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Advance Quarterly Update, January 2012
Posted: 25 Jan 2012
Patrick Farrell, CIO / Head of Advance Asset Management Solutions, talks about changes in global markets over the last quarter, how this has impacted investors in Australia and the key global risks the team is monitoring.
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Three views on 2012
Posted: 10 Jan 2012
Joe Bracken, BT Investment Management Head of Macro Strategies, Besa Deda, St.George Chief Economist and Patrick Farrell, Advance Head of Investment Solutions each have their own views on how the Australian and global economies will go over 2012.
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Caton's Corner - January 2012
Posted: 6 Jan 2012
Few investors will be sad to see the end of 2011. It was a very difficult year, which promised quite a bit early on and then disappointed badly.
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Over 75s to keep 9% super guarantee
Posted: 1 Dec 2011
From 1 July 2013, the maximum age limit will be removed for all employed Australians. Previously workers over 75 were not entitled to be paid the 9% super guarantee. This allows workers over age 75 to keep building their retirement savings.
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The new compulsory superannuation contributions - how does it work?
Posted: 1 Dec 2011
Legislation has been introduced to parliament to increase the compulsory superannuation contributions from 9% to 12% and to abolish the Superannuation Guarantee age limit.
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Market summary, 25 November 2011
Posted: 28 Nov 2011
Friday 25 November was the sixth day in a row the Australian share market fell, taking the S&P/ASX200 to under 4000.
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Caton's Corner - November 2011
Posted: 15 Nov 2011
October finally brought some relief for investors. The Australian share market rose for the first time in seven months, and the US S&P 500 index, rose by 10.8%, its best month in close to 20 years.
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Advance Quarterly Update, October 2011
Posted: 27 Oct 2011
Patrick Farrell, Head of Advance Investment Solutions, talks about changes in global markets over the last quarter, how this has impacted investors in Australia and the key global risks the team is monitoring.
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Caton's Corner - October 2011
Posted: 5 Oct 2011
Last month BT Chief Economist Chris Caton wrote that investors would be glad to see the back of August, but things didn't improve in September. Read on for Chris' latest view.
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Market movements: what happened and why
Posted: 23 Sep 2011
The Australian market opened lower this morning after a night of falls across international markets. Read Felix Stephen's view on what's caused the latest round of market movements.
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What to expect next
Posted: 23 Sep 2011
The Australian market opened lower this morning after a night of falls across international markets. Read Felix Stephen's view on what to expect next.
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What's causing continuing market volatility
Posted: 8 September 2011
Global financial markets have seen some extreme swings over the past few weeks. Felix Stephen, Manager Strategy & Research for Advance, talks about some of the key factors contributing to this volatility and gives his outlook for financial asset markets.
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Making sense of the markets - Tuesday, 6th September
Posted: 6 September 2011
The current volatility is not unexpected. We have said previously we expect markets to remain volatile in the short-term.
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Caton's Corner - September 2011
Posted: 5 Sep 2011
Few investors will be sorry to see the back of August. They were whipsawed through some extraordinary market volatility. For the month, the ASX200 fell by 2.9%, its fifth successive monthly drop. But it could have been a lot worse.
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Five rules for investing during volatile times
Posted: 19 Aug 2011
The latest round of market volatility may have left a temporary dent on the balance sheets of many investors, but history tells us markets always recover. Unfortunately, history also tells us that panic and anxiety can lead some investors to decisions that create much bigger holes over the long-term. Here are five ways to avoid bad investment decisions.
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That sinking feeling - how to avoid investor regret
Posted: 19 Aug 2011
A share market shake-up can have emotional, as well as financial, consequences. Fortunately, insights from the world of behavioural finance can help us deal with those emotions and improve our investment decisions.
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Keep an eye on the bigger picture
Posted: 11 Aug 2011
It's a volatile time in the markets. Listen to our experts talk about what's happening, including BT Financial Group's long-time chief economist Chris Caton in our television advertisement.
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Melanie Evans on embracing the long-term with your super
Posted: 10 Aug 2011
Don't get caught up in short-term market volatility. Your super has to last you for life - not just the end of your working life. Long-term is really long term. Equity markets move up and down but the long-term direction of the share market is up. So remember your long-term goals and if you have any concern about your investments, see a planner.
