This October introduced a new lunchtime sport in Martin Place: watching a gold rush reenactment outside ABC Bullion. Slightly less entertaining was being subjected to a broken air-con on a casual 37 degree day.

Anyway, below are my favourite picks of the month:

Young & Invested

Should you invest in shares or save for a deposit? (revisited)

In light of the Home Guarantee Scheme expansion, I revisited the old debate of whether it’s better to invest in the share market or save for a house deposit. Do new parameters around 5% deposit eligibility dramatically shift the scales in favour of property?

Why ETFs might be setting you up to fail

If you’ve skimmed the headlines lately, you’ve probably seen commentary on market valuations being near all-time highs. I discussed the implications this has for investors relying on popular passive ETFs and discusses whether the overheated market requires a change to investment strategy.

Home Guarantee Scheme won’t help housing crisis

Beneficial tax structure has turned residential real estate into a wealth-generating machine in Australia. Although now seemingly out of reach for the next generation, the government’s recent expansion of the Home Guarantee Scheme is the latest attempt to make home ownership more attainable for first home buyers. I explored some of the implications for young investors looking to get into the market.

How many ETFs should you have in your portfolio?

In a market flooded with choice, ETF investors face a reversal of expectations: more isn’t always better. From overlapping holdings to portfolio complexity and fee creep, there are numerous risks to owning too many ETFs. But is there a correct number to hold? I shared my thoughts on the tipping point where diversification efforts become dilution.

How to evaluate a thematic ETF for your portfolio

Thematic ETFs are booming. Whether it’s AI, crypto or clean energy, there’s always something new to talk about. But many investors chase hype without understanding the fundamentals. I look at how to assess a thematic ETF’s credibility, structure, and long-term potential, whilst avoiding the common behavioural pitfalls associated with thematic investing.

Other insights

The most popular ETFs in SMSFs

This month saw the arrival of the Class Annual Benchmark Report for 2025, offering fresh insights into the evolving SMSF landscape. Findings revealed ETFs were the only asset class to grow in popularity with their presence across portfolios increasing 1.3% year-on-year. I went through two popular holdings.

Undervalued ASX founder-led companies

In a previous edition of my column, I explored an attribute often linked to company outperformance: the strong presence of a founder. With that lens in mind, I went searching for ASX-listed founder-led companies that currently trade below Morningstar’s fair value estimate.

Are small caps finally back?

Historical data shows there are several ‘factors’ or characteristics that drive stock returns. One of these is the size of the company. Small caps have traditionally been associated with a risk premium. The Australian market has historically defied expectations of a small cap premium. However, recently the tide appears to be turning. I take a look into whether small caps are finally back.

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