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It's more likely an accident than a conspiracy that two very negative articles ran on the same day but they conveyed the impression that anyone who puts their money into a new float is in for a painful experience and that, moreover, the retail investor requires protection from the myriad of sharks and duds in the new issue market.

Companies that joined the ASX lists in the first quarter returned considerably more than the Top 200 companies - by 6.7 per cent in fact. And first day IPO performance has been markedly better still, with investors who subscribed to those floats having enjoyed an average return of 9.2 per cent. A strong show for the start of the year - the question is, why?

There have been many wonderful 20th Century one-liners quipped, from experts who did well in investing and genuinely wanted to share their wisdom.  Keep these insightful pearls of wisdom in mind when thinking about your next investment. 

One category of collective investment that’s been powering ahead despite the recent market volatility is the Listed Investment Company, or LIC. LICs have been around for decades. They allow retail investors to get exposure to a wide spread of holdings via one entity that can easily be bought and sold.

Not all IPOs are created equal. If you’re going to put your hard earned cash into the public float of a company, what are the markers of a good investment? Here are 7 questions to ask that will hopefully put you on the plus side of the ledger when the shares actually list on the ASX.

There’s a lot to be said for being a contrarian investor: someone who buys stocks when other investors are scrambling to sell. It’s generally a much better way, long term, to invest, even if there can be moments when you might be racked with self doubt.

It isn't imprudent, considering recent events, to ask yourself: “If I buy shares in an IPO that represents an exit by a private equity group, will I be comprehensively done over?” Statistics indicate that in fact over the long haul, you would be better off actually backing PE exits than avoiding them.

A popular myth is that IPOs are a risky investment strategy compared to buying stock in companies that are already trading. But looking at the numbers, the reality – in 2015 at least – is that IPOs delivered much higher gains than most blue-chips and market indices.

Come on, ‘Straya – it’s time to take the market to the people. From Bondi to Quambone, we’re asking all Australians to #GetOnMarket, because now everyone can invest from anywhere at any time – and on the same terms as the big end of town. We’ll be updating this blog with towns, cities, and places around Australia that are getting OnMarket.

Everyone is asking… how have On-Market BookBuilds’ deals performed for investors? So, we ran the numbers on a buy and hold strategy and the results speak for themselves: if you had invested $10,000 in every transaction we’ve offered to the public since October 2013, you would be 32% better off today.

There was a motley crowd of suits, jeans, and cameras loitering outside a CBD office building at 7:50am on Saturday. All keen participants in the world’s first PolicyHack, put together with impressive efficiency by startup accelerator BlueChilli, the office of the Assistant Minister for Innovation Wyatt Roy, and lobby group StartupAUS.

It was a very, very big day. We are honoured that the Prime Minister of Australia, Malcolm Turnbull, launched OnMarket to a room full of our fintech colleagues and friends. It was standing room only, and with over 200 in attendance there was a palpable buzz in the room.

Bob Dylan did it in the first ever music video, INXS did it in the 80's, OnMarket have now done it in Fintech ... have you ever been rejected?

We are the mattress stuffing generation and it’s time to change our habits. We have become so good at saving and so judicious about spending that we put our parents’ generation to shame.

Nick Motteram, Managing Director of OnMarket BookBuilds, explains to OpenMarkets what ASX BookBuild is all about and how it works.

OpenMarkets, a strong supporter of ASX BookBuild, is an independent technology stockbroker that specialises in execution only broker services for trading on the Australian markets.  

UK recommends ASX BookBuild as the best way to sell down government assets.

The UK Myners Inquiry into the Royal Mail IPO has issued a ringing endorsement of ASX BookBuild in its final report.

Recently, 17 years after the dotcom boom and in the context of a growing technology sector, questions have been raised about whether or not we find ourselves - once again - in a tech bubble. We don’t think so, and here are 5 reasons why.

The recommendations from Australia's first financial inquiry in 17 years is due into Treasurer Joe Hockey’s office this weekend. David Murray, former CEO of CBA and Chairman of the Future Fund, could change the landscape for retail investors and small shareholders.

The Holy Grail for any company issuing new equity is to build a book of investors who understand the company, support the company, and will stick around for more than a week.

As investors look to diversify from struggling resources stocks, the technology sector is increasingly becoming a preferred destination for Australian capital.

You can be sure you will be watched closely not only by your shareholders, but also by those who represent them - particularly when issuing new equity or buying and selling assets. Best practice corporate governance and a sharp eye on duty of care obligations are a must.