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A routine task for financial journalists at this time of year is to write a summary of the year in markets and to survey economists on their expectations for the coming year. These so-called ‘year-enders’ are worth revisiting 12 months on.
Ask a farmer about average rainfall and he’s likely to react sceptically. Knowing how actual rainfall varies from year to year, farmers carefully manage their crops and irrigation. It’s a lesson many investors could learn as well, with published ‘average’ returns masking a wide range of possible outcomes.
The lure of trying to time the market may tempt even long-term investors. But outguessing markets isn’t as straightforward as it sounds.
Political debate regarding the refunding of franking credits for those that don’t pay tax is starting to heat up. I must have been asked by a dozen people what the hubbub is all about.
“Can you explain simply dividend imputation, franking credits and double taxation” It is a little complicated and I reckon the best way to explain is by example. Let me know if this makes sense. Once a decision has been made to buy an investment, it is important to consider the best investment structure to use. An investment structure refers to the way investments are legally owned. Many people simply purchase assets in their own name or joint names, when other ownership structures may be more suitable.
Market volatility can create anxious moments for even the most disciplined of long-term investors. But people who make it through to their goals are usually the ones who can separate the feeling itself from the urge to act upon it.
Understanding how markets work can make it easier to deal with volatile periods. Here is a layman’s explanation.  If we acted logically, would we ever eat food that’s not good for us? No. Would we ever skip our exercise? No. Would we drink and drive? No. None of these are logical, but it still doesn't stop us.
Emotion gets involved.
It turns out that Isaac Newton was a better physicist than he was an investor. Newton lost a fortune-around £20,000-in one of history’s most notorious market collapses, the South Sea bubble, when the South Sea company collapsed in 1720 (that’s the equivalent of about £7,500,000 in today’s money. Ouch!)
 Do you want to know a secret? Building long-term wealth through investment doesn’t have to be complicated. And it doesn’t depend on making forecasts. The simple fact is that market returns are there for the taking, so long as you stay disciplined and build a diversified strategy around risks that carry a reliable reward.
 The media would have you believe that a successful investment experience comes from picking stocks, timing your entry and exit points, making accurate predictions and outguessing the market.
Is there a better way? |
FPA Certified Financial Planner® Professional Of The Year 2016
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Anthony Sandercock (AR 287974) and TTLB Investments Pty Ltd T/A wetalkmoney (CAR 467267) are authorised representatives of
Boston Reed Pty Ltd AFSL 225738 ABN 89 091 004 885