made up of the max amount…