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Nearing retirement and concerned about current market conditions?
Posted: 8 Aug 2011
Michael Bailey, long-standing Investment Specialist at BT, shares some insights on how you can still enjoy a peaceful night's sleep amidst the current market turmoil. In particular he looks at some strategies that will benefit those nearing retirement, such as diversifying your investment portfolios and understanding exactly what 'long term' means to you.
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The US debt situation explained
Posted: 5 Aug 2011
Chief Economist Chris Caton looks at US debt: The United States government has more debt than anyone else in the world; more than $14 trillion in total. Most US debt is held within the US and the US debt to GDP ratio will rise in the next few years, simply because the US is running a huge deficit.
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Caton's Corner - August 2011
Posted: 1 Aug 2011
Markets began the new financial year tentatively. The Australian share market suffered its fourth negative month in succession, and the eurozone debt issue worsened as Italy and Spain seemed likely to get sucked into the vortex, but then improved when a further bailout package was agreed for Greece. As I write, the US debt issue - the raising of its debt ceiling - is ongoing.
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Cash vs Shares
Posted: 24 Jul 2011
Is it better to grow your wealth by investing in shares, or by putting your money into cash?
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When is the right time to invest?
Posted: 24 Jul 2011
When it comes to the Australian share market, is there ever a right time to invest? And for how long should you hold your investment?
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Need spare cash? Try selling the spare room
Posted: 5 Aug 2011
Australians love bricks and mortar. Most of us aspire to own our own home. Many back up the family castle with an investment property. The popularity of property comes as no surprise. No matter whether markets rise or fall, you can see your investment. You can touch it. It's very reassuring to look at a slice of Australia and know it's yours. What is surprising is that property can be a master, not a servant.
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Super - a little more now, a whole lot later
Posted: 24 Jul 2011
Super has an amazing ability to turn something very small into something very big. You could turn an extra $30 a week into an extra $170,000 on retirement.
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Super - your money, your choice
Posted: 24 Jul 2011
Most Australian workers can take advantage of super choice. Did you know you can also nominate how your super is invested? Taking an interest in how and where your super is invested can make a significant difference to your final retirement payout.
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Build super for tomorrow. Save tax today
Posted: 24 Jul 2011
Adding to your super from your before-tax salary is a simple way to grow a pool of savings for tomorrow while cutting back on the tax you pay today.
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Super - the tax-friendly way to save for retirement
Posted: 24 Jul 2011
A key feature and hugely important benefit of superannuation is the generous way it's taxed. Your money is taxed lightly as it goes into super, it's taxed lightly while it's there and growing, and it's taxed lightly when you take it out. As a way to save for retirement, nothing else compares.
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Income insurance - protect your most valuable asset
Posted: 24 Jul 2011
Our ability to earn a regular income is probably the most important asset of them all. Having that income cease due to illness or injury would severely impact most people's lives. That makes income insurance a vital part of a sound wealth creation plan.
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Borrowing to invest could help you reach your financial goals earlier
Posted: 24 Jul 2011
It often feels like it will take forever to reach your financial goals. But you could speed up the process and reach your goals sooner by adding additional borrowed funds to the amount you already invest.
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Caton's Corner - July 2011
Posted: 1 Jul 2011
The end of a frustrating year...and the hope of better things to come? We fretted about double-dip recession in the United States, about a possible slowdown in China and about eurozone debt. A year later, we find ourselves in a remarkably similar situation. The bad news is that these worries are still with us. The good news is that the worst outcomes have not (yet?) eventuated in any of them.
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Super: out of sight, not out of mind
Posted: 10 Jun 2011
When it comes to super, it's easy to become complacent when you can't access your money until you've stopped working. However, out of sight shouldn't mean out of mind. Now's the time to be thinking about your super strategy.
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Caton's Corner - June 2011
Posted: 1 Jun 2011
Sell in May and go away! So goes the adage. This year, as in 2010, we should have listened! The Australian share market had its worst month since June last year, falling by 2.4% while the United States market fell by 1.4%. This makes eight months out of the past nine that the US share market has outperformed the Australian market.
