Helm

Bonds - or fixed interest - as an asset class has different investment characteristics to equities and provides benefits to portfolios regardless of investor risk aversion or market conditions.

Investors with a self-managed super fund enjoy greater control and flexibility over their investments than members of large public offer funds. But with that control comes the weight of making decisions that can significantly impact their retirement savings and lifestyle.

Amidst the turmoil of global sharemarkets and at a time when investors were re-evaluating their portfolios, a product emerged on the scene which, despite having been available on the ASX for several years, began attracting investors seeking broader diversification at a low cost.

This edition of Helm has a focus on asset allocation and why it is important to include diversification in and within asset classes in order to spread your risk. We also discuss what the best indicator of success is when choosing a fund based on Morningstar US research.

Spring is in the air and there are measures we can all take which can help to build back up your super savings and maximise the money you will have to spend in your retirement.

Investors can not control volatile investment markets but what they can control is their investment costs.

Investors choosing to diversify their portfolios by taking on overseas holdings face the issue of whether to hedge their foreign exchange exposures.

Superannuation is the subject of an unprecedented level of speculation about possible legislative changes – and investors should expect that to continue through most of next year.