So it was all a storm in a teacup. Markets have been going through a series of "taper tantrums” since Bernanke first mentioned the idea of tapering.

With the deadline passed for submissions on the proposed changes to the Code of Professional Conduct for AFAs, we asked the Code Committee Chair and some of those who made submissions, what their view is of the proposed changes.

Rather than being an alternative, social media is just another way to do networking and referral marketing. If you're struggling to dip your toe in social media, here's how to get started.

The recent Jackson Hole Federal Reserve Conference was my 10th or 11th. I saw a fascinating disconnect between policymakers and the markets.

As a NZ delegate at the recent PortfolioConstruction Forum Conference in Sydney, here are the key pointsfor NZ advisers to take on board from this year's Lifecycle Investing theme - which should raise the priority of financial advice in clients' minds.

I'm used to being alone and against consensus. I believe the next decade is going to see the strongest level of global economic growth anyone today has seen.

Of all the challenges for financial advisers, one of the most daunting is persuading clients to discuss their finances with family members.

The World Economic Forum released its Global Competitiveness Index last week - and NZ is up five places to 18th most competitive economy in the world, three places ahead of Australia.

The Fed will have to think of a new strategy to reopen the availability of credit - and that is a problem. At present, all routes of Bernanke's QE maze lead to the same exit - deflation.

Back in February, we published an expose on links between Phoenix Forex, OakFX, World Investor New Zealand magazine and various others. Over seven months later, the Financial Markets Authority has warned the public.

Abenomics brought rapid policy change to Japan and its economy is showing signs of improvement. More change is needed but it could work out nicely.

In a report that will no doubt be read closely by the Financial Markets Authority - and therefore should get the attention of New Zealand advisers - the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has made 12 recommendations for financial advisers.

As of 1 July, anyone who has permanently immigrated between Australia and New Zealand can transfer their retirement savings to their new homeland. But it's not a simple like-for-like swap and it's already had its problems.

For the past nine months, China has had a very new type of leader.

Our Forum Fodder e-newsletter alerts Members to what's new on PortfolioConstruction.com.au and live progams. This week - If you're pressed for time, this week's Fodder should be right up your alley - it's full of short but powerful pieces.

A growing army of data scientists is mining patterns from our online activity. What are the implications for investment?

Indonesia's rise is one of the big stories of the Asian century, a future great power in Asia, just behind China and India. Indonesia may matter as much to Australia investors as China and the US.

All of the Conference sessions are building blocks for this session which helps delegates determine the key takeouts from the jam-packed program and actions delegates should take when building investor portfolios.

To build a truly diversified portfolio, you need to consider alternative investments as a third dimension alongside equities and fixed income.

Multi-asset absolute return investing offers more certainty of achieving the right outcome for clients and portfolios which are more sustainable through an investor’s life stages.