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Caton's Corner - May 2011
Posted: 6 May 2011
It was a confusing month for markets. The ASX200 fell for just the second time in eight months, by 0.3%, closing at 4823. By contrast, the US share market, as measured by the SDP index, rose by 2.8%.
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Caton's Corner - April 2011
Posted: 4 Apr 2011
January brought floods and a cyclone to Australia. In February, we witnessed the calamitous Christchurch earthquake. But neither compared with the devastation of the Japanese earthquake and accompanying tsunami in mid-March.
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Markets react to events in Japan - what's the impact on the global recovery
Posted: 16 Mar 2011
Markets reacted dramatically to events in Japan overnight, so we've spoken to Felix Stephen, Advance's Strategy & Research Manager (who is currently overseas meeting global central bankers and investment strategists), for some insight into what this means for investors around the world.
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Caton's Corner - March 2011
Posted: 1 Mar 2011
Share markets made further progress, albeit somewhat unsteadily, in February. The US share market rose by 2.8%, to bring the gains so far this calendar year to 5.5%.
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The Aussie dollar - where to from here?
Posted: 28 Feb 2011
In 2010 the Australian dollar reached parity with the USD for the first time since 1983. 2011 looks to continue this rally - we speak with two senior strategists from BT Investment Management to explain.
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Super: Compounding returns and tax benefits
Posted: 28 Feb 2011
Compounding returns of superannuation paired with tax advantages make for superior gains towards your retirement.
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Helping our customers affected by the natural disasters
Posted: 24 Feb 2011
BT is committed to doing all we can to help our customers and communities affected by the recent natural disasters in Australia get back on their feet.
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Caton's Corner - February 2011
Posted: 2 Feb 2011
All Australians know what the main story has been so far this year; the weeks of heavy rainfall, followed by widespread flooding.
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BT responds to the Queensland floods
Posted: 20 Jan 2011
BT is committed to doing all we can to help our flood-affected customers and communities get back on their feet.
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Caton's Corner - January 2011
Posted: 10 Jan 2011
The Australian economy begins 2011 with a fair head of steam; employment has increased by 3.7% in the past twelve months, and the mining investment boom still has a long way to run.
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Chris Caton webcast - December 2010
Posted: 22 Dec 2010
A quick market overview by Chris Caton, Chief Economist of BT Financial Group.
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Caton's Corner - December 2010
Posted: 2 Dec 2010
2010 - A frustrating year. Chris Caton reviews the year that was, and looks at that which is to come.
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Caton's Corner - November 2010
Posted: 4 Nov 2010
Everything you've been afraid to ask about "Currency Skirmishes" and "Quantitative Easing".
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Better Investor - Spring 2010
Posted: 20 Oct 2010
BT's latest Better Investor magazine has a range of articles which provide you with the insights required for better investing.
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Caton's Corner - October 2010
Posted: 7 Oct 2010
BT's Chief Economist Dr Chris Caton provides financial and economic overview to investors, to keep informed about the market and to achieve their financial goals.
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Caton's Corner - September 2010
Posted: 6 Sep 2010
BT's Chief Economist Dr Chris Caton provides financial and economic overview to investors, to keep informed about the market and to achieve their financial goals.
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Caton's Corner - August 2010
Posted: 20 Aug 2010
BT's Chief Economist Dr Chris Caton provides financial and economic overview to investors, to keep informed about the market and to achieve their financial goals.
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BT Monthly Markets Chart Pack - June 2010
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Important announcement regarding minimum pension payment levels for the 2010-11 Financial Year
Posted: 30 Jun 2010
Important announcement regarding minimum pension payment levels for the 2010-11 Financial Year.
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BT Monthly Markets Chart Pack - May 2010
Posted: 16 Jun 2010
For the latest figures on the Australian and international share markets, check out the May 2010 BT chart pack.
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Caton's Corner - May 2010
Posted: 31 May 2010
BT's Chief Economist Dr Chris Caton provides financial and economic overview to investors, to keep informed about the market and to achieve their financial goals.
