Property funds trapped in ice

Recovering money invested in frozen property trusts has been difficult but for some investors there are more favourable signs.

Winners not necessarily grinners

Miners’ profits are strong but it’s companies in tougher sectors whose shares are rising.

Opening the door to DIY funds

Borrowing to invest in a residential real estate via a self-managed fund is now possible but the rules are so complex that often investors are dissuaded from the strategy.

• Plenty to like in negative gearing, but it won’t save a dud investment
• A good home for your money
• Worst-case scenario a good starting point

Myth of exit fees

Politicians may be dumbing down the talk on mortgage exit fees, but voters will run into the same old expenses, writes Alison Kahler.

• Hard-pressed tenants face higher rents
• Fight for Opus part of bigger war

Get ready for extra beer money

The High Court ruling over student expenses could have generous implications, writes Joanna Mather.

Bank fortunes tied to credit demand

Banking stocks aren’t considered a screaming buy right now, but are they being underrated?

• Westpac primed for loans pick-up
• Regional outlook

Art is hung drawn and quartered

Gallery owners and art dealers were celebrating last year when the federal government rejected a proposal in the Cooper superannuation review to ban self-managed schemes from holding art, stamps, and rare notes and coins. But, it seems, their victory was short-lived.