Advisers choosing investments must do more than ‘read the packet’
Just because exchange-traded funds (ETFs) share the same income objectives, doesn’t mean they’ll produce the same results, and Lonsec research has warned investors to look under the hood to see how individual funds construct their index.
Lonsec said smart beta ETFs are becoming increasingly popular for their relatively cheap fees, but investors should be mindful that not all income is created equal, and ETFs with similar income objectives can exhibit markedly difference performance,
Lonsec advised things like quality, liquidity and weights of certain stocks can result in funds with different allocations, so financial advisers “need to do more than simply read the packet” when selecting investment products.
“Financial advisers should have a thorough understanding of how individual smart beta products operate to ensure they deliver outcomes in line with their clients’ investment objectives,” said Lonsec.
Recommended for you
The latest budget papers have outlined a $10 million provision for ASIC greenwashing enforcement activity as well as funds for a sustainable labelling regime to be partially met by industry levies.
Betashares has expanded its fixed income solutions with the launch of a new ETF offering exposure to subordinated bonds issued by the big four Australian banks.
The latest monthly Bank of America global fund manager survey has found investors are starting to shift cash into bonds as cash allocations reach a three-year low.
AUSIEX analysis has discovered the net traded value of Australian dollar fixed income ETFs more than doubled from January to April, reflecting growing investor demand.