ETFs: Just when you thought you understood them, they've changed

Investment markets are sliding in the final days of the year with the ASX 200 looking like it will manage just 8 per cent in total returns: Even Wall Street has softened in the final quarter of the calendar year bringing home about 16 per cent. What a year for the active investor! How was it for you?  James Gerrard of www.financialadviser.com.au joins Associate Editor, Wealth James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Global markets pull us up The ASX - Large caps bad, small caps good Winners and losers in a volatile year Gold V Bitcoin - No further questions your honour!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Terry Ryder of the Hotspotting group is Australia’s top expert in choosing  locations for investors.Today he spells out his ‘simple formula’ for the everyday investor that offers opportunity across the national market. Terry Ryder of the Hotspotting group joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today’s show, we cover: The Hotspotting formula for finding a successful investment property Which markets will suit the formula best in 2026 Momentum accelerates in the first home buyer segment Has Adelaide property peaked? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It sounds reasonable at first glance: Shares on the ASX are up more than 5 per cent over the year to date - add your dividends and you might get close to a 9 percent total return. But then we have a 17 per cent year-to -date return on Wall Street. This is not a once-off: Wall Street has beaten the ASX out the door for more than decade, will it ever change?  Gemma Dale, head of investor behaviour at nabtrade joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The hard evidence that local shares let you down Why Wall Street wins ...and it's not just Trump Gold puts crypto in the shade   Should SMSFs pay levy for bad advice?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyone is feeling the squeeze of sky-high property prices: At the same time, state governments across Australia are actively encouraging 'densification'. No wonder, more investors are looking at optimising the land value of their homes by building out the back. Financial adviser Nathan Fradley joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. Here's a guide: Beyond the 'granny flat' - how tax benefits flow to intergenerational property  Can we get on...who pays for what?  How recent planning and tax changes make intergenerational living easier  Know your rights...why advice is crucial in this area. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why are you holding on to that investment property to help your kids buy a house one day? This question captures the broader concept raised by the 'Die with Zero' movement, which calls for investors to transfer wealth sooner rather than later. Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Partners joins Associate Editor, Wealth - James Kirby, in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The debate over intergenerational fairness Practical tips for helping your children buy a house The broader attraction of 'Die with Zero' An update on the latest home grant blitz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Banks won't tell you if you're better off with a fixed-rate mortgage. But strong evidence shows most borrowers will lose when they bet against the bank by settling on a three-year fixed rate. With expectations building that RBA rates may rise, fixed rates seem attractive once more, but you need to know why the odds are against you. Stuart Wemyss of the Prosoluton Private Clients group joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: You fix, you lose: here's the data over two decades The new APRA lending limits How non-banks will now rush the mortgage market Pressure mounts on CGT for residential investments  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ASIC Commissioner Alan Kirkland is the top cop for consumers in the investment markets - and he wants you to know that those superannuation calculators that suggest you need very large amounts of money to retire can be unreliable.In Kirkland's view, those calculations often tend to be too high.Sure, aspire to having as much as you can in super -  but don't believe all you read... especially if it's compiled by someone who gets paid for getting your money on the books. ASIC Commissioner Alan Kirkland joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: What you need to know about superannuation calculators  The First Guardian Super Fiasco - can we stop it happening again? A fresh warning on the private credit boom Moneysmart updates its offering  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anyone who remembers the powerful escalation in prices for the Sydney 2000 games does not need to be convinced that Brisbane is going to be a very good opportunity in the run-up to the 2032 games. So what's the catch? Today we look at the recent history and challenges of the nation's third biggest residential market... Sam Price, buyer's advocate with Templeton Property joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Brisbane - Where are the bargains? Why you will need a flood map in the Sunshine State Property 'finfluencers' force Macquarie Bank clampdown Negative gearing reforms - this idea may have legs  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matthew Cassidy of Partners Wealth Group has just taken the top spot in this year's  Barron's Top 150 Advisers List. He offers a unique perspective on what you need to know about advice, and how to deal with an investment market that is clearly at the top of the cycle. Matthew Cassidy of Partners Wealth Group joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: What you should expect from a top financial adviser  How to prepare for a sharemarket downturn Sequential risk  - The biggest financial threat to the pre-retiree Taking profits off the table  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It had to happen, just as the residential property market is rebounding, there are concerns that regulators may 'remove the punchbowl.' NAB has revived talk of rules that would limit investor lending. Meanwhile, the tax office is threatening to deny tax deductions on holiday homes unless investors make their properties available at peak times such as Christmas. Anissa Cavallo of the Eda Property Group joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: 'Rentvestors' are riding the upsurge in residential prices  Big banks raise the possibility that lending limits could be back on the agenda The ATO's 'Big Brother' threat on holiday homes  New ideas on negative gearing and  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.