The disappointing 2014 for local stocks is close to its final trading day and I’m sweating on a nice finish, which will be driven, primarily, by Wall Street's showing over the next couple of trading days.

After a very volatile week, Father Christmas finally drove his sleigh through the oil-driven stock market anxiety to give us a really good look at what we call a Santa Claus rally. Wednesday brought a 288-point..

Retail trading should still remain strong, heading into Christmas but for 2015 get used to more volatility, make friends with liquidity and occasionally, be prepared to go out on a limb.

It’s been a tough year for everyone but 2015 should get better. Here are some ideas for making money next year.

By now, most of my regular readers would know I've taken my Sky News Business TV program to Wall Street and New York City. Last time we were here, the US market was around 4,500 points lower! Ooh ah!

Eventually the broader economy should deliver stronger growth from lower interest rates, but until it does, look for companies with their own drivers.

It’s a bit left field but if you’ve got time on your side it might be worth considering a play on energy as a satellite strategy.

I've never been so pumped writing this Saturday version of the Switzer Super Report, or what we like to call SSR around the office. Why the adrenalin? It's simple. I'm writing this in the Big Apple - New York..

Fund manager and managing director of NAOS Asset Management, Sebastian Evans, believes in the power of Billabong’s brand.

If Europe, the US and Japan get all their monetary policy ducks in a row, then Australia should be set for a rise to 6000 in the new year.

Oil remained the centre of attention again last night on Wall Street. Indices finished mixed - off their best levels for the day as oil prices continued to fall. The Dow Jones added half a point, while the broa..

The US economic picture is great but bond yields are falling – go figure. Closer to home, annuities provider Challenger is a yield play.

As we get closer to Christmas, perhaps you’re thinking of gifting some shares or investments. In the first of a three part series we offer some tips around kids bank accounts.

I started this piece in a shopping mall in Abu Dhabi. I’m here to attend the Grand Prix on a fact-finding mission! Yeah, I know it’s a tough life but hell, someone has to do it.

Commodity price falls keep hammering a hole in the budget, which means interest rates will be on hold for longer. Here’s what to do in a low-rate environment.

As we head towards the end of the year, there are plenty of reasons to be jolly and hope for a Christmas rally.

It was an annoying week for stocks, with the S&P/ASX 200 index down about 95 points points to 5454.3. During the week, however, we saw a high of 5550.3, which raised my hopes that we might start sneaking toward..

A sluggish consumer sentiment reading doesn't change anything for retail companies – the ones that aren’t dinosaurs at least.

The core satellite approach is really important when it comes to investing. Speculative stocks should never be bought with big chunks of your portfolio.

It has been a week of five E’s - employment, Europe, an election, earnings and economics. And they were all pretty good stories for someone who thinks stocks can go higher between now and the whole of 2015. T..

Charlie has put his Santa Claus suit on and is getting ready for Christmas with an eye on oversold retailers.

For all the talk, October wasn't that bad and things are shaping up for a positive couple of months.

The big event of the investing week had to be the Fed’s FOMC meeting that was expected to announce the end of QE3 - and it happened in case you’ve been out of town. If history could be relied on, you might ..

Things are slowing down a bit in Western Australia as the boom comes off the boil, but there are still opportunities to make money.

As consumer sentiment picks up, retail-related stocks aren’t the only sector that is benefiting. Leisure companies are also enjoying a resurgence.

What we’re living through right now is a shootout between what really drives stock markets and what can often distract investors, albeit temporarily. Yep, it’s all about US earnings for the Yanks, especiall..

It’s priced at the top end of the range and no bargain but as a government IPO, could still be worth adding to your portfolio.

October is a nasty month on markets and this year is no different. Although some are saying it’s the beginning of the bear market, there is some good news out there that is suggesting otherwise.

Well, Reserve Bank Assistant Governor, Guy Debelle, did say there’d be a violent market reaction and it was taken he was alluding to a coming crisis. However he didn’t actually say in what direction!

Draft legislation allowing individuals the option of withdrawing superannuation contributions in excess of the non-concessional contribution cap has been released. You can access this withdrawal offer if your e..

It’s not a crash but a long-overdue market correction and a good time to buy stocks like Telstra, which is about to enjoy another dividend hike.

