Topping our coverage last week was news the yield curve had inverted and why investors should avoid panicking, a look at the hype around thematic ETFs, and a guide to decluttering your portfolio.

Why investors shouldn't panic over the yield curve

The yield curve – a leading economic indicator that has accurately predicted the past five US recessions - inverted Friday fuelling fears of a global economic downturn. 

Beware the hype of the thematic ETF

A well-spun narrative about a seemingly plausible investment opportunity can cause investors to ignore facts and lose their ability to make sound decisions. 

Does your retirement portfolio spark joy?

Inspired by organizing consultant Marie Kondo's Netflix show and best-selling book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, people are filling up dumpsters with possessions that no longer 'spark joy'. 

3 award-winning small-cap funds

Morningstar analysts run the rule over three of the top performing small-cap funds and their process for identifying value opportunities.

Coles' $150m deal to double deliveries

Coles will spend up to $150 million over the next four years to double its home delivery capacity after signing a deal to use tech from British online supermarket Ocado. 

Investing basics: how to buy an ETF via an online broker

Exchange-traded funds are a simple, low-cost way to invest. Instead of going all in on a single stock, passive ETFs let you buy a basket of stocks that track the performance of a specific market index. 

Lynas turns down Wesfarmers' $15bn offer

Australian rare-earths miner Lynas Corporation has rebuffed a tentative acquisition offer from retail giant Wesfarmers, saying it stands by its 'strong and irreplaceable' assets. 

The real cost of home ownership in Australia

Is buying a house and paying off the mortgage still the best way to build wealth? We run the numbers. 

Investing basics: high interest savings accounts

Whether it becomes law or not, Labor's franking credits policy has certainly had a polarising effect, which is set to intensify in the countdown to the May 2019 federal election. 

You and your adviser don't always see eye to eye

Investors, on average, say maximising returns is a top priority while for advisers, this is almost at the bottom – and that's a problem, Morningstar research suggests. 

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