The upbeat outlook for listed real estate trusts dominated coverage last week, while the debate over Labor's franking credits policy continues to rage, and super returns limped into positive territory.  

Listed real estate set for another good year

Listed real estate investment trusts are tipped to build on strong momentum and outperform the overall share market this year as investors adopt more defensive positions to combat volatile share markets. 

Aussie companies urged to return cash as franking debate intensifies

Australian companies are being urged to return cash to shareholders as investors face the prospect of Labor returning to office and axing cash refunds for excess franking credits. 

Superannuation returns scrape into the black

Super funds in calendar 2018 delivered their worst performance in seven years, returning an average of just 0.8 per cent across growth funds, research shows. 

Investing basics: how to start investing with just $500

As first-time investors, talk is cheap. It is easy to ruminate on the investments we might make or imagine returns we may gain. But putting your money where your mouth is and actually investing is a whole other matter. 

3 top ESG stock picks

Sustainable investing is no longer a choice between morals and profit. ESG considerations have proven to maximise investor returns; whether it is tapping into a thematic economic driver, or avoiding losses associated with scandal.

Why cash when volatility peaks 

Increasing your cash allocations can protect capital when the risk-reward trade off of being fully invested doesn't make sense.  

 

Top 10 articles of last week

Our look at how the big four banks will fare in a challenging year ahead topped last week's coverage, alongside a deep dive into five undervalued global stocks and the ongoing chaos that is Brexit.

Auto stocks sputter as global pressures mount

Job losses, falling sales, emission scandals and the rise of electric vehicles have harmed sentiment towards auto stocks, which are now trading at low valuations. 

Mining for value in a shifting world

Record export earnings and high coal and iron ore prices have buoyed Australia's resources sector, despite trade and interest rate headwinds. 

Big four strong enough to withstand mounting pressures

2019 is shaping up to be a challenging year for Australia's banks as tighter regulation, a weakening housing market and slowing credit growth put pressure on the big four.

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