Investor Guide 2012

The end of old assumptions

| Michael Bailey and Kate Mills

The expected bounce-back from 2008 has not arrived. Investors may have to throw out the old rule book if they want to repair their nest eggs.

| Damon Frith

While no stock is shockproof in volatile times, investors can expect these 10 blue chips to weather the storms.

| Damon Frith

Mark McConnell may need to switch from taking risks to protecting the wealth he’s had so much fun accumulating.

| Dan Hall

Companies with exposure to Queensland’s coal terminals and a few resources groups with finds much further afield are ones to watch.

| Nassim Khadem

Picking the right financial planner may be easier under new changes but consumers will still need to shop around.

| Ruth Liew

Industrial property is not sexy but sheds and service stations are offering some of the best yields available at present..

| Jonathan Shapiro

Hybrid securities - part equity, part debt - may confuse investors.

| David James

Alternative investments such as hedge funds are becoming more popular.

| Tony Featherstone

Small-cap stocks may be risky in times of market volatility but they can offer potential for a bargain.

| Andrew Heathcote

Superannuation funds may be the major beneficiaries of a rejuvenated local corporate bond market.

| Zoë Fielding

Listed property trusts are facing hurdles that make it hard for them to close the gap between market cap and net tangible asset backing.