Focal point

Our take on the latest investment themes

BTHGlobalGrowthFeature

Global growth – what should we worry about?

by Kim Catechis 27 January 2020

The IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook is cautiously optimistic on the prospects for a gradual global economic growth recovery...

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View [What Currency Manipulation?] BTHCurrencyManipulationAbstract

What Currency Manipulation?

by Kim Catechis

In another historic move, the US Treasury has reversed its designation of China as a currency manipulator, after only four months. It sounds important, but it is essentially more meaningless theatre for investors...

16 January 2020
View [The US-China Phase I trade deal – Much ado about nothing?] BTHUSCHINAPhase1Abstract

The US-China Phase I trade deal – Much ado about nothing?

by Kim Catechis

The US – China trade war has now been escalating for 32 months. Investors are fatigued and worried about the implications for global economic growth. Their weariness is evidenced in a decreasing level of interest in the detail and heightened focus on the headlines.

18 December 2019
View [Australian house prices set for a boost] AustralianHousePricesAbstract

Australian house prices set for a boost

by Matthew Davison

The impact of low cash rates, and the loosening of mortgage lending guidance has started to show up in house price data. My analysis of bank credit supply and demand suggests that the upward trend in house prices is set to continue.

4 October 2019
View [Opening up another front: Capital Markets] OpeningUpAnotherFrontAbstract

Opening up another front: Capital Markets

by Kim Catechis

Investors appear to have gradually become numbed to the seemingly endless flow of tweets and leaks from the White House and the ensuing furore over trying to interpret soundbites, but this is one that should be taken seriously.

2 October 2019
View [5G in the eye of the hurricane] BTH5GEyeOfTheHurricaneAbstract

5G in the eye of the hurricane

by Kim Catechis

The fourth industrial revolution is known for the significant advances we expect in technology, especially AI (artificial intelligence), driverless transport, etc. The most important enabler of this revolution is 5G technology, which places it at the epicentre of the geopolitical confrontations that are building now.

30 September 2019
View [ESG challenges for investing in the modern age] ESG Challenges for investing in the modern age

ESG challenges for investing in the modern age

by Will Baylis

In this modern age of climate change and the ‘me-too’ movement, Environmental and Social factors have become increasingly important investment risk factors to consider. For our analysts, they have also been important discussion points with Australian companies during the August 2019 reporting season.

18 September 2019
View [Profit with purpose] ESG challenges for investing in the modern age

Profit with purpose

by David Sheasby

August 2019 may go down as a watershed moment in corporate America – with the long-held concept of shareholder primacy abandoned in favour of broader stakeholder accountability.

18 September 2019
View [Real assets: Empowered by Asian energy demand] RealAssetAsiaEnergyDemandAbstract

Real assets: Empowered by Asian energy demand

by Daniel Fitzgerald

Continued high growth in energy demand in the Asia Pacific ex Japan region should bring opportunities for listed real asset utilities.

16 September 2019