Articles by Sara Allen
How to Stress Test Your Portfolio Before the Next Market Shock
A portfolio stress test applies past market shocks, such as the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), to your current asset allocation to estimate how much your portfolio could fall. It is a simple way to check whether your strategy, diversification and cash buffer would hold up in a downturn. Investing is for the long term, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t know how short-term pressures might affect your portfolio.
How to Invest Domestically & Thrive Despite the Tough Australian Economy
High inflation, rising interest rates, falling house prices and high oil prices are hardly a promising sign for the Australian economy. Markets have priced in a further hike for this year following the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI), which rose 4% in the 12 months to August 2026, while trimmed mean inflation – the preferred measure of the RBA – remained at 3.6% (the same as in July).
Peoria’s Luthy Botanical Garden earns higher level of accreditation
PEORIA (25News Now) - Peoria Park District leaders are celebrating new and notable recognition for Luthy Botanical Garden on North Prospect Road. The ArbNet Accreditation Program granted the venue a Level 2 status. This means the garden’s collection of plants has grown beyond flowers to include more than 100 types of trees and shrubs, and that it offers a range of public programs.
Local insurance companies respond after Gov. Pritzker signs bills allowing review of rate hikes
(25News Now) - Local insurance companies are responding to Gov. Pritzker’s recently passed legislation regarding insurance rate hikes. The legislation will give the Illinois Department of Insurance Authority to review and approve any rate changes for home and auto policies.
Seven structural drivers facilitating the long-term growth of industrial property
Recently, I detailed the 250-year rise of the industrial property sector, a transformation that has seen it evolve from the physical backbone of early manufacturing and storage into one of the most critical forms of modern economic infrastructure. While this evolution provides important context, it is only part of the story. In this article, we examine seven forces that will define the sector across coming decades.
Franking Credits Explained
If you want the possibility of a bonus tax refund, or a discount on your tax, then don’t forget to check your franking credits. If that concept sounds vaguely familiar, it should be – it’s an integral part of being an Australian income investor, particularly if you are a retiree. More than 50% of Australia’s 200 largest companies pay either partially or fully franked dividends to investors.
The new blue chips: 3 global players for your portfolio
Sara Allen Everyone knows what a blue chip company is – or do they? Often as not, they are the largest companies by market capitalisation, have decades of experience and pay large and consistent dividends. These are stable companies, we expect them to endure and while they aren't usually cheap to buy, they are typically core parts of an equity portfolio.
Morningstar's 5 best tech stock ideas for Australia and the US
Sara Allen As big tech continues to push markets to record highs across 2025, who doesn't love a tech stock tip? Even more so as some prices veer beyond expensive, and while concerns continue to swirl about whether we are facing an AI bubble or not. Views are mixed, but bubble or not, the truth is AI isn't going anywhere, and we can't avoid it – at home or in the stock market.
How to invest $100k for growth
There’s a reason why lottery businesses are so profitable. We’ve already spent the winnings in our heads – paying off debts, luxury items and holidays, perhaps helping family too. How many of us consider investing as part of those pipedreams? While it’s unlikely any of us on this platform will hit the jackpot, what is more likely is that at some stage, we’ll have some form of gain. Perhaps an inheritance, or a redundancy payout that we may want to invest for the future.
Town hall held to prepare Peoria for Sonya Massey’s trial
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — A town hall was held Thursday in Peoria at the East Bluff Community Center to educate people about the upcoming Sonya Massey trial. It is a case that’s grabbing national attention. Last summer, Sonya Massey, 36, was shot and killed in her home by a Sangamon County deputy. That deputy, Sean Grayson, is now charged with first-degree murder and other crimes. The case has gotten so much attention that it’s been moved from Sangamon to Peoria County.
State Senator Koehler invites people to hazardous material disposal event
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Democratic State Senator Dave Koehler is inviting local residents to participate in an upcoming disposal event. The Household Hazardous Waste collection event is sponsored by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. It will take place on Saturday, May 31, in the Landmark parking lot on North Dries Lane in Peoria. The event will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. You must register for the hazardous material disposal event. You can do so here.
