Here’s what you need to know today

• President Trump had a big day. He announced he would cut off all US aid to Ukraine and accused Ukrainian President Zelensky of not wanting peace. (AP News) Meanwhile, the President also stated there was “no room left” for either Mexico or Canada to negotiate as 25% tariffs would go into effect. (BBC)
  
  

• British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told Parliament he would accelerate talks with allies over a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. (MSN) When asked, Anthony Albanese has said Australia is “open to consideration” of its involvement in any peacekeeping process. (ABC News)
  
  

• The prospect of an European peacekeeping force saw European defence stocks rise. German Rheinmetall was up 14%, Britain’s BAE Systems was up 15% and Italy’s Leonardo was up 16%. As a whole, the European Stoxx600 index is up 10% for 2025 so far. (Capital Brief)
  
  

• The North-East of Australia is preparing for Tropical Cyclone Alfred, expected to make landfall on Thursday or Friday this week. The General Manager of Coles in Queensland, Joanne Brown, has raised concerns about panic buying - similar to that experienced during COVID-19 - as supermarket shelves are emptied. (ABC News)
  
  

• Taiwan’s TSMC announced it would invest $100 billion in America over the next four years. This is on top of the $65 billion TSMC has already spent building 3 semiconductor foundries in Arizona. President Trump has accused Taiwan of “stealing” America’s semiconductor industry. (NY Times)
  
  

• The US Supreme Court has heard arguments in a novel legal case. The country of Mexico is suing seven American gun manufacturers, arguing that they have been negligently, recklessly and sometimes unlawfully selling guns that have contributed to Mexico’s gun violence. Over 30,000 Mexicans are murdered each year, and despite Mexico’s strict gun laws many of these murders happen with guns smuggled in from its northern border with the US. (NY Times)

What the…?

18 year old Barron Trump is keeping busy. On top of starting his freshman year at NYU’s Stern School of Business, the youngest of Trump’s children has also announced a luxury real estate development company focused on developing high-end properties in Utah, Arizona and Idaho. (Elite Agent)

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Investing is a lifelong journey

Here’s what you can learn today.

Timing Superannuation contributions

Community Question: Can I time my superannuation contribution when the market is down?

We put this question to Andy Darroch, financial adviser and Director of Independent Wealth Advice.

Yes, you absolutely can time contributions to super with market movements. Although, it’s not as simple or nimble as investing outside of super.

Generally, for good industry funds, your money will be treated as having been invested the day it hits the fund’s bank account. With BPAY for instance, it’s typically within 24 – 72 hours of sending the funds (factoring weekends etc). You also need to ensure that your “new contributions” are setup to be invested right away, which is the default setting for any good industry fund.

Now with timing contributions, you won’t have any control over your employer contributions (e.g. the 11% paid by your employer direct to your fund), but you do control any ‘voluntary contributions’, e.g. contributing your personal cash. In this case, you absolutely can “time” contributions for when the market is down.

You can also utilise dollar cost averaging for voluntary contributions and invest incrementally rather than making a single large contribution. If you’re in a good fund, this shouldn’t cause any major headaches or unnecessary fees.

Let’s remember superannuation is an ultra long-term investment with a long time horizon. Industry super funds are about the only example worldwide where everyday investors can get cutting edge exposure to things like private equity, infrastructure and unlisted property.

Yes, these assets aren’t as useful for opportunistic top ups, but they are incredibly well suited for delivering outstanding long term returns, reducing volatility and providing income in retirement.

Interesting in speaking to a financial adviser? Fill out the form on our website and we’ll match you with one of our hand-picked financial advisers.

Today’s sponsor is Scouting Australia Podcast

Join Sam Gordon, Equity Mates’ regular property expert, as he is joined in the studio by the APS Round Table as they dive deep into the key factors shaping the Australian housing market in 2025. 

They discuss crucial topics like stock levels, government changes, interest rate adjustments and the impact of legislative shifts. With predictions for the year ahead, the team explores market sentiment, growth opportunities and the importance of staying informed and continually learning.

Tune in to this educational episode on the Scouting Australia Podcast on all your favourite listening platforms.

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