A Secular Bull Market in Shares Close, but returns constrained

27 March 2013
Dr Shane Oliver, Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist with AMP Capital Investors speculates that the secular or long-term bear market in global developed country shares is over and we may see the return of a bull market... but he cautions returns are likely to be constrained.
This article is brought to you by Boyce Financial Services, the financial advisory division of Boyce Chartered Accountants. Click here to download a PDF of the original article including graphs.
KEY POINTS
Industrial Relations Changes in 2013

27 March 2013
The industrial relations landscape is ever-changing. If you are an employer it is more important than ever to keep abreast of the legislative changes to avoid costly penalties, or worse.
Many of the changes being rolled out during the 2012/13 financial year affect the cost of employing people and at least one, the mandatory increase to employer superannuation contributions, increases costs significantly.
Some of the most important changes are set out below:
Appointing an alternate Director

26 March 2013
If you run a business and act as the sole director or are one of the directors of a company, it is important that your estate plan addresses the issue of who should act as director in your place in the event of your physical or mental incapacity or death.
The following article (sourced from a publication by Argyle Lawyers) highlights some of the issues, but it is important that you seek advice from a legal professional.
Even if you have in place an enduring power of attorney or arrangements documented in your Will, such measures may not provide adequate protection of your business interests or the outcome you desire.
Review of Leasehold Restrictive Covenants

26 March 2013
A review of the restrictive land management covenants on some leasehold lands converted to freehold prior to April 2012, will benefit up to 2,000 landowners according to Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Services Andrew Stoner.
In April 2012 the Government made it easier to convert perpetual leasehold land to freehold without a land management covenant, effectively removing some of the regulatory burden on farmers that had restricted productive use of the land.