Volatility is here to stay for the short term but this means it’s time to take advantage of cheaper prices.

I know it’s a cliché but “be careful what you wish for” applies because I did actually ask for what we got out of the US last week. While this might sound off, we’re probably going through an OK oddity..

The government has commenced the process of listing Australia’s largest health insurance provider, Medibank Private, by opening pre-registration register. The pre-registration process will close on October 15..

It’s only a matter of time before US interest rates rise, which means volatility is here to stay, so we need to get used to it.

Long term investors need a sound investment plan and know not to press the panic button when things get volatile. They also know how to take advantage of bargains.

Many in Sydney went all week wanting to see the NRL grand final between Russell Crowe’s Bunnies and the Bulldogs but I have to say I’ve been sweating on one thing - the US jobs Report. And it was worth the ..

In looking for growth at a reasonable price, or GARP stocks, US dollar earners like Macquarie and NAB appear in the best shape right now.

As volatility continues, there are plenty of people pointing to signs that the party is over. We examine how worried you need to be – if at all.

You must be sick of me talking about the overdue correction but it looked like it had finally arrived, after Friday’s reaction to the Dow’s 264-point sell off. Locally, the 68.8 point dive means we’re now..

If we are in for a period of volatility on share markets as the US dollar starts to re-emerge as king of the currencies, then you need to think global.

Banks may be looking fully priced but they’re not going to stop paying dividends anytime soon and dips could provide opportunities.

I tipped it could be a challenging week for stocks and by Thursday we were off 2% on the S&P/ASX 200 index. Imagine what might have happened if there was bad news! In D-week for decision time in Scotland, the F..

It’s now time to start positioning your portfolio for rising interest rates in the US and the unwinding of the yield trade.

Geopolitical risks could point to a small correction for this week, but it’s nothing to panic about. Take advantage of lower prices instead.

Well at last the dollar has started to fall, along with iron ore prices, and the stock market gave up 1.2% over the week, in case you lost count. And those with great memories tell me it's the worst week in six..

The recent movements in the currency suggest that the US dollar is finally headed up, and the Aussie dollar down, which means it’s time to get on top of the greenback.

In the first part of this examination of what makes a blue chip, we look at three factors that can help. Next week we look at another four.

A fall in the Aussie dollar may not happen overnight, but it will happen and when it does you need to be positioned well. A yield kicker also helps.

I hate to be a namedropper but it has been that sort of week for yours truly. Monday, it was a morning tea interview with Gerry Harvey and the tight so-and-so has never ever offered me a cup of tea! That said, ..

The superannuation guarantee has been frozen for seven years after the federal government made a deal with Clive Palmer to repeal the mining tax. Under this deal, superannuation contributions will be halted at ..

It doesn’t always flow like poetry but the basic tenants of good investing remain the same. Find good companies that pay dividends.

Looking back on the week and trying to work out what it means for our investments, you can’t forget Qantas’ $2.8 billion loss and its share price rising 6%, Russian troops crossing into the Ukraine and stoc..

With flagship malls in the right markets around the world, Lowy-aligned high-conviction buy Westfield Corporation could now be more attractive than the Scentre Group. Charlie Aitken explains.

You’ve heard of a market meltdown, but we could now be experiencing a market melt-up! Find out why.

It was only six days ago that I argued that I was ‘right’ on my 6000 call for the stock market by year’s end but it could be a little delayed! And then by the week’s end, I advanced the argument put for..

Conditions have been good for new car sales and Automotive Holdings Group appears to tick all the right boxes.

Disappointing developments could delay market rises unfortunately, but we’ll still get there eventually!

Another good week for the good guys with CBA, Telstra, Suncorp and CSL (the kinds of stocks we’ve liked) all delivering for SMSF trustees. Excuse my bias but I do think our SMSF fraternity are the good guys. ..

The government is discussing changes to the minimum amount retirees are legally required to take out of their superannuation after commencing an account based pension. This is currently between 4% and 14%, depe..

BC Iron shares have fallen $5.40 to $3.00 this year, and Charlie Aitken calls it a classic high-conviction contrarian buy. Find out why.

Not everybody has the same approach to risk and their attitudes to capital growth and income can be quite different. Here’s how to invest in this market, whatever your stage.

