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

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

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.

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.

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.

It's an regrettable reality that financial advice remains out of the reach of most people. financialalert looked at when it might be practical to advise someone without charging them a fee and the implications...

The FMA's latest AFA Monitoring Report makes interesting reading. The findings support our conclusion after our review of over 500 client files in the previous 12 months - that is, that many AFAs need to do a better job with Statements of Advice.

The financialalert Person of the Year 2012 has shown outstanding energy, commitment and professionalism as the first full year of the regulatory regime for the New Zealand financial advisory industry bedded in.

IFA and PortfolioConstruction Forum partner on professional development programs; Veteran financial adviser retires after 30 years; Regulator to undertake surveillance of research report providers

Demographics, workforce and trends are changing fast - and creating opportunities for financial advisers who move with the times.

Earlier this month, Tony Vidler called for SOAs to be no longer than four pages. But others see no problem with quite lengthy statements, as financialalert found out when it surveyed some advisers on how they interpret Code Standard 6's requirement to communicate "clearly, concisely, and effectively."

The FMA has indicated it could bring the first disciplinary proceedings against advisers before year's end, likely around Code Standard 8 regarding suitability of advice. financialalert asked some AFAs, a lawyer, a researcher and a Disciplinary Committee member what the test for suitability should be and whether it should be applied at a product or portfolio level.

Despite a sluggish US economy, drift toward recession in Europe, and China slowdown, global monetary policy means equities will continue to outshine bonds.

How good are Chinese policymakers? US data creeping better. A pick up in global momentum...

Volatility is a risk for any portfolio that has cash flows, irrespective of investment time horizon. The culprit is sequencing risk, the risk of returns occurring in an adverse order.

Dynamic asset allocation, MPT, risk premia, and how to get the regulator on board with a DAA approach.

Last month's Finology Conference introduced a new term for a subject financial advisers deal with every day. We spoke with delegates to get their key takeouts - for example, the importance of making financial planning fun.

We need to understand and assess four aspects of risk to truly understand a client's risk profile and create a portfolio that allows him/her to sleep well at night.

This month marks the end of the first year of the FMA's audits of advisers. Far from relaxing its vigilence, it plans to increase contact with advisers, increasing monitoring visits and introducing a new "verification visit" regime...

While consumers conduct more and more of their own research on their financial options, advisers are actually better placed to gain credibility and trust - largely through cloud computing - according to Brian Greer, national sales manager with Allied Kiwi, and a speaker at next week's Finology Conference in Auckland...