Every day when we turn on the TV, radio, or read the newspaper, we are told whether the share market in Australia has increased or decreased. The Australian stock market is often referred to as the ASX 200, which is the 200 largest companies listed on the stock exchange in Australia.

Are our memories really that short; or do we simply believe historical cycles are irrelevant?

Looking at financial markets and economies throughout history, we often feel like we are witnessing déjà vu.

Why some financial ratios should be taken with a pinch of salt…

The start of a new year is normally filled with plenty of optimism for the future as everyone returns to work. This year, however, has started off to a very bumpy start. In the 131-year history of the Australian share market, only five times has the month of January been a final top to a major sell-off: these were in 1901, 1906, 1953, 1973 and most recently, in 2000. We will have wait to see if 2016 will fall into this grouping, or if it is merely a ‘New Year’s Eve hangover’ waiting to be shaken off.