Who didn’t go to bed wondering how much the Dow would dive, after our S&P/ASX 200 index slumped 73.7 points (or a big 1.34%) to 5435.30 yesterday? Well, maybe normal people were pondering how their footie tea..

It may not be an instant gratification stock, but it is definitely one for the long haul and it might be worth using recent falls as a buying opportunity.

There’s always a bit of luck involved in picking the market bottom, which is why it’s always a good idea to just buy good-value companies.

After July delivered us a wallet widening 4.4% rise in stocks, along comes a day like Friday with the Dow’s 317 point slump rolling us into a 1.4% drop for the S&P/ASX 200 index. However, it was worth noting ..

NAB is currently trading on the lowest PE, but highest EPS, of any bank in the top four. Charlie keeps his overall sector weighting but is very optimistic on this laggard.

First home buyers may be able to borrow money from their superannuation accounts to secure a deposit, under legislation proposed by Independent Senator Nick Xenophon. Xenophon has praised a scheme currently ope..

There is a small chance that the doomsday merchants could be right, but it’s not very likely. In the event of any correction, if you position your portfolio well, you should also stand to profit.

I thought I needed to show you the five-year story of what has happened to our beloved, yet underperforming, S&P/ASX 200 index, to explain the topic I’m preoccupied with at the moment. We’ve had a nice run ..

MDA, or mobile data addiction, is taking over Europe, which means you should be long telcos. Airports and luxury property are two other sectors to watch closely.

The terrible tragedy in the Ukraine shouldn't have a follow-on effect on markets, given the relative strength in the US.

As most of the southern parts of the country shivered through the week, I was lucky enough to spend Friday at Noosa, but I didn’t bring my swimmers as I attended the Noosa Mining and Exploration Conference as..

Five stocks have been removed from the “takeover target” list, and two have been added, including OzForex

The RBA is busy talking the dollar down, which means you need to pay attention to the kind of stocks that might do well when this starts to play out later this year.

The drumsticks are rolling but this is only the start, with the US earnings season set to give us a day-by-day revelation of an unfolding drama that will end up being called “The end of days” or “The star..

The second largest private hospital operator is about to list. But is it getting ahead of itself comparing itself to its major competitor? We find out.

The bulls are calling for some heavy lifting from the Dow Jones this year, which should filter through to local stocks too.

As a great believer in the old saying (apparently attributed to legendary Labor politician Fred Daly) that you’re a rooster one day, a feather duster the next, I won’t excessively crow about the past week�..

Tony Featherstone is a former BRW managing editor and has been watching the rich list for decades. He talks about this year’s trends and the lessons we can all learn.

Are you across all of the changes that have occurred to superannuation in the 2014/2015 financial year? There are a few key changes which every SMSF trustee should know about for the new financial year, includi..

Amongst all the bearish commentary on markets, you do find the occasional bull, and this week we’ve found one that’s even more positive than us and is expecting a “recovery with rockets”.

I have found this last week in France frustrating - not because of the really warm days, the beautiful Mediterranean water temperature or the French food. It has been frustrating because watching our stock mark..

The IPO market may not be a traditional place to start looking for yield but it is certainly more affordable and more floats are now offering a ‘sweetener’ to entice the dividend brigade.

Global markets are in the hands of the central bankers who have their fingers on interest rates. As long as they keep being careful there will still be legs in this bull market.

One turn of phrase I’ve always laughed at is Eurotrash. I find it amusing to see inter-EU rivalry but it is grossly unfair. To date, the French in shops and bars I frequent have been treating this big galoot ..

There are a couple of short-term factors that could affect the local market and lead to that correction everybody has been talking about. If you can hold off for a few months, you might be able to take advantag..

Paul Rickard from the Switzer Super Report says maximising your contributions to super is one of the most important things to do before the end of financial year. “For most people, the concessional cap is $25..

The threats in the Middle East are a concern and we should all be worried. But maybe it won’t have such a detrimental effect on markets as many are predicting and could even be an opportunity to buy.

Just when I was pondering what was going to seriously rattle the stock market (apart from the excessive rise of Wall St giving way to a bit of a sell off) along comes the crew from ISIS!

