"What happened in markets in Feb 2025 and why?" asks  Ashley Owen...talking about the monthly snapshot on global markets for Aussie investors, and the profit reporting season wrap-up plus share price winners & losers.

Megatrends are providing opportunities for astute investors in both international & domestic equities. Monik Kotecha (Insync Funds Management), Hamish Tadgell (SG Hiscock & Company) and Brad Creighton (AMP North) share their views on the key drivers and themes playing out in equities over the next six months.

Despite a challenging and volatile investment environment, Martin Conlon (Schroders), Anthony Golowenko(MLC Asset Management), Chris Reynolds (Infinity Asset Management), and Peter Bell (Bellmont Securities) set the case for Australian equities.

 "The 20-year Chinese property construction boom is over, but I’m still bullish on Aussie exports to China continuing to grow", says Ashley Owen

 "If I had to pick a single number that drives Australia’s economic growth, income, wealth, living standards, and overall investment returns so far this century - it would be: China’s steel production" says Ashley Owen

"One of the most important, but difficult, aspects of long term investing is learning to not let day-to-day market chatter and scaremongering media headlines affect your long term strategies" says Ashley Owen - Owen Analytics in his monthly look at The Big Picture

Going against our behavioural instincts is difficult and it’s no different for contrarian investing. Lukasz de Pourbaix (Fidelity International) explains why investors should consider contrarian strategies in a portfolio

"Every year there are ‘End of the world’, or ‘End of life as we know it’ crises and threats that scare investors into waiting and watching from the sidelines. Are the current batch of threats different this time?" asks Ashley Owen

"Despite constant doom and gloom in the media headlines this year, most asset classes are ahead in 2023, and most are ahead of inflation", says Ashley Owen

While media headlines warn of possible global recessions ahead, global profits are booming! There appear to be no obvious signs of impending recession in the latest profit results, or profit outlooks. "What is behind the numbers?" asks Ashley Owen