Community members discuss updated Bike Master Plan in Peoria
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Community members gathered at the gateway building Wednesday to discuss Peoria’s Bike Master Plan. The city of Peoria and supporters are working to update its bike plan, which was first adopted in 2016, to improve accessibility and connectivity. As Peoria’s infrastructure has grown, so has the desire to ride bicycles. During the meeting, members looked at maps of current bike paths and possible bike paths to see what would work best in the area.
The basics of investing for kids (and grandkids)
Livewire gives readers access to information and educational content provided by financial services professionals and companies (“Livewire Contributors”). Livewire does not operate under an Australian financial services licence and relies on the exemption available under section 911A(2)(eb) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) in respect of any advice given. Any advice on this site is general in nature and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs.
Where are we now, what happens next, and what's the plan?
Livewire gives readers access to information and educational content provided by financial services professionals and companies (“Livewire Contributors”). Livewire does not operate under an Australian financial services licence and relies on the exemption available under section 911A(2)(eb) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) in respect of any advice given. Any advice on this site is general in nature and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs.
Do you really need $1 million to retire?
Who wants to be a millionaire? For decades now, most Australians have had in mind that $1 million is the dream goal to have saved for a comfortable retirement. There’s plenty of articles to say that this figure is a myth, but the truth is a bit more complicated that simply calling out that figure.
CSL falls short, despite $8.48 billion revenue
Livewire gives readers access to information and educational content provided by financial services professionals and companies (“Livewire Contributors”). Livewire does not operate under an Australian financial services licence and relies on the exemption available under section 911A(2)(eb) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) in respect of any advice given. Any advice on this site is general in nature and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs.
How much gold should you have in your portfolio?
Gold had a bumper year in 2024, hitting record highs, but can it continue its run? The election of Donald Trump as US President hit prices hard initially off the back of a surge in the US dollar and movement to risk assets, but it has since recovered towards the end of the year. The spot gold price is at US$2,647.07/oz as at Tuesday 7 January, according to goldprice.org.
Jun Bei Liu, Catherine Allfrey, Emma Fisher will all be part of Australia's newest fund
Livewire gives readers access to information and educational content provided by financial services professionals and companies (“Livewire Contributors”). Livewire does not operate under an Australian financial services licence and relies on the exemption available under section 911A(2)(eb) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) in respect of any advice given. Any advice on this site is general in nature and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs.
What you need to know before you invest in an ETF
Livewire gives readers access to information and educational content provided by financial services professionals and companies (“Livewire Contributors”). Livewire does not operate under an Australian financial services licence and relies on the exemption available under section 911A(2)(eb) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) in respect of any advice given. Any advice on this site is general in nature and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs.
The newly-listed ASX ETFs that have outperformed so far in 2024
Livewire gives readers access to information and educational content provided by financial services professionals and companies (“Livewire Contributors”). Livewire does not operate under an Australian financial services licence and relies on the exemption available under section 911A(2)(eb) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) in respect of any advice given. Any advice on this site is general in nature and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs.
Watch: The good, the bad and the ugly stocks of the ASX
Livewire gives readers access to information and educational content provided by financial services professionals and companies (“Livewire Contributors”). Livewire does not operate under an Australian financial services licence and relies on the exemption available under section 911A(2)(eb) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) in respect of any advice given. Any advice on this site is general in nature and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs.
Nvidia, CSL, and the 26 other stocks the experts loved at Livewire Live 2024
Livewire gives readers access to information and educational content provided by financial services professionals and companies (“Livewire Contributors”). Livewire does not operate under an Australian financial services licence and relies on the exemption available under section 911A(2)(eb) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) in respect of any advice given. Any advice on this site is general in nature and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs.
Do you invest like your ancestors?
Livewire gives readers access to information and educational content provided by financial services professionals and companies (“Livewire Contributors”). Livewire does not operate under an Australian financial services licence and relies on the exemption available under section 911A(2)(eb) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) in respect of any advice given. Any advice on this site is general in nature and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs.