The Westfield asset split/restructure has been drawing a lot of attention and will continue to do so until the next vote on June 20. Charlie Aitken is in favour of the proposal and explains why below, but to ba..

A turning point was reached in global economies and stock markets last week, which should lead to a slow grind higher in our market, without too much of a correction.

To set the scene, I’m en route to Paris via Abu Dhabi and I’m reflecting on a HUGE week for economic data, as well as decisions. As my plane cuts through the skies, let me cut through the claptrap of the we..

This small cap company produces a weight loss device that truly works and Charlie has the photos to proof it. It could be an investment in your future in more ways than one.

A fall doesn't necessarily mean a crash. We prefer to think of it as a buying opportunity and here are five reasons why.

After the Yanks sucked up a shocking GDP number - a 1% fall, which was double the expectation - and personal income as well as spending was down in April, the S&P 500 still hovers in record high territory! So w..

Here’s an interesting idea if you want to go against the flow. It’s not for “widows and orphans”, but Charlie is optimistic and takes heart from two big US funds buying 25% of the stock.

Superannuation funds have been granted an extension until July 1 next year to meet the new ‘SuperStream’ requirements. The Minister for Finance and Acting Assistant Treasurer, Senator Mathias Cormann, flagg..

The calls for a correction are gathering, and yes, there might be a stock slide on the way, but the big picture forecast is for a long gradual move upwards. This means any falls are buying opportunities.

With the media over-preoccupied with the Budget, Tony’s women issues (which is code for Fairfax/ABC issues) and the legitimate concern of how badly Joe and Tony have sold this ‘tough’ Budget, in the words..

The next few months will see a short-term value correction, but this is just a blip, or buying opportunity, on the way to 6000.

On Monday night’s tension-laden episode of Q&A, Joe Hockey added to Budget controversy when he suggested government changes to the age people can access their superannuation at, also known as ‘the prese..

The number of people that now think we might be headed for a big crash might be rising, but that doesn't make them right.

For me, this week has been one of Budgets, breakfasts, Black Adders and bull market questions. It has also been a week where I lost three of my television programs (a long story of plane delays, etc.) during a ..

Andrew Mackenzie is proving to be a good leader of the mining giant, and is keeping costs well under control, even if he is under-appreciated by most investors.

Paul Rickard has summarised the changes to superannuation and other budget changes that will hit mature Australians: The Super Guarantee levy has been pushed back by one year. It will increase to 9.5% on 1/7/14..

According to statistics to be released this month by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), the self-managed superannuation (SMSF) army is now one million members strong. The ATO’s March quarterly report will ..

Don’t stress about the Budget tomorrow. Things really aren’t that bad and if the market falls, use the opportunity to buy quality companies.

It has been a week of Budget, brawls and ‘bloody great’ economic statistics. I don’t want to add to the Budget hype by giving any more oxygen to these Canberra tales that could be modified before 7pm Tues..

It might be hard, but it’s time to forget about what executive chairman James Packer has been up to, and focus on the real potential of Crown Resorts.

The Budget is shaping up to be a doozy, but it also needs to include measures to help improve confidence if the market is going to continue to grow.

It’s been a week when loose lips have been sinking ships and, simultaneously, it’s been a week when I wished so many people hadn’t said what they said.

Merger and acquisition activity heated up further this week with the takeover approach for Goodman Fielder. In Part 2 of our SSR investigation we come up with another six companies that could be on the block so..

Forecasts for the dollar are mixed, but we expect it to fall and think it would be wise to get in and buy companies that could benefit – like CSL, Flight Centre and Seek – early.

As the hardly merry month of May looms, recall that stocks have dipped five years in a row around this so-called merry month! In the US, there is a general belief that the first few months are great for stocks,..

As merger and acquisition activity heats up, in Part 1 of an SSR investigation, we run the ruler over six potential companies that could be up for sale, at the right price.

Pensioners should not be worried about becoming a casualty after Budget changes are announced on May 13, according to the Switzer Super Report’s Peter Switzer and Paul Rickard. While any change is set to plum..

Don’t stress too much about the mini tech-wreck, there is still plenty of potential for shares to rise further in 2014.

