Cover story
The economic recovery will be muted and gradual but our experts say a new set of investment opportunities will emerge and the strong will grow stronger, Penny Pryor writes.
The property market is showing signs of life as investors start to compete again with first-home buyers for real estate. In our exclusive survey, Penny Pryor pinpoints 16 suburbs poised to be the next big thing.
It's taken a crash to bring investors back to the basics: balance sheet strength, management quality and reliable earnings. Patrick Commins scours the market for companies with the muscle to do the heavy lifting no matter where we are in the business cycle.
Were you convinced you were with the right fund manager until the global financial crisis sank your returns? AFR Smart Investor's exclusive analysis reveals that some managers get it right in both good and bad times, Debra Cleveland reports.
Feature
Retail investors are slowly returning to the market but avoiding the expense of advice by finding their own way with the aid of online brokers. Patrick Commins examines what's available.
Editor's letter
This financial year will be unlike any other. OK, you can say that about most, but this one will present more than the usual number of challenges and opportunities. Let's look first at the big picture ...
Up to speed
Your quick-glance guide to investment and spending: What to watch | Plastic allures | Credit cards | Should you lock in? | Deposits | Top policies and your funds
As equity markets across the world show signs of life, Patrick Commins investigates three share funds that invest here and overseas, as well as a mobile phone with a sneaky new feature to create an interruption when you need it most.
A bit of indulgent travel, some good food and wine or a little luxury spending on the latest gadgets can go a long way to helping one feel better about the world's fortunes, particularly when they are at bargain prices, Penny Pryor writes.
You can now shovel less money in, but faced with the distinct possibility that you will soon have to wait longer to take it out, super may not be a smart strategy anyway. We ask five experts whether the recent surprise super changes mean it is no longer the best bet.
State of play
Look in the unloved corners of the market to pick under-appreciated stocks. Simon Marais discusses contrarian investing with Patrick Commins.
Global economic indicators are showing signs of improvement and share prices are finally rising. However, David Bassanese writes, a definitive rebound rests on earnings having time to turn upward.
Exposure to mining and agriculture sent Incitec Pivot shares to new heights and just as quickly drove them down. Another reversal of fortune is on the way, Glen Mumford argues.
Bottom line
Surviving a big downturn means delivering good service and building a more productive company for the eventual recovery, as mining services provider Orica's chief Graeme Liebelt explains to Michael Vaughan.
David Jones was ready for the recession, Graeme Adamson writes. Now the expansion plans and strong balance sheet of the historic store stand it in good stead to resume growth in earnings and dividends.
Companies that develop and promote products for night disorders in the downturn-proof health-care sector are worth a look, Trevor Hoey writes.
Advertising budgets and agencies usually feel the pain in a downturn, but savvy marketing companies are proving remarkably resilient, Trevor Hoey discovers.
Passive index funds have grown in popularity during the past two years, but as markets start to show signs of thawing out, some active managers are emerging from hibernation, Barrie Dunstan writes.
The government's recent tinkering with the superannuation system has made it harder to save more for your retirement. Daryl Dixon explains how to make the most of your DIY fund, despite the changes.
Retail investors who remain wary of parking their money overseas can tap into a world of sharemarket opportunities without leaving the country. Patrick Commins examines listed and managed index funds.
Stocks with a lot in common tend to move in tandem, allowing investors to use the strategy of pairs trading as a way to make money in turbulent times. Stephen Calder explains how it works.
Lower interest rates offset the safety appeal of cash deposits, but for the risk-wary investor there are securities available that offer much better returns. Philip Baker investigates what's available and why.
Snap shot
Mid and small-cap stocks that have attracted the attention of Si writers:
CSR | Flight Centre | Forest Enterprises Australia | HFA Holdings | Karoon Gas Australia | Macarthur Coal | Pharmaxis | Super Cheap Auto Group | Tabcorp Holdings | Telecom Corporation of New Zealand | Tox Free Solutions | UXC
Wealth workshop
Good planning always pays off – it can help you steer your way out of the gloom
if you're facing financial difficulties or unemployment, Debra Cleveland writes.
It's market lore that as the mania of a financial market bubble gains momentum, beginner investors are sucked in, fancying themselves as instant experts even as they fuel an unsustainable boom.
Letters from readers
Clever advice for turning a self-managed fund into a business landlord reaps tax and estate planning benefits, Karin Derkley discovers.
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