Our second equities speaker offered a contrasting view on the outlook for global equities - the most likely scenario for the three years ahead, key risks and signposts to watch for.

Australia's national income per person is the 5th-highest in the world. But the drivers of success are deteriorating.

Every policy maker in the world is joining in the chorus of "Start Me Up." Woe to the investor who doesn't listen.

When I transverse the latest data and policy issues, the prospects for so many countries are either worrying or exciting or perhaps both, depending on your state of mind.

The main areas of risk and contagion that investors may wish to consider in 2013.

Five themes define the opportunity set for asset classes and markets for the coming five years.

The catalyst for improved sentiment for commodity-based equities will be a return of confidence and more stable political and economic environment.

We are relatively optimistic about the outlook for global growth, and the US in particular. We see four main reasons why the market could become more worried about inflation.

Amidst the volatility and doomsday talk in China, Asia ex-Japan equities ended up as the best performing region in 2012. For 2013, the outlook for Asia continues to be positive.

Consistently higher commodity prices are a thing of the past. There are two paths the economy can now follow.

The growing yield-seeking flood of money is causing a growing divide between real and perceived values in the private equity market.

World Investor New Zealand magazine gives the appearance of serious quality. What's interesting is what's not said as much as what IS said. Transparency and disclosure should be as stringent for investment publications as for investment advisers.

What happens after 10% growth? History shows few economies last the distance.

I never quite expected to be asking this question. But at some point, the question is going to become very real.

In a first, an AFA has had his license cancelled by the FMA just weeks after it was granted, and while the FMA and the SFO are still only investigating a complaint against him. Not even David Ross has had his license completely revoked by the FMA. financialalert asked some industry insiders what the case means for other AFAs.

Here's one adviser who has mastered social media and how it fits together, to stand out in the profession's "sea of sameness".

For better or worse, 2013 is likely to be another year when the market's fate will rest largely with politicians and policy makers. For now, we remain cautiously optimistic.

It is shaping up for a period where the FX market is back, front and centre. An aspect at the forefront is the notion of so-called "currency wars". I'm dismissive of such accusations.

"The Hedge Fund Mirage" shows investors would've been much better off in US T-Bills over the past decade. We look at hedge fund association AIMA's "comprehensive rebuttal".

When Lance Armstrong finally confessed to doping, he received widespread condemnation. If only there was similar outrage over doping in monetary policy.