What did I say? Last Saturday, with momentum stocks such as Twitter and Netflix being given a right bollocking in the US, this is what I said: “I’m not panicking. I’m waiting for some lower lows next week..

The market is moving from growth at any price, to growth at the right price, which means you need to reconsider your equity strategy and start rotating into safer stocks.

The SMSF Professionals’ Association of Australia (SPAA) has given the green light for the ATO to continue to regulate the SMSF sector, in their submission to the Financial System Inquiry (FSI). Jordan George,..

It’s been a tough week, but it’s not time to panic just yet. The main cause of the sell-off has been the high-tech stocks, after having their Icarus moment.

The big question on Friday was undoubtedly: “How worried should I be about this Wall Street sell off?” In reality, we should be more concerned about what Broadway did, as the Nasdaq exchange is not in Wall ..

With the market darlings falling out of favour in the US, it might be time to take profits and move into the safe blue-chip large caps at home.

Mainstream super funds are concerned by the increase in SMSFs and the regulator promises to take growth seriously, with its taskforce.

Our high-income portfolio has delivered in the first three months of this year, outperforming the index by 1.3%.

I’ve been saying we needed something too good or too scary to move the stock market with more momentum. Well, it looks like we have something - it's just no one can work out what it is!

Mobile data addiction, and the high smartphone penetration it translates into, means that Telstra will continue to grow. Charlie explains why he prefers the tracks to the train.

If other privatisations are anything to go by, set aside some money for the Medibank IPO.

Despite a nice 16.8 point gain on Friday for the S&P/ASX 200 index, I felt it was a nothing week and my quick check of the historical prices proved it. We ended at 5336.9 this week and finished last week at 533..

Margaret Lomas has been running an SMSF for over a decade. Property is her first love, but she explains why diversification is important in an SMSF asset allocation strategy.

In a full and frank discussion, CEO of Harvey Norman, Gerry Harvey, discusses the challenges facing the business in a bold, new world, and why it could all result in bigger dividends for shareholders.

The week that was proved two things to me and I recommend you note this in your mental investment diary. First, the stock market is driven by a group of short-term nut cases. Second, always remember that you�..

The online car listing service has grown from strength to strength and is now focusing on international markets, where it has already begun to build a footprint.

The short sellers might still be short, but there are plenty of reasons to take Hochtief up on its offer, with an eye to a full takeover at some point down the line.

Putin the pest has done it again, with military manoeuvres on the Ukraine border spooking stocks. And the Crimean election this weekend could make things ever messier, if it goes the way Russia is expecting. In..

A rebound in the residential property market is behind an improvement in sentiment in the art market. Australian artists to watch include Patricia Piccinini and Caroline Rothwell.

This mining conglomerate has reached a point where it could be positioning for a move higher, according to the charts, particularly given the improvement in the Continuous Commodity Index (CCI).

Happy birthday this weekend to bull market supporters, with March 9 being the day I best remember (apart from my family’s birthdays and a few public holidays) as the time the GFC-created crash turned around.

A rush of government privatisations in the next few years should put this asset class high on SMSF agendas. We walk through the options for adding it to your portfolio.

In a new series of articles, we ask managing directors, chief executives and other top brass for the inside story on their company and how they run it. Our first From the top is Navitas managing director Rod Jo..

This week was a great example of what climbing the wall of worry is all about. On one hand, we had a run of worrying economic readings here and abroad, meeting more bad job news in Australia. Then the Yanks tru..

A new study shows compulsory superannuation is significantly increasing Australia’s savings pool, thereby lowering dependence of foreign investment and boosting local investment. The finding comes as part of ..

James Packer’s Sydney play is paying off for the company with strong EPS growth forecast for the next three years. Charlie explains why he’s happy to trade off dividends for this kind of growth performance.

A new electronically-based ASX product will allow self-managed super fund investors to trade in managed funds in the same way they buy or sell shares. The ASX’s new mFund Settlement Service operates using the..

The Australian Taxation Office is calling on SMSF trustees to be organised and proactive in the transition to new SuperStream regulations, which will be introduced from 1 July, 2014. The changes will require SM..

The Treasurer’s push for growth at the G20 has done great things for the share market but he could do even better if he refrained from a tough budget for another year.

