ARTICLES

During the last 30-40 year investment period, investors have been spoilt by an unusually favourable period for investments and asset prices. Following the high inflation and low growth period of the 1970s – when stocks and bonds did very poorly – inflation pressures finally subsided as did high interest rates. Furthermore, we had a massive period of peaceful prosperity and globalisation, enabling lower prices and greater economic efficiency. This created excellent conditions for most asset classes to flourish and with it growth orientated static Strategic Asset Allocation (SAA) portfolios and low-cost index funds.

The traditional risk-based investment approach, which determined how a client’s assets are invested based on their risk profile, aims to maximise returns for a given level of risk. Success is measured by comparing returns against market benchmarks, suggesting that investors should be pleased with negative returns, provided they are less negative than the benchmark! The approach also entails a high level of volatility that can decimate a client’s capital, particularly if they need to access their funds in the near term or lose faith in their investment plan and crystalise their losses.

Dynamic Asset Portfolio Manager, Jerome Lander, discusses the risks of the traditional risk based 'strategic asset allocation' - particularly during the very difficult market conditions we face today. He argues that unless advisers change the way that investor's money is managed, there's really no way to manage that risk.

Goals Based Advice is just the first step in Goals Based Investing.

Equity markets have bounced well over 20% since the lows just over a month ago, so technically we are already in a new bull market. 

With peak new cases now behind us, the economy agitating to reopen and governments starting to ease restrictions, is the massive fiscal and monetary stimulus in the pipes about to prove the bulls spectacularly right?

Superannuation and pension accounts form a significant portion of most investor's investments. Yet many advisers and investors alike struggle to solve the strategic issues that affect this segment. Two specific challenges are sequencing risk and, as lifespans increase and people’s health improves, the conundrum of longevity risk.

Sequencing risk is one of the most important things to consider when constructing your investment portfolio.

The idea that we should invest to meet our needs and goals is basic common sense. However, somewhat surprisingly, that is not what most players within the investment industry do.