Claire Aitchison of Independent Investment Research provides comprehensive research coverage and commentary for listed managed investments. Here is the latest update.

Since the start of October, Westpac had rallied almost 17% making it the best performing major bank over this period. So on the basis of the old axiom “buy the rumour, sell the fact”, it was no surprise to see it fall today by around 3% when it delivered an “as expected” full year financial result.

Overnight European share markets opened down, still spooked by what the Fed will do next to defeat inflation as American spending remains sticky and employment numbers defy predictions of a looming recession.

Last night I interviewed Michael Knox, my go-to man on the Aussie dollar. I wanted his take on our currency because I want to invest my money and my financial planning clients’ money in the eventual rebound of the US stock market.

Dr Phil has to raise rates but the pressure is on him to get it right.

I’d rather tip stocks than whether the Reserve Bank will raise rates or even harder, who’ll win the race that stops a nation, but I’ll give this a go.

Macquarie Group (MQG) is a company that some investors still loathe. Known as the “millionaires factory”. But putting that to one side, as a company to invest in, it is a great company, and you have to own it.

Brisbane house prices record slump, bosses will strike back, cup day rate rise a certainty and more!

Our stock market is in for a great day today, taking its lead from a strong Friday on Wall Street.

Voters give Budget the thumbs down, big insurers lock in payouts for Covid business interruption, Optus losing customers and more!

One night in a bank bashing skit in the old comedy show Fast Forward, they finished the skit with the old CBA ad: “Which bank?” To that, the voiceover guy said: “Every bloody bank!” Have banks changed their bad behaviour?

I call this one the Doctor’s Budget — the medicine Dr Chalmers is making us swallow.