With market indices sliding, the bears are emerging from their hibernation to shout ‘I told you so’. Markets, especially equity markets, inevitably journey through periods of negative returns, so eventually, the bears must be correct.

Painfully low interest rates on cash-style investments have seen many investors seeking reliable monthly income. Montgomery Investment Management (Montgomery) is delighted to announce its Distribution Partnership with Aura Funds Management, a subsidiary of Aura Group.

Suddenly we’re all talking about inflation – particularly food inflation, which has been spurred on by the recent floods. This ‘new normal’ should play well for the value end of food retailing, where the likes of Coles, Woolworths and Aldi are likely to grow market share at the expense of pricier retailers like Metcash.

We have been asked by clients whether the $234m acquisition by Aeris Resources (ASX:AIS) for Washington H Soul Pattinson’s (ASX:SOL) Round Oak Minerals is a good deal? Prior to the transaction Aeris Resources had 2. 26b shares on issue, and with a $0.