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Your super can do amazing things
Posted: 31 May 2010
Superannuation has an amazing ability to turn something very small into something very big. By adding just $30 extra to super each week today, a 30 year old investor could be $240,000 better off by the time they retire.
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BT Monthly Markets Chart Pack - April 2010
Posted: 24 May 2010
Check out the latest economic data, key indicators, and view graphical explanations of movements in global financial markets. Read BT Monthly Markets Chart Pack - April 2010
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Making sense of market behaviour
Posted: 7 May 2010
Patrick Farrell, Head of Advance Investment Solutions, comments on last night's events that rocked investment markets.
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Supercharging a more streamlined Super system
Posted: 3 May 2010
The fact workers will have a 12 per cent Superannuation Guarantee (SG) by 2019-2020 highlights the significance of the Super System Review reforms proposed in March this year, according to BT Financial Group.
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It's in the mix-changes to BT Multi-manager funds
Posted: 30 Apr 2010
Since BT Financial Group (BTFG) announced a new structure for the Advance Investment Solutions team in December 2008, including the appointment of Patrick Farrell as Head of Advance Investment Solutions, this team has been applying a single end-to-end process for the investment strategy, performance and risk management of both the BT and Advance multi-manager funds, as well as the BT Partner funds.
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Better Investor - Autumn 2010
Posted: 23 Apr 2010
BT's latest Better Investor magazine has a range of articles which provide you with the insights required for better investing.
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Patrick Farrell: Changes to BT Multi-manager Funds
Posted: 16 Apr 2010
Patrick Farrell, Head of Advance Investment Solutions talks about recent changes made to the BT Multi-manager Funds and his outlook for 2010.
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BT Monthly Markets Chart Pack - February 2010
Posted: 11 Mar 2010
Check out the latest economic data, key indicators, and view graphical explanations of movements in global financial markets.
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BT Monthly Markets Chart Pack - January 2010
Posted: 11 Feb 2010
Check out the latest economic data, key indicators, and view graphical explanations of movements in global financial markets.
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BT Monthly Markets Chart Pack - December 2009
Posted: 14 Jan 2010
Check out the latest economic data, key indicators, and view graphical explanations of movements in global financial markets.
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Changes to the international equities sector
Posted: 30 Dec 2009
Due to recent market volatility greater opportunities exist to generate returns for the BT Multi-manager International Share Fund so we've introduced a new range of investment managers, selected not just selected for their individual capabilities and ability to deliver returns, but also for their complementary characteristics within the overall fund.
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Caton's corner - December 2009
Posted: 14 Dec 2009
The Past, the Future, the Present and the Long Run - both economies and markets have done better in 2009 than seemed likely at the start of the year. At end-November, the S&P500 index in the US is up by 21.3% year-to-date, while the ASX200 index has risen by 26.3%. By comparison, these two indexes fell by 36.3% and 41.3% respectively in 2008.
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BT Monthly Markets Chart Pack - November 2009
Posted: 14 Dec 2009
Check out the latest economic data, key indicators, and view graphical explanations of movements in global financial markets.
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Better Investor - Spring 2009
Posted: 1 Dec 2009
BT's latest Better Investor magazine has eight articles which provide you with the insights required for better investing.
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The sum of all parts
Posted: 1 Dec 2009
In investing, information is everything. Yet there are many sources of information and insights come from many places. A lot of this information is available through desk research.
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Survival of the fittest
Posted: 1 Dec 2009
The idea of sustainable investing has become increasingly popular in recent years as more investors understand the need to invest for the long-term.
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Many hands, light work
Posted: 1 Dec 2009
Multi-manager funds can offer a world of choice and diversification in just one fund - a multi-manager invests your money across a wide range of carefully chosen investment managers who specialise in certain types of securities.
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The A to Z of Alpha and Beta
Posted: 1 Dec 2009
Alpha and beta are two key investment concepts. The Beta return is the return you get from the market, often represented by an index such as the S&P/ASX 300 Accumulation Index in Australia or the Dow Jones Industrial Average in the US. The Alpha return is the additional return - the above market return an investment manager captures for you.
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The ratings game
Posted: 1 Dec 2009
How research houses determine a managed fund's rating, what they really mean and why they are useful when deciding which fund to choose.
