Any Tame Stockbrokers in Oz

[Wodwik]

Hi All

Having read the fascinating and insghtful discussion on exchange rates above I thought I would add my opinion: Although gold is a good store of value, my experience is that a mix of equities and futures can outperform the overall index (certainly the JSE, which has had a long bull run) over time. I was wondering if anyone had a reliable stockbroker they could recommend. Possibly Brisbane based? Not necessarily ex SA as it might be better to use someone with good local knowledge.

[Springbok]

Having read the fascinating and insghtful discussion on exchange rates above I thought I would add my opinion: Although gold is a good store of value, my experience is that a mix of equities and futures can outperform the overall index (certainly the JSE, which has had a long bull run) over time. I was wondering if anyone had a reliable stockbroker they could recommend. Possibly Brisbane based? Not necessarily ex SA as it might be better to use someone with good local knowledge.

You're right about (physical) gold - it is a good store of value and a form of insurance during turbulent markets. So I would say a 5% exposure to gold in your portfolio won't hurt. Something like gold coins or a gold ETF (exchange traded fund). Gold stocks are different - while they are geared to the gold price, they are essentially paper assets, so be careful with those. However as an investment, I favour platinum above gold, simply because most of the platinum mined, is consumed, typically as autocatalysts in vehicle emission systems. Have a look here:

Platinum, Palladium Gain on Speculation of Strong Auto Demand

www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601012&sid=apPLUfxEC6gg&refer=commodities

ETF could send global platinum prices soaring

www.canada.com/nationalpost/financialpost/investing/story.html?id=d6f95879-3cd7-44f9-a5ee-1d74f25a8e34

Gold ETF bullion holdings fall, seen bearish

www.reuters.com/article/fundsFundsNews/idUSN1815149620070518

Not as many platinum stocks available on the ASX as on the JSE - but have a look at Aquarius Platinum, code AQP.

As for futures, just bear in mind the higher risk associated with those. A good mix of equities is your least speculative and best bet of outperforming the market over time.

Not sure about stockbrokers in Brisbane, but there is a list of full service stockbrokers at www.asx.com.au/resources/brokers/full_service.htm

Try the following:

ABN AMRO Morgans Limited

Level 29, Riverside Centre

123 Eagle Street

BRISBANE QLD 4000

Telephone: (07) 3334 4888

Facsimile: (07) 3831 0593

Website: www.abnamromorgans.com.au

Austock Securities Limited

Level 3, 100 Eagle Street

BRISBANE QLD 4000

Telephone: (07) 3361 3303 or 1800 806 362

Facsimile: (07) 3229 4305

Website: www.austock.com.au

Bell Potter Securities Limited

Level 17, AMP Centre, 10 Eagle Street

BRISBANE QLD 4000

Telephone: (07) 3295 2600

Facsimile: (07) 3221 7557

Website: www.bellpotter.com.au

Macquarie Equities Limited

1 Eagle Street

BRISBANE QLD 4000

Telephone: (07) 3233 5888

Facsimile: (07) 3233 5999

Website: www.macquarie.com.au

Australian Stockbroking & Advisory Services (ASANDAS)

49 Sherwood Road

TOOWONG QLD 4066

Telephone: (07) 3371 8102

Facsimile: (07) 3371 8265

Website: www.asandas.com.au

Cheers

Charl

Edited May 22, 2007 by Springbok