Fodder starts with two very different perspectives on interest rates. First, Tim Farrelly arguing Central Banks should be applauded. Then, Yale's Stephen Roach argues that today's central banks are even more impotent than they were in the 1930s. Michael Kitces highlights a new research study that debunks the belief that holding cash is something to avoid. Rob Arnott et al debunk the myth that there is a correlation between stock returns and the political party in power. And, finally we feature the top-10 rated presentation by Colonial First State Global Asset Management's Stephen Halmarick at Markets Summit 2017 on Trump the game changer.

Fodder starts with two very different perspectives on interest rates. First, Tim Farrelly arguing Central Banks should be applauded. Then, Yale's Stephen Roach argues that today's central banks are even more impotent than they were in the 1930s. Michael Kitces highlights a new research study that debunks the belief that holding cash is something to avoid. Rob Arnott et al debunk the myth that there is a correlation between stock returns and the political party in power. And, finally we feature the top-10 rated presentation by Colonial First State Global Asset Management's Stephen Halmarick at Markets Summit 2017 on Trump the game changer.

The classic view of cash when investing is that it's something to minimise. But a recent study found that we're just not content without a healthy allocation to cash. In fact, pushing investors to put all their cash to work increases their financial stress.

We ignore history at great peril. The latest disappointment for inflation-targeting central banks is really not a surprise after all.

Analysis of 5 international stock markets shows no correlation between stock returns and the political party in power.

Yes, rates are unusually low. But to describe that as unnatural shows a lack of understanding about how the world works and a refusal to accept that maybe the world has changed.

The IMCA Australia Seminar 4 2017 "Appointing Investment Managers (Operational Due Diligence)" has been assessed and accredited by PortfolioConstruction Forum for Forum CE hours. These can be used to help meet the CE/CPD requirements of 15 regulators, associations, institutes and designations – including ASIC RG104/105/146 requirements and CIMA certificants’ CE commitment. Delegates must attest their attendance in order to receive CE acceditation.

Masterclass NZ is a post-graduate extension program focused on contemporary issues that are fundamental to building better quality portfolios. The one-day program is comprised of five research-based, active learning sessions:

Fodder starts with Nouriel Roubini arguing that Trump's policies are a key risk to the nascent global pick up in economic activity. Dr Bob Gay explains why Fed officials believe they can engineer a graceful exit from their experiment with asset purchases. Invesco's Stephen Anness and Andy Hall have written a terrific paper on the art of contrarian thinking of all types. Prof Ron Bird reviews two new papers on factor investing And finally, we feature the top-10 rated presentation by PIMCO's Joachim Fels at Markets Summit 2017.

Fodder starts with Nouriel Roubini arguing that Trump's policies are a key risk to the nascent global pick up in economic activity. Dr Bob Gay explains why Fed officials believe they can engineer a graceful exit from their experiment with asset purchases. Invesco's Stephen Anness and Andy Hall have written a terrific paper on the art of contrarian thinking of all types. Prof Ron Bird reviews two new papers on factor investing And finally, we feature the top-10 rated presentation by PIMCO's Joachim Fels at Markets Summit 2017.

Literature from a variety of disciplines help highlight the qualities behind truly creative, contrarian thinking - qualities which can be applied to modern portfolio management.

Unlike other commonly used factors, very little research has been undertaken on the quality factor - which makes a newly released paper very interesting. Another new paper extends the usual momentum factor into "returns signal momentum".

In the next year, a more robust and persistent global recovery will depend largely on whether policymakers avoid mistakes that could derail it.

This week, Fodder kicks off with Berkeley economist, Professor Shachar Kariv, on the science of uncovering investors' true preferences. Harvard's Prof Hausmann then argues that emerging market bond funds should make people morally queasy. Bob Huebscher recaps the recent debate between Wharton's Jeremy Siegel and Yale's Robert Shiller about the outlook for equity returns. Rob Arnott argues that momentum and value are cheap, but low beta is well overpriced. And we finish with a white paper by AB on low vol investing in Australian Equities

This week, Fodder kicks off with Berkeley economist, Professor Shachar Kariv, on the science of uncovering investors' true preferences. Harvard's Prof Hausmann then argues that emerging market bond funds should make people morally queasy. Bob Huebscher recaps the recent debate between Wharton's Jeremy Siegel and Yale's Robert Shiller about the outlook for equity returns. Rob Arnott argues that momentum and value are cheap, but low beta is well overpriced. And we finish with a white paper by AB on low vol investing in Australian Equities

Clients benefit from understanding the investment journey. Having prepared responses to scenarios improves the chance of success.

Wharton's Jeremy Siegel and Yale's Robert Shiller squared off in a recent presentation about the outlook for equity returns.

When equity markets fall, the financial and emotional impacts can be lasting. By focusing on reducing downside, investors can have a smoother ride and still achieve the returns they seek.

This week, we bring you the third and final installment of Dr Woody Brock's review of the three key risks facing investors, Tim Farrelly then shows that despite their critics, the ratings agencies do a wonderful job of assessing companies. Urban Carmel then debunks the myth that indexing is a threat to market stability and Yale's Stephen Roach looks at the implications (and the irony) of China's new global push. Finally we feature Jeremy Lawson's excellent Markets Summit presentation on the "dire" implications for risk assets of the rising wave of populism.

This week, we bring you the third and final installment of Dr Woody Brock's review of the three key risks facing investors, Tim Farrelly then shows that despite their critics, the ratings agencies do a wonderful job of assessing companies. Urban Carmel then debunks the myth that indexing is a threat to market stability and Yale's Stephen Roach looks at the implications (and the irony) of China's new global push. Finally we feature Jeremy Lawson's excellent Markets Summit presentation on the "dire" implications for risk assets of the rising wave of populism.