Asian shares have been hard hit by the global financial crisis and subsequent global recession. However, at a time when the medium term outlook for US, European and Japanese shares is fraught with uncertainty there are good reasons to believe Asian shares (ex Japan) will perform well over the next 5 to 10 years.

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As if investors didn't have enoug to worry about, concerns about another flu pandemic - swine flu in this case - are now causing concerns globally following deaths in Mexico and spreading to various parts of the world.

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After slowing sharply late last year - highlighted by a slump in GDP growth from a peak of near 13% in 2007 to just 6.1% over the year to the March quarter - a range of indicators are pointing to a recovery in China.

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On 12 May 2009, Treasurer Wayne Swan delivered his second Federal Budget. There are a number of announcements of which financial planners and their clients need to be aware.

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Was this the budget that we had to have? The Australian Federal Budget for 2009/2010 was full of handouts and very little pain.

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Publication: Summer Newsletter 2010 

Improving Your Quality of Life Article by Jon Sciortino

More and more you'll hear us talk about helping you to improve your quality of life. Why? Because at Addwealth, getting your financial house in order is only one piece of the puzzle.

Lao-Tzu (c 604- c 531 BC), founder of Taoism is attributed with the saying "the longest journey starts with a single step." The same is true when considering how you might go about improving your quality of life - start with the little things.

Here's a list that's not exhaustive, but might give you some food for thought in your individual quest for a better quality of life:

• Sleep - the average person needs a minimum of 7 hours sleep a night to keep a healthy mind and body, including your immune system, appearance, memory, eyesight and...Lifespan.
• Breakfast - it gets your metabolism going and provides fuel for your body after a long period without it. Slow energy release foods are better to make the fuel last longer.
• Water - the human body is mostly water - between 55% and 78% - so it makes sense to keep it hydrated. Drinking at least 1.5 litres a day is a good start.
• Two and Five - we've all heard and seen the advertisements, but it does actually make sense. Two serves of fruit and five serves of veggies a day really is healthy!
• Memorabilia - get comfortable with imagery of your favourite things. For example, pictures of loved ones, great scenery, things you want and places you'd like to visit. These act to stimulate your senses - it's powerful stuff.
• Talk, Don't Text - having a real conversation with someone is so much more fulfilling than sending them a bunch of letters on an electronic device. Face-to-face interactions are even better - non-verbal communication is so important, and humans are social creatures.
• Exercise - they aren't kidding when they say "find 30". And that's 30 minutes a day, not 30 seconds. Exercise releases endorphins, serotonin, adrenaline and dopamine, all of which are essential for human development.

Research shows that in addition to being financially healthy, you need to make sure you look after your physical and mental health, relationships and your inner wellbeing.

By the way, these can't be delegated to someone else - only you can do it. Good luck!