A guide to investing in the new normal
It seems pretty clear that inflation is easing and we’re heading into an easing cycle. Some central banks have already kick-started the process, such as New Zealand, the European Central Bank and Canada, while eyes will be on the US Federal Reserve this month. While Schroders’ Sebastian Mullinsagrees inflation will drop in the short term, his view is that we should expect inflation in the longer term to be higher than what we were used to.
Local woman celebrates her 102nd birthday Original
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — A special surprise for a special person. Jacquelyn Pearce was greeted by friends and staff at The Loft of Peoria for a surprise birthday party Tuesday afternoon. Pearce is 102 years old today. She celebrated with cake and some singing and dancing. Pearce has lived in Peoria most of her life, calling Peoria home. She also worked for Peoria Public School District 150 for 31 years doing finances. She said her secret to living 102 years is her love for golf and being outside.
4 steps to investing in the best small caps in the world
Livewire gives readers access to information and educational content provided by financial services professionals and companies (“Livewire Contributors”). Livewire does not operate under an Australian financial services licence and relies on the exemption available under section 911A(2)(eb) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) in respect of any advice given. Any advice on this site is general in nature and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs.
The stock market Olympics - who would be the GOATs of the ASX investment world?
Livewire gives readers access to information and educational content provided by financial services professionals and companies (“Livewire Contributors”). Livewire does not operate under an Australian financial services licence and relies on the exemption available under section 911A(2)(eb) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) in respect of any advice given. Any advice on this site is general in nature and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs.
Former Bears player visits local hospital to talk about lung cancer
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments.
Access some of the world's highest quality businesses
Livewire gives readers access to information and educational content provided by financial services professionals and companies (“Livewire Contributors”). Livewire does not operate under an Australian financial services licence and relies on the exemption available under section 911A(2)(eb) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) in respect of any advice given. Any advice on this site is general in nature and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs.
The 2 big changes you need to know in FY25
Livewire gives readers access to information and educational content provided by financial services professionals and companies (“Livewire Contributors”). Livewire does not operate under an Australian financial services licence and relies on the exemption available under section 911A(2)(eb) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) in respect of any advice given. Any advice on this site is general in nature and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs.
Evening Wrap: ASX 200 on pause ahead of Federal Budget, critical minerals and consumer stocks pop on hopes goodies are coming their way
Markets ASX 200 Session Chart The S&P/ASX 200 (XJO) finished 23.2 points lower at 7,726.8, 0.16% from its session low and 0.30% from its high. In the broader-based S&P/ASX 300 (XKO), advancers lagged decliners by 114 to 158. Only 2 of the major ASX sectors managed to close in the black today, Consumer Discretionary (XDJ) (+0.73%) and Health Care (XHJ) (+0.21%).
Macquarie Conference 2024: Bullish on copper and uranium
Livewire gives readers access to information and educational content provided by financial services professionals and companies (“Livewire Contributors”). Livewire does not operate under an Australian financial services licence and relies on the exemption available under section 911A(2)(eb) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) in respect of any advice given. Any advice on this site is general in nature and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs.
18 resources companies presented at the Macquarie Conference 2024. Here are the key highlights and Macquarie’s preferred picks.
Just as copper and uranium have been the stars of the resources sector in 2024, they were a dominant feature of the Macquarie Conference in 2024. If the presentations were anything to go by, the outlook remains positive for these resources in particular - though there was cautious optimism for lithium. In this wire, I’ll explore the key highlights.
Evening Wrap: ASX 200 belted on further rate cut delay woes, gold stocks smashed, but uranium stocks soar
Interesting Movers Trading higher +11.1% Mesoblast (MSB) - No news, not going to try to explain this one away…just consistent with recent extreme volatility +9.7% Bannerman Energy (BMN) - No news, combination of positive factors drove broad ASX uranium sector gains, rise is consistent with prevailing short and long term uptrends ππ +7.5% Clarity Pharmaceuticals (CU6) - Continued positive response to yesterday's Quarterly Activities/Appendix 4C Cash Flow Report plus Complete response...
