Sunday, July 27, 2025
Report from the Big Apple on election eve 2024 - to the Barricades!
Having spent the past 18 days travelling around North America, here are my top-10 observations on the election race from New York. What are Americans saying about the election race and the campaigns? Barricades are being erected all over New York City – is it in anticipation of civil unrest following the election?
Woodside case study Part 2: Since 1980 – struggling producer to global giant to fossil fuel pariah!
How Woodside went from cash-strapped explorer to global giant and one of Australia’s biggest export earners. Still a wild ride for investors – as a leveraged bet on commodities prices, plus political risks. Despite huge profits and becoming a top-10 ASX company, still struggles to beat the overall market.
Woodside case study Part 1: 1954 to 1980 – volatile speculative survivor to national hero
Good case study representing the vast majority of ASX listed companies – as a volatile speculative hopeful with no revenues or assets to underpin value. Eventually defied the odds and the elements by actually finding something of enormous value. But it required extreme patience and perseverance – it holds the record for longest wait for first revenue, first profit, and first dividend of any ASX listed co
World War II & share markets – Part 2 of 2: Through to the end of the War and aftermath
Key points: Australian and US share markets did well overall, despite heavy loss of life and attacks on our home soil. Volatile ride for shareholders, but patient holders ahead. Generally good for shares overall, limited only by war-time controls on profits and share prices.
World War II & share markets – Part 1 of 2: the Outbreak
War is scary, so it is tempting for investors to panic and race for the exits. It's important to look beyond the media headlines - knee-jerk, herd-following reactions are usually wrong. Usually positive for commodities demand, prices, mining shares.
3/4 time score check: 2024 - Great returns despite constant 'recession' fear mongering
Here's my 3/4 time score check on asset class returns to September 2024. Almost all are positive and ahead of inflation. Most are doing better than their long term average returns. Which are the best and worst? How is the end of year shaping up?
September 2024 snapshot: Fed’s first rate cut + China stimulus boost markets – is it enough?
Here’s my quick snapshot on global markets for Aussie investors Essential 1-page chart covering share markets, cash rates, bond yields, and FX + my Top 5 factors moving markets
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