China joined Europe and the United States this year as a source of consternation for investors with growth slowing more than expected. This fuelled fears about a hard landing (growth of 6% or less) and a focus on China’s long term problems. Such fears have been accentuated by the leadership transition. So what’s going on in China - has growth bottomed and about to rebound or is a hard landing still likely? Will the leadership change result in a big changes? And what does it mean for Chinese shares which have been in a bear market since August 2009?

1 November marked the five year anniversary of our share market’s last high point (S&P/ASX200 Accumulation Index) and with November also marking five months in a row for positive share market returns it seems like something is in the air. One thing is certain, the ECB’s announcement of its buyer of last resort program (OMT) seemed to be a game changer and may provide the backstop the market needs to climb back above that five year level. This more positive outlook saw the Reserve Bank of Australia keep rates on hold at 3.25% at November’s meeting.

The Federal Reserve has now conducted three and the Bank of England has boosted the size of its program three times. The Bank of Japan's first one lasted five years and after a four-year break it had another go.

Tax rates change as the tax-free threshold rises from $6,000 to $18,200. The marginal rate is 19% for individuals earning up to $37,000, then 32.5% up to $80,000, 37% for up to $180,000 and 45% beyond that. The low-income offset reduces from $1,500 to $455 for individuals earning up to $66,666.

Kellie Wood, Fund Manager –Fixed Income, talks about fixed income markets and views on domestic and global credit and bond markets and the positioning of the Fund.

In today’s volatile share markets, investments that produce stable income are more important than ever. Here we look at the long-term performance of core direct property and how it can benefit an investor’s portfolio.

Changes announced in the latest Federal Budget mean that from July 1, 2012, the Net Medical Expenses Tax Offset will have two income-based thresholds, both indexed annually. A lower threshold ($2,060 for 2011-12) applies to individuals with an annual taxable income of less than $84,000 and less than $168,000 for couples and families, and a higher threshold ($5,000) applies to those earning more.

Building resilience will help you deal with tough times and lead you to a happier, healthier life.

With years of education behind them, and years of earning potential in front of them, professionals are a valuable commodity. But why are so few protecting themselves with insurance?

In 2010, a study by Lifewise found that 95% of families didn’t have adequate levels of insurance. One in five families are likely to be impacted by the death of a parent, a serious accident or an illness that renders a parent unable to work. The typical Australian family would need to cope on half or less of their income as a result of underinsurance.