Week 4 Flashcards
Indirect investment
Indirect investment involves investing through Managed Investment Schemes (MIS)
A MIS fund is a type of financial service that receives money from its investors and then invests that money on their behalf in a diversified portfolio of various assets
MIS allow the investor to choose asset allocations to achieve objectives whilst maintaining their desired levels of risk
What is Asset Allocation?
Is the process of determining the mix of investments in a portfolio among different asset classes having in mind the investment outlook and the risk / return objectives of the investor:
objective is to find an allocation which is appropriate for the investor and aims to provide the most efficient portfolio.
asset allocations range from conservative through to aggressive
financial planner has to devise a strategy based on needs and objectives of client (know your client and products)
Understanding the clients Financial Concerns- Part of Risk Profile Questionnaire
Time Horizon Tax Benefits Accessibility Diversification Estate Planning Capital growth Liquidity Stability/Capital security Investment Income Investment Risk Insurance
Risk Profile Options
Defensive Risk Adverse 100% income Conservative 20% growth, 80% income Moderate 40% growth, 60% income Balanced 60% growth, 40% income Growth 80% growth, 20% income High Growth/ Aggressive 100% growth, 0% income
Strategic approach to asset allocation
focuses on long term performance objectives to establish asset mix
portfolio will need to be amended from time to time to bring portfolio back to original mix
Tactical approach to asset allocation
changes the asset mix based on predictions of how the investor expects the market to perform
asset switching occurs in an attempt to outperform the market
The managed fund industry is made up of:
Superannuation funds Unlisted managed funds Unit trusts Exchange Traded Funds (ETF) friendly society and life insurance bonds allocated pensions
Whose involved in Managed Funds
Financial Institutions: Insurance Companies, Banks, Boutiques etc.
Work as the responsible entity for managed funds
Investment Managers/Portfolio Managers
Chooses assets to be included in fund
Investment Analyst /Investment Strategist
Researches information about assets for the manager
Economist
Researchers local and global economic trends
Business Development Managers
Creates financial products to meet investors needs
Financial Planners
Recommends funds to clients
Internet companies- Morningstar, DirectInvest
Review performance of funds and fees
Regulation of Managed Funds in Australia
Three pillars of financial services regulation
ASIC
APRA
RBA
ASIC
Monitors managed fund industry
Ensures compliance with legislation
Regularly issues policy statements outlining changes and areas of concern
APRA
Supervises banking and financing industry (Prudential regulation)
RBA
Monetary policy, systemic stability and payment systems regulations
Industry bodies impacting on managed investment markets are:
Financial Services Council (FSC) -ASX - SFE
Characteristics of Managed Funds
A managed fund is characterised by the: Type of asset the fund invests in Management structure Regulatory structure required for its operation Managed funds provide investors with a pooled investment structure with: Decreased costs Decreased risks Increased returns
MANAGED INVESTMENT SCHEME
The Management structure of Managed funds in Australia
A single Responsibility Entity (RE) (a public company holding an AFSL)
Constitution and compliance plan
Product disclosure statements (PDS) (Risk, Cost, Return) and Prospectus
Unit holders (investors)
Conduct independent audits
TRUST
The Management structure of Managed funds in Australia
The trust deed
The trust manager
The trustees
The Operations of a Managed Investment Scheme
Investor completes application form in prospectus and submits with cash.
monies are collected into marketable parcel for investing in the listed assets.
Certificate issued to investor and a statement of fees.
Income earned on fund released to unit holders periodically.
Change in value of the assets reflected in changes in the unit price.
Using Managed Funds as an Investment Strategy
Managed funds provide investors with a greater choice of assets than direct investing.
Using managed funds helps investors build a diversified portfolio of investments.
Broadening out of risk-return frontier
Wider range of assets for Asset Liability Management purposes
Shortfall risk more evenly balanced
Take advantage of the benefits of international investment
Benefits of Diversification
Diversification across managers
Diversification across sectors
Diversification across countries
Diversification across managers
Value based or growth based approach to investing
Passive / index-linked portfolio management scheme
Specific sectors only
Tactical asset allocation approach
Diversification across sector
Exposure to cycle of returns for different asset classes with less capital
Diversification across countries
Can reduce risk and enhance returns on portfolios