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All wrapped up
Posted: 1 Dec 2009
To grow and protect your wealth you may need a cash account, managed funds, insurance and - of course - superannuation; you might also buy some direct shares and borrow to invest via a margin loan. Put all that together and you're a long way towards financial security, covering your short term needs, growing your wealth, protecting your family and preparing for retirement.
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Something for everyone
Posted: 1 Dec 2009
There are probably as many kinds of investors as there are investments but there are some general rules that apply to everyone, here are some tips for all the different types.
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Caton's corner - November 2009
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BT Monthly Markets Chart Pack - October 2009
Posted: 25 Nov 2009
Check out the latest economic data, key indicators, and view graphical explanations of movements in global financial markets.
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Aligning exposure to fixed interest
Posted: 21 Oct 2009
We've reduced the credit exposure within the BT Fixed Interest Multi-manager Fund through staged transactions - given the recent recovery within credit markets - and introduced an investment in the Advance International Fixed Interest Multi-Blend Fund.
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Presentation: Helping your clients understand the current market
Posted: 1 Oct 2009
To help your clients put local and international financial markets into context, BT has prepared a slide presentation, updated for the end of September 2009. It's presented alongside a presentation from March, which outlines some of the decisions superannuation investors may need to consider based on their years away from retirement.
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Chris Caton - 3 Minutes Market Update
Posted: 28 Sep 2009
3 minute market update - the quickest way to stay up-to-date with market movements. BT Chief Economist Chris Caton and our portfolio managers present a regular audio update on overseas markets. Updated most week days.

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Felix Stephen - regular investment updates
Posted: 23 Sep 2009
Felix Stephen, Manager Strategy & Research for Advance Investment Solutions provides a regular audio update on the expected performance of various asset classes and the impact any changes may have on the markets. Updated every Wednesday.
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Crispin Murray - the outlook for China
Posted: 21 Aug 2009
BT Investment Management's Head of Equity Strategies, Crispin Murray, talks about his views on the August reporting season and the outlook for China.
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Chris Caton - the new financial year
Posted: 23 Jul 2009
What does the new financial year have in store for us? Chris Caton, BT's Chief Economist, talks on the chances of recovery and where he thinks financial markets will head in the next five years.
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Melanie Evans - questions on super
Posted: 23 Jul 2009
With annual statements arriving in mailboxes of super investors, many people may have questions about their fund performance, fees and what the next financial year holds for their superannuation accounts. We've asked BT's Head of Super, Melanie Evans to answer these and other questions in our latest webcast.
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Felix Stephen - expected investment performance for the new year
Posted: 23 Jul 2009
"...This bumpy ride that we have all been going through will last another couple of years..." BT investment expert Felix Stephen shares his view on the expected performance of shares, cash, commodities and listed property for the next 12 months.
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Diversifying into Asian equities
Posted: 15 Jul 2009
The allocation to Asian equities provides additional diversification to the BT Multi-manager investment options, enhancing the long term risk/return profile.
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Patrick Farrell - a more positive outlook
Posted: 8 Jul 2009
Patrick Farrell, Head of Advance Investment Solutions, gives his views on how the Global Financial Crisis has impacted the economy and markets and the what opportunities are available to investors over the next 6 months.
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Melanie Evans - why is super still super?
Posted: 8 Jul 2009
After eighteen months of market falls, negative returns and more rule changes, many people are asking if super really is the best way to invest for life after work. We put the question to BT's Head of Super Melanie Evans.
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Answering your questions about super and investing in 2009
Posted: 15 Jun 2009
The current falls in share markets around the world have had an impact on everyone, in many different ways. This year, we know many people will look at their super and investment statements and have some concerns and questions about their balance, and the performance of their investments.
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The time is right for Commodities
Posted: 10 Jun 2009
We've now started adjusting the mix of asset classes for Multi-manager funds - we've introduced commodities as an asset class within Alternatives.
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Keeping up the momentum
Posted: 18 Mar 2009
With the new team in place we're now entering the next phase of integration: focusing on how we bring together the BT and Advance multi-manager funds. To do this, the new Investment Solutions team has conducted an extensive review of all our multi-manager investment options.

