Is the consensus is correct in its assumption that equities are a good place to be right now?

This time Italy's political crisis really matters - and not just to Italy. For the troubled Eurozone, this means its crisis is not only back but worse than before.

Reform doesn't equate to austerity, as Italian voters have shown. US reform does not equate to austerity either.

Most planners struggle to reach and effectively serve Gen X and Gen Y, tending instead to focus their on baby boomers. But it's quite possible serve at least a fairly wide swath of Gen X and Gen Y.

Markets Summit 2013 debated and identified the key investment market and asset class opportunities (and risks) ahead, to help in the search for return and in building better quality investor portfolios.

The spotlight shone on the outlook for Australian equities in a 3-D world (deleveraging, demographics and (liquidity) damns - and the portfolio construction implications.

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.