Below is a short video from one of the International fund managers we use here at Murphy Hill Private Wealth. We have found Magellan as an investment house thinks deeply about markets and the impact this has on clients investments. Even if you don’t have an exposure to Magellan, the article is worth listening to.

In this update, Hamish Douglass (lead portfolio manager for Magellan Global Fund) discusses investment matters and explains why the level of interest rates is so crucial to equity valuations. They also explore the success of Mastercard and the credit-card companies more broadly and we take a look at the challenges facing journalism and what the damage to the newspaper business model means for society.    

Why Magellan is lowering its long-term forecasts for interest rates. And why that matters for stock selection – in particular, the mix between defensive and growth stocks. (Viewing time: 12 min).

Link to video

Most of us think of estate planning as simply writing a will. However, ensuring your assets are distributed according to your exact wishes after you pass away can be more complicated than that.

Having an up-to-date will is an essential part of the estate-planning process. Some assets automatically form part of your estate when you die, which means they can be distributed according to the terms of your will. These include individually owned bank accounts, listed securities, managed funds and interests in any property co-owned with someone else.

Redundancy unfortunately affects increasing numbers of Australians. What if it happens to you later in your working life, and involuntarily? With the right approach and professional advice redundancy could open up opportunities and, ultimately, work in your favour.

Even though redundancies are often part of business, being told your role has become redundant can still leave you feeling blindsided. If it happens towards the end of your career it can really throw plans into disarray if you’d hoped and expected to keep working longer. The key is not to panic.

Some people discover that a redundancy at this stage of life can in fact open doors to new financial and lifestyle possibilities.

Helping parents make the transition into supported living can be challenging, but forward planning and open communication can help everyone. Here are some things to consider together.

There are good reasons to start discussing aged care options with your parents well before they’re needed. Your parents’ circumstances could change quickly and assistance in or outside the family could be necessary years before you anticipated. The impact on your parents, you and your entire family can be dramatic – both emotionally and financially. Ensuring everyone understands what’s involved is vital.

Weighing up your parents’ options

We tend to equate aged care with residential or nursing home living, but there are other possibilities. You’ll need to discuss what mix of the following options your parents prefer.