Funds Management

Growth in superannuation drove Australia’s managed fund industry to near-record levels in the December 2022 quarter. While most asset classes delivered positive returns and Australian equities outperformed, investors are looking more to offshore assets for portfolio diversification.

As the RBA’s rate hiking campaign appears to approach its peak, investors looking to lock in term deposits should shop around to find the best rates, analysts say, warning that the complacent risk missing out.

Disruptor wealth platforms like HUB24, Netwealth and Praemium have been taking market share from the mostly bank-aligned platforms for years. While waning investor sentiment has hurt inflows recently, analysts say these platforms are still well positioned in the shift away from incumbents.

New data from bfinance and Invesco sees Australian investors and sovereign funds reducing exposure to growth assets in favour of private markets.

While the greater housing market is already reflecting the pain of constricting economic conditions, a new property fund partnership between Trilogy Funds and Michael Birch’s Murray Darling Capital shows the potential of ‘rent roll’ portfolios of rental property management agreements to provide exposure to the supersized Australian property sector even as the outlook darkens.

Analysts say Macquarie Group, which posted a $2.3 billion half-year profit and an 11 per cent increase in net operating income, can continue to grow its performance fees revenue and profits even if share and bond markets fall.

Like many people, Ashley O’Connor, head of investment strategy at Invesco Australia, did not exactly plan for the career he ultimately embarked upon. But some serendipity brought him to a role he truly values.

After ETF Securities was purchased by global financial services group Mirae Asset and repackaged as Global X ETFs Australia, the provider undertook a broad review of its pricing and slashed management fees to capitalise on fixed income opportunities.

One part of the market that is benefitting from inflation and interest rate increases is private debt; senior secured loans, in particular, have returned 4.8 per cent over the past two years.

The two fundies were among the major winners at the Australian Alternative Hedge Fund Awards in Sydney on Thursday night, with the event celebrating its 18th year in marking the best alternative managers in the country.

Despite a backdrop of weaker returns and uncertainty, Australian Ethical has continued to grow via great engagement and ‘consumer love’.

A new CEO should help convince investors that Magellan can be turned around. But proving they need Magellan, not an index, will be harder.