Investment strategy

All SMSFs are required to have a written investment strategy. The investment strategy starts with the investment objectives and then sets out the parameters for the investments usually including an asset allocation. Other factors that the investment strategy should take into account include:

  • Risk vs return
  • Diversification
  • Liquidity needs (how easily and quickly the assets can be converted to cash)
  • Ability to discharge liabilities as they fall due
  • Insurance needs of the members

The investment strategy should be based on the objectives, needs and preferences of each SMSF member. Factors to consider include their age, their retirement needs and their attitude towards risk.

A review of the investment strategy should be conducted on a regular basis to ensure it continues to reflect the members’ circumstances. All decisions should be documented, including the decision to make no changes.

Investment Options

When it comes to investment options for SMSFs, you get a lot of choice. Your fund can invest in:

  • cash
  • term deposits
  • direct shares
  • managed funds
  • property and more.

As well as a wide range of investment choice, you get to choose the mix of investments for your fund through an investment strategy.

Below are a few things to consider when you’re planning your investment strategy.

Diversity

Diversification is about investing in a variety of assets so that no single asset drives the performance and risk of an investment portfolio. It can mean positively performing investments balance out the negatively performing ones.

This can help lower the risk across a portfolio and smooth out investment returns over time. While this may not lead to huge gains, the effect of big losses may not be felt as strongly.

Liquidity

Although you’re generally unable to access your super until retirement it’s still important to consider how accessible cash is in an investment (eg an at-call deposit account is very liquid, while property is not).

SMSFs can have a combination of liquid and illiquid assets so you may need to think about cash flow and when you’ll need access to your money. For example, if a member passes away, the trustees may need to access cash within the SMSF to pay out the estate of the deceased.

Asset allocation profiles

Asset allocation is how your investment portfolio is spread across different investments. Asset allocation can often involve considering the split between growth investments (generally more aggressive) and interest bearing investments (generally more conservative).

Based on a minimum balance of $200,000 and as an example, a diversified portfolio might invest the following amounts in each asset class.

This is an example diversified portfolio only. You should speak to your financial adviser if you require personal financial product advice.

Source: Strategic asset allocation is based on AMP Capital Future Directions Funds.

Conservative: AMP Capital Future Directions Conservative Fund.

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Important information

It's important to consider your particular circumstances and read the relevant Financial Services Guide (including the Terms and Conditions) before deciding what’s right for you. This information hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. On this page 'you' and 'your’ means the trustee(s) of your SMSF. As a trustee of your SMSF you are ultimately responsible for your SMSF, including the investment decisions that you make for your SMSF. If you need assistance, please seek a financial adviser. Any tax information provided is general, intended as a guide only, and based on our understanding of taxation laws current at date of publication. It is not a substitute for specialised taxation advice or an assessment of liabilities, obligations or entitlements that arise, or could arise, under tax law. We recommend consulting a registered tax agent / tax professional. Consider the SMSF Administration Solutions Pty Ltd Financial Services Guides (including Terms and Conditions) for information about our services, fees, and the remuneration and other benefits that AMP companies and their representatives may receive in relation to products and services provided to you.

The AMP SMSF Administration service is offered by SMSF Administration Solutions Pty Ltd ABN 76 097 695 988 AFSL 291195 trading as AMP SMSF Administration, an AMP Group Company.