Investing in residential property has long been a popular strategy for Australians seeking to build wealth. The allure of owning tangible assets, the potential for rental income, and the possibility of capital growth make it an attractive option. However, residential property investment is not without its challenges and risks.

In this episode of Arrow Insights, Mark O'Leary and Seton Leggett tackle the increasingly pertinent subject of digital estate planning. As our lives become more intertwined with the digital world, Seton explains how crucial it is to prepare our digital assets—such as photos, videos, social media accounts, and cryptocurrencies—for safe and secure transfer to the next generation.

The second quarter of 2024 yielded mixed market results, with rallies from the first quarter losing momentum. It was a relatively quiet period as markets generally trended steadily. While investor sentiment remains positive, the overall feeling is that the pace has slowed.

Investing is often thought of as a rational activity, driven by analysis, data, and sound financial principles. However, human behaviour introduces a layer of complexity that can significantly impact investment decisions.

In June, Australian equities rose slightly but were down for the quarter, with bank sector gains offsetting losses in materials and energy. For the year, Australian equities increased, led by banks, consumer discretionary, and IT, while staples, materials, and energy declined. Australia's sluggish performance is due to low exposure to AI stocks and weak domestic growth. Higher inflation limits monetary policy support, with a rate hike expected by September.

In our increasingly digital world, financial scams are becoming more sophisticated and prevalent, especially in Australia. It's vital to understand these scams, recognise the warning signs, and take proactive steps to protect yourself. This post will cover superannuation scams, investment scams, phishing, scam calls, and emerging threats like MyGov super rollover scams and AI voice-based scams.

In this episode of Arrow Insights, Simon Lewis and Ryan Synnot delve into the transformative world of impact investing. They explore how this investment approach combines the pursuit of financial returns with intentional efforts to address social and environmental issues. From energy projects to sustainable farming and social housing, Ryan breaks down how investors can make a positive difference while still achieving their financial goals.

Investing in the stock market can be approached in many ways, with two of the most popular strategies being value investing and growth investing. Each strategy has its unique characteristics, advantages, and potential risks. Understanding the differences between value and growth investing can help investors make informed decisions that align with their financial goals and risk tolerance.

In May, Australian equities saw a modest rise, trailing behind global markets. The country's lower exposure to AI stocks, a subdued earnings environment, weak domestic growth, and limited growth sector presence contributed to this underperformance.

Investing in emerging markets can be a compelling opportunity for investors looking to diversify their portfolios and tap into high-growth potential. Emerging markets refer to countries experiencing rapid growth and industrialisation. These markets offer unique opportunities and challenges that can differ from those in developed markets.

Aged care in Australia can be a complex and emotionally charged topic, especially when making decisions for yourself or a loved one. This guide aims to provide an overview of the key aspects of aged care, including how to access services, the costs involved, and important financial considerations. It is essential to seek advice from qualified professionals to ensure that your decisions are well-informed and tailored to your unique circumstances.

In this episode of Arrow Insights, Peter Leggett and Mark O’Leary discuss the considerations when managing a windfall. They explore the concept of "money in transition" offering insights into the critical steps necessary for making sound financial decisions. From retirement planning to wealth preservation, this episode provides valuable advice for navigating the complexities that come with receiving a substantial sum of money.

In April, Australian equities fell, with losses across most sectors except materials, while REITs dropped significantly due to rising bond yields. The weak performance was driven by higher-than-expected inflation data domestically and in the US, leading to a less supportive interest rate outlook and pushing bond yields higher. Meanwhile, global developed markets, led by the US, saw significant declines as higher inflation and bond yields undermined equity valuations, though emerging markets, particularly China, showed resilience with a modest gain in AUD terms.

Investing in emerging markets can be a compelling opportunity for investors looking to diversify their portfolios and tap into high-growth potential. Emerging markets refer to countries experiencing rapid growth and industrialisation. These markets offer unique opportunities and challenges that can differ from those in developed markets.

Victoria's Vacant Residential Land Tax (VRLT) is set to apply to all vacant residential land throughout Victoria from 1 January 2025. This tax, which was originally introduced in 2017, aims to address housing affordability issues. However, it also impacts holiday homes unless certain exemptions apply.

In this installment of Arrow Insights, Ryan Synnot and Mathew Ashton explore the intriguing world of alternative investments, shedding light on its unique position within the broader investment landscape. They unpack what constitutes an alternative investment, moving beyond the conventional confines of equities and bonds to include realms such as private equity, private debt, commodities, and even artwork.

The investor letter for Q1 2024 indicates a positive start to the year with a continuation of the strong market performance from Q4 2023, driven by disinflation and economic resilience, particularly in the U.S., which has boosted investor confidence. However, challenges such as inflation uncertainty and high valuations in leading global equities add complexity to investment strategies, despite the overall buoyant market sentiment and solid portfolio gains.

Australian equities rallied this month but underperformed global markets over the quarter, despite reaching record highs driven by strong sectors like mining and banking. The Reserve Bank of Australia held the cash rate steady, adopting a neutral stance on future rate movements amid improving economic signs, including employment and housing market recovery.