The Investment Collective

Church Change and Climate Change

19/02/2010 10:46:46 AM

This article was first published in The Morning Bulletin under the heading electricity generation on 19 December 2009.

As an intermittent churchgoer and a constant thinker, considering the motives of other attendees is interesting. Do they fall into one of two categories? Those who believe and try to practise the principles of Christianity (or its alternatives), or those seeking gain (insurance against damnation for example). Or are there more? Could the debate regarding climate change be considered against similar parameters?

A degree of economics

19/02/2010 9:57:54 AM

This article was first published in [The Morning Bulletin] dated 7 November 2009.

Over the last 30 years, policy changes including superannuation, the deregulation of banking, labour force changes and the floating of the $A, have exposed all of us to markets. Government policy needs to be adjusted so that everyone picks up some proper economics, finance and accounting at school. School leavers who want to make a difference should get into it boots and all.

All Ordinaries Valuations

27/10/2009 11:54:46 AM

This article was first published in The Morning Bulletin under the heading 'Valuations' on the 23 of September 2009.

The point is that the overuse of “return on equity” as a performance yardstick, and the slavish belief that markets at all times value things appropriately, caused overuse of debt and declining asset values, at a time when the economy could least withstand it.

There is nothing fishy here

9/09/2009 9:43:58 AM

This Article was first published in The Morning Bulletin as 'Fees and Fish' dated 29 August 2009.

Paying people to help me sucks. I say every service business should install a fish tank with barra in it – like the one at the show. Paint prices on the fish, and clients can cast a lure. They pay whatever is on their catch. It’s unbiased and fair. Gives those damn professionals something to do with their time too.

A Brave New World

3/08/2009 10:34:05 AM

This Article was first published in The Morning Bulletin as 'Relevance of Novels' dated 02 August 2009.

Conveying a deep respect for work, nature, dreams, wounds, and the reciprocated love a boy can have for his mentor, it is a brilliantly spare description of man’s purpose. Amongst the sea of tabloid sex-cases, it’s a reminder that such relationships are normal - in fact required - if boys are to reach maturity.

Are 'Queenslanders' being sold out?

6/07/2009 11:10:27 AM

This article was originally published in The Morning Bulletin as "Bligh's state asset sell-off the right move for everyone" dated 04 July 2009

Now some unions are making trouble for the Bligh Government's proposed sale of some ports, toll raod concessions and parts of Queensland Rail. It is normal to draw down on savings in tough times, and many Government assets earn way less than their potential, due to bloated cost structures, abysmal customer service and politically compromised business plans.

Governments Running Up Debt - In An Economic Downturn

26/06/2009 9:40:27 AM

This Article was published in The Morning Bulletin on Saturday 6th June 2009.

Persistent increases in the price of goods and services result in higher interest rates, reduced purchasing power and increased costs for business. Tax bracket creep benefits the Government, but everyone else misses out. How can we avoid a spike in inflation?

Opportunities for Primary Producers

26/06/2009 9:29:18 AM

This article was originally published in The Morning Bulletin as an article on the 16th of May 2009.

Self sufficiency means having a plan for retirement, and not having to unduly rely on others. Like ants building a colony, we all have to interact to make things happen. But beyond that is a requirement to fulfill our own destiny. Setting up your financial and business affairs in such a way that your ability for self-direction, your negotiating power and your freedom is increased has to be liberating. The absence of these things is probably at the heart of many simmering family problems common on the land.

Ruddbank

24/03/2009 11:00:14 AM

This article was published in Capricorn Investment Partners Limited's March 2009 Newsletter

The government brings out the chequebook as growth slows. This response may very well be described as the single largest fiscal policy stimulus in Australian history.

New website makes a splash

24/03/2009 11:24:58 AM

This article was published in Capricorn Investment Partners Limited's First Quarter Newsletter 2009

Regular users of CIPL's online portfolio reporting system will have noticed some significant changes to CIPL’s website

Superannuation changes to the way that minimum pensions are calculated

24/03/2009 11:11:17 AM

This article was published in Capricorn Investment Partners Limited First Quarter Newsletter 2009

On the 18th of February 2009, the government announced the suspension of the minimum account-based pension draw down requirements.

Queensland Government Elections - The Upper House

26/06/2009 9:19:11 AM

This article was originally published in The Morning Bulletin on 1 April 2009.

Before every election my phone rings. Clients and business associates hang on the end of the phone muttering about the need for change. It’s always difficult to say something sensible. Of course we need change, but will a 1950’s time warp fit the bill?

Spending to stimulate the economy - Lesson from the Great Depression

16/03/2009 8:46:38 AM

This article was originally published in The Morning Bulletin as "Government acted to replace people's regular spending" on 15th March 2009.

The Australian Government has recently handed $1,000 to pensioners. Soon many taxpayers will be receiving $900. In all, around $42 billion is being spent to help shield the Australian economy from the effects of the global downturn. The package includes funding for school buildings, home insulation and first home owners grants. It has been widely criticised by those who believe that the money is all being spent on plasma TV’s, pokies, and prostitutes.

How banks work

2/03/2009 12:33:08 PM

This article was originally published in The Morning Bulletin as "Dogma debates show the better times returning" on 7th February 2009.

How does a bank work? Say a bank attracts a $1.00 deposit. It might keep $0.10 in reserve and lend out the other $0.90. That $0.90 goes round in the economy and is eventually re-deposited in the banking system. Of that $0.90 the banks keep $0.09 in reserve, and lend out $0.81. If nothing adverse happens, this goes on and on until there is no more to lend.

The Investment Collective

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Media

Articles published in 2009

Church Change and Climate Change

A degree of economics

All Ordinaries Valuations

There is nothing fishy here

A Brave New World

Are 'Queenslanders' being sold out?

Governments Running Up Debt - In An Economic Downturn

Opportunities for Primary Producers

Ruddbank

New website makes a splash

Superannuation changes to the way that minimum pensions are calculated

Queensland Government Elections - The Upper House

Spending to stimulate the economy - Lesson from the Great Depression

How banks work