Thanks everyone.Still more to do but so far have gone over: AFI,...

Thanks everyone.

Still more to do but so far have gone over: AFI, ARG, CYA, DJW, ELI, MIR and GMI.

AFI and ARG on face value almost look like clones. Similar fees AFI slightly > ARG.
AFI (up to 31 July 2008) has better returns over each year out to 5yrs. ARG better at 10 year mark. Again though not that much different and over long term, nothing in it. As for investments, very similar just the ratios different. Which will give the slight variances in return. Though in saying this if you held both for 3 years AFI has just about outperformed by double. AFI 3yrs 12.56% and ARG 3yrs 6.8%. All figures from each companies home page. What will show up in the year to come is how the individual companies read the coming year or two. Ie the different blue chip ratios will either help or hinder. So in my mind the decission will be based on the percieved management ability and that I have no idea on. Views on the reasons for and against each one will really help me and those watching this thread!!!!!

DJW very similar investments to AFI and ARG but lower returns.

CYA have limited banking and resources and a tad gloomy on the potential for both.

ELI and MIR very different investment profile. Almost nothing to do with big blue chips nor the typical big resource and banking bent of AFI and ARG. In gas, oil, health, infrastructure companies, etc. So I'd gather trying to get better return to risk. You might not agree but my take is: years to come will be gas, oil, uranium for energy. Health aways, infra for resources and public. Public infra over the coming decade will increase and even if resources do go belly up many projects are on the books now so those companies will be still makeing profits regardless for a year or two. Both are small caps. Not saying AFI or ARG don't have the above but more in general resources (BHP RIO) and big blue chips. But I'd say ELI and MIR will be trying to pick smaller caps that have the ability for bigger returns. However on the flip side potential for bigger losses. At this stage maybe worth a small bet but want to check out CTN as suggestged.

GMI only resources. If you think resources are the go for the coming year or two I think apart from owning individual groups, GMI will be ok. If resources drops then GMI could plumet. The NTA discount over the resources drop in Jul/Aug really blew out quickly. So looks like above average return if resources continue and shocking if they burst.

Now will check out the other LIC's suggested.