The correction of a few weeks ago is now well behind us, as the S&P 500 in the US looks to hit an all-time high this morning. Its best ever close was 1,850.84. So what’s going on? And to add drama to the stor..

The big Australian mining companies have finally understood what their shareholders want – a better control of costs and more dividends or buybacks. Here’s why they are both in Charlie’s portfolio.

Self-managed super funds have been steadily growing in popularity over recent years, with demand for DIY super even extending to younger people, according to new research. While people aged over 50 still make u..

A new report on self-managed super funds in retirement shows that just over half of SMSF trustees have a written financial plan. The study from Vanguard and Rice Warner also found only 37% of the survey’s 320..

There is increasing talk about the potential danger of going after income-paying stocks. But it pays to do your own analysis as we find out.

What a week! The stock market-correction’s U-turn, on shoddy US job figures, was made more seriously positive with the world’s most important person - at least in a material world sense - new Fed boss, Jane..

Charlie Aitken spoke to the Switzer Super Report this week and laid down his take on a better than expected earnings season and his ongoing confidence in the market. He has his eyes on the big miners BHP and RI..

The Financial Services Council is calling for pension reform as part of its Federal Budget submission, including making access to the Age Pension more stringent. The FSC is recommending a review of the generosi..

Bell Direct is the latest financial services firm to try and grab a piece of the growing SMSF sector, with the launch of a new white label DIY super product. The online broker has collaborated with SMSF adminis..

The Commonwealth Bank will report this week and a good result will auger well for all banks. Could be a good time to get in.

As I crawled out of bed this morning (I’m on a fitness campaign and every bone in my body is aching, explaining why most of us are rationally unfit), I wanted to see the job numbers from the USA. The first in..

The core industry body for self-managed super funds has backed federal government comments opposing compensation scheme entitlements for SMSF trustees. The SMSF Professionals’ Association of Australia announc..

A textbook trading correction has many investors scared, but there is no reason to be. Amidst this volatility, bank equities offer yields that are far in excess of the income on their deposits.

The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia says that current tax concessions for superannuants are viable in the medium-term, despite recent media claims that super tax breaks will cost the Budget $32..

Centuria Property Funds have welcomed a new senior facilities manager who will take on responsibility for the company’s new investment property, 8 Central Avenue, Australian Technology Park. The company’s r..

Banks may be overvalued at the moment, but they still offer a good dividend and there is no reason to sell them just yet if you rely on their yield.

Earlier in January, I told you that earnings and the US economy would be the big drivers of the stock market and tapering would be another test for the resolve of stock players on Wall Street. The new concern i..

NGS Super and Mercer have become the latest industry funds to jump on the growing self-managed superfund bandwagon, announcing the planned release of their own ‘direct investment’ fund. NGS Super says the n..

As emerging markets rock shares, it’s time to focus on developed economies. NAB is one local company that could be worth considering, given its exposure to the growth prospects of the UK.

Equity investors had a bumpy ride last week, but it could just be the correction we had to have. We’re keeping our eyes peeled for cheap stocks.

Wall Street has been climbing the wall of worry and that’s where a range of concerns are recognised, but the market still climbs over them to go higher. At the moment, the obstacles to going higher are stoppi..

Figures from the Australian Tax Office show SMSF trustees are taking responsibility for their own retirement, with total yearly benefit payments averaging $18.9 billion per annum over the five years to June 201..

The Aussie dollar will fall further, as the US dollar rises, which means its time to get as much exposure as possible through US companies or investments.

The core body for self-managed superannuation funds in Australia has warned trustees to “look before you leap” following the planned release of “free SMSF” offerings. The SMSF Professionals’ Associati..

The core body for self-managed super funds has come out in support of recent Australian Taxation Office figures which show that SMSF borrowings are neither “exponential nor irresponsible”. While there has b..

This month is used as a bellwether for annual market performance, but locally the falling Aussie dollar is a very good thing. Find out why below.

With another stupid stock week under the belt, this week proved what we mostly suspect - we play follow the leader with Wall Street. Recall that a poor jobs number in the States (74,000 instead of 200,000 expec..

Stocks in this sector can be tricky, even at the best of times, but there are still some good eggs – like Oroton and Nick Scali that you might want to consider for your SMSF portfolio.