A selection of stock picks that emerged from the Morningstar Individual Investor Conference was among our top stories this week alongside our look at Labor's franking credits policy and Anton Tagliaferro's lament at the state of Australian politics.


3 top stocks named at Morningstar conference

These well-known stocks spanning finance, telecommunications and education headed our equity analysts' top picks at the Morningstar Individual Investor Conference 2018. 

Impact and opportunity: bracing for Labor's franking credits overhaul

The prospect of Labor gaining office next year has sparked concern among investors because of the party's vow to axe cash refunds for excess franking credits.

Draconian franking credit plan will spur recession, says Wilson

Labor’s "draconian" plan to axe cash refunds for franking credits will ruin Australia’s globally esteemed run of almost three decades without recession and tarnish the prospects of retirees and younger generations alike. 

Expert insights on stocks, macro events, and SMSF regulations

Donald Trump and the US-China trade war, top Australian stock picks, and the ongoing fallout from Australia's banking royal commission are just some of the topics covered at last week's 2018 Morningstar Individual Investor Conference. 

If Australia were a company I wouldn't own it, says Tagliaferro

If Australia were a stock you'd avoid it. If you've got good stocks, hold them and don't panic. And if you want to invest in good companies, make sure they have a competitive advantage and consistent earnings, says Anton Tagliaferro. 

Pockets of opportunity amid the global market rout

Investors are mistaken in making blanket judgements about global stock valuations, even as rising US interest rates and China-US trade tensions spook markets, says Platinum CEO Andrew Clifford. 

Call for flat 25pc tax rate to help households

A flat tax rate of 25 per cent would prop up Australia’s household consumption in the face of significant challenges including more out-of-cycle rate rises, according to Morningstar’s head of equity research Peter Warnes.

Alarming cash outflows prompt AMP action

AMP's banking division will scrap or reduce 20 fees and charges to further simplify its product offering, after last week revealing huge cash outflows for the third-quarter 2018. 

Investing Basics: how to buy a managed fund

One of the worst droughts in a century is not only NSW ravaging farmers, it is also eroding the profits of several ASX-listed companies.

Future Fund investment shift slashes $80m in fees

Passive management has received a ringing endorsement from Australia's $148.8 billion Future Fund, which tipped a large portion of its funds into lower cost, index-tracking investment vehicles. 

    

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Lex Hall is a Morningstar content editor, based in Sydney.

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