Macquarie tips these 6 ASX stocks could outperform
When the millionaire’s factory tips stocks to surprise on the upside, it pays to take a closer look. While the hardnosed company has had its share of mistakes over the decades, it’s become the success story it is with a lot of savvy calls. But are these stocks a good call or not? I’ll take a closer look in this wire. A quick summary of Macquarie’s outlook Macquarie pointed to an improving earnings backdrop for its upcoming conference with presentations from 113 companies.
Eiger Capital's Stephen Wood discusses why nuclear energy has become complementary to the green transition, how it has fuelled the rise in uranium prices and two ASX companies currently positioned to take advantage of the demand.
It feels like only a short time ago that nuclear energy – and uranium – were distinctly out of favour. The explosion of the power plant in Fukushima was front of mind, and there was a number of plants that were shut down in the aftermath. Yet, in a world where we are increasingly seeing power shortages and the need to push towards greener forms of energy, nuclear power is starting to look like a viable and complementary option.
The only Aussie name in Platinum's global stocks fund
Select parts of the AI theme, including Platinum’s preferred companies among the “Magnificent 7” cohort, were key topics in our recent interview with Clay Smolinski, who co-heads the firm’s global stock selection and runs the Platinum Global Fund (Long Only). During a wide-ranging conversation, he details his team’s investment process, the critical attributes companies must satisfy before making it into the portfolio, and some of the team’s preferred sectors outside of technology.
Have a spare $10,000? This investor says these 3 ASX small caps are worth a closer look
Among equity investors, 2024 is being touted as the year of the small cap. From Australia to the US, valuations are near the basement, earnings quality has been improving in many industries since the end of the free money era, and if you believe that rate cuts will tie in with a slow growth-esque (or at least, non-recessionary) environment, there is plenty of reason to be jumping on the bandwagon.
ASX 200 to rise, S&P 500 closes at record high + small cap Russell 2000 soars
S&P 500 SESSION CHART S&P 500 rallies in the last hour of trade to finished at best levels (Source: TradingView) ASX TODAY ASX 200 to rally after a strong lead from Wall Street and falling bond yields ASX 200 set to test all-time highs ahead of the long weekend The market will be closed on Friday 29 March and Monday 1 April Fisher & Paykel initiatives voluntary recall of batches of Airvo 2 and myAirvo2 devices manufactured before 14 August 2017 Spark New Zealand to undertake a further...
Evening Wrap: ASX 200 in sight of record on cooler inflation, investors play defence as staples and healthcare stocks lead Original
Interesting Movers Trading higher +11.1% Wildcat Resources (WC8) - No news, rebound after two solid days of selling, closed back above short term uptrend ribbon, rise is consistent with long term uptrend +10.0% Cooper Energy (COE) - No news, rise is consistent with prevailing short and long term uptrends +6.3% EML Payments (EML) - No news, rise is consistent with prevailing short and long term uptrends +5.9% Spartan Resources (SPR) - Change in substantial holding (increase), rise is...
Evening Wrap: ASX 200 dragged lower by technology and resources as lithium, uranium and copper stocks crumble Original
Interesting Movers Trading higher +45.5% Mesoblast (MSB) - FDA Notifies Clinical Data Sufficient for Refiling aGVHD BLA +21.0% Catapult Group International (CAT) - Response to ASX Price Query, rise is consistent with prevailing short and long term uptrends +6.1% Karoon Energy (KAR) - No news, stronger energy sector today on rising crude oil price, back to rising peaks and rising troughs, now challenging long term downtrend ribbon +5.7% Vulcan Energy Resources (VUL) - No news, rise is...
ASX Microcaps with a blue-chip profile: Austin Engineering
The world's biggest central banks are set to reverse a record string of rate hikes and stocks towards the small end of town are widely expected to benefit. In this series, we're going to take a deep dive into profitable microcaps with unique businesses, strong balance sheets and a positive outlook. Austin Engineering (ASX: ANG) specialises in the design, manufacturing and maintenance of equipment for mining, resources and construction sectors.
Looking for a little treat for your portfolio this Easter? These fundies have some tips for the Easter Bunny
Just in case the rows upon rows of foil-covered chocolate rabbits and eggs in the supermarkets haven’t reminded you, Easter is coming. Perhaps you have already purchased some of the more the 450 million chocolate eggs and 15 million chocolate bunnies that Cadbury expects to have sold to Australians and New Zealanders this Easter. Or perhaps, you’ve taken a healthier approach and purchased carob versions.
How to earn sustainable income using ETFs and LICs (plus 8 ideas for your watchlist)
The sluggishness of the economy, compounded by rising interest rates and slow disinflation, means the risk investors need to take to earn regular income from an investment portfolio can vary greatly. Right now, it feels like the tide is high and investors can earn juicy yields without taking excessive risk. Many of the financial advisers I speak with say they are ‘picking the eyes’ out of fixed interest markets because they can get equity-like returns without taking on the extra risk.
How you can stay ahead of the explosive growth in ETFs
There are now 325 exchange traded products or ETPs listed on the ASX with a combined value in excess of $172 billion. That’s an enormous step up from the $6.86 billion that was invested across 90 ETPs just 11 years ago. Last year was a record year for product launches, with 56 new products launched on Australian exchanges. In all, 108 new exchange traded products were added in the past two years.
Nick Griffin’s formula for double-digit returns (plus 13 stocks Munro is backing for the long-term)
Please note, that this interview was filmed on 26 February 2024 Fund profile Name of fund: Munro Global Growth Fund (ASX: MAET) and Munro Concentrated Global Growth (ASX: MCGG) Asset Class: Global equities Investment objectives: MAET is an actively managed ETF that invests in, and therefore tracks the performance of the Munro Global Growth Fund, our flagship global equity fund.
Evening Wrap: ASX 200 dips as copper stocks surge, Macquarie's big downgrade day smashes banks Original
Interesting Movers Trading higher +76.3% Arafura Rare Earths (ARU) - Commonwealth Government supports Nolans with US$533m package +24.8% Superloop (SLC) - Origin contract & upgraded guidance +18.3% 29METALS (29M) - No news, large rally in copper price Wednesday, likely a degree of short covering also +14.8% Vulcan Energy Resources (VUL) - No news, likely a degree of runaway short covering +10.7% Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals (CUV) - CLINUVEL initiates on market share buy-back program +10.2% Alpha...
Morningstar's best stock ideas for March
Not seeing a lot of value in your grocery, petrol, rent or mortgage bills at the moment? Fear not, there’s still value to be found on the ASX and Morningstar has shared their top picks for the month. There are 13 picks – and whether or not this is a lucky 13 might depend on your take. Two of the names are contrarian picks, with the broker consensus deeming them Sells, but otherwise, the calls are in line with the sell-side community.
What these 5 bellwether ASX company results taught us this reporting season
Before the ASX half-yearly reporting season began, we suggested a handful of companies investors might watch for broader indications about key Australian economic sectors. Most of the five companies have now delivered their half-year FY2024 results - except the out-of-cycle James Hardie Industries (ASX: JHX), which reported its activity for the third quarter ended 31 December. In the following, we wrap up February management announcements made by each of them.
Evening Wrap: ASX 200 sneaks another gain as Coles' result beats, gravity catches up with Brainchip Original
Interesting Movers Trading higher +18.3% Reece (REH) - Half Yearly Report and Accounts, rise is consistent with prevailing short and long term uptrends +11.6% G8 Education (GEM) - Full Year Report and Accounts, rise is consistent with prevailing short and long term uptrends +7.8% Helia Group (HLI) - Full Year Report and Accounts, rise is consistent with prevailing long term uptrend +7.0% Wisetech Global (WTC) - No news, likely continued positive response to 21 Feb Half Yearly Report and...
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