Investment risk in a volatile market

The outlook for world markets looks increasingly volatile, with the result of this week’s Brexit vote liable to strongly influence markets.

Stocks fell last week as the probability of an exit grew as the week progressed. However, this will reverse if remain campaign gathers momentum.

Here are some interesting funds that you should discuss with your trusted financial advisor AFTER the Brexit vote.

These funds are suitable for investors willing to waive capital security and are available for direct investment and pension investors.

New Ireland iFunds 3

Features of the iFunds 3 – this range of funds has been hugely successful in attracting investors, they now have c.€1 billion in assets under management. iFunds 3 is a diversified portfolio of funds designed and managed for customers looking for a Low to Medium Risk investment. Risk within iFunds 3 is managed in a number of different ways - by providing exposure to leading investment managers and a diverse range of asset classes and by ensuring the mix and type of assets are suitable for the targeted risk level.

This fund offers diversification by asset class, diversification by geographic region/Sector, diversification by company, currency management, management of asset correlations, fund managed to clients risk tolerance ESMA 3 , re-balancing of asset classes, fund manager diversification and various risk management strategies.

Performance 4.40% per annum growth between 17Feb 2014 and 31 May 2016 with 3.50% Volatility.

In 2015 it yielded growth of 2.40% gross of management fees and taxation.

The iFunds 3 asset split as at 30 April 2016 was 26.80 Bonds, 26.00 Alternatives investments, 25.70% Equities, 13.10% cash and 8.40% property.

DAVY GPS Cautious Growth

Features of the DAVY GPS Cautious Growth – Target long term return 4-5% per annum. There is no guarantee that this will be achieved, however, these estimates are made based upon expected future returns for each asset class and the target asset allocation.

May performance = 1.00%, YTD = -0.10%, 2015 = 3.50%, 2014 = 8.80%  (3 year annualised 4.20% per annum (net of all fees) and volatility 4.90%

This fund offers transparency on holdings and the clear charging, the total expense ratio of 1.45% per annum (this includes our fee) and the fact the 1.00% life assurance levy is not payable by investors. Its mandate has unconstrained investment manager choice, exposure to the ‘best in class ‘ fund managers, risk profiled (ESMA 3) and manged to ensure it remains within this band, combination of both passive and active management, tax efficient and it has performed well versus peer group. For example, the DAVY GPS Cautious has a tactical asset allocation that is underweight in bonds and overweight cash right now.

Back tested historical stress tests during the following periods suggest the following performance figures during key market down turns

Russian /LTCM Crises global equities -21.00%, DAVY GPS Cautious portfolio -5.00%, Tech bubble burst -55.00% and DAVY GPS Cautious Managed -7.00% and Global Financial Crisis -50% Global equities , DAVY Cautious GPS Managed -14.00%Recent examples of sells offs and actual impact on this fund :2015 Greek Crisis (27th May – 8th July) MSCI -15.60%, Eurostoxx, -14.40% and DAVY GPS Cautious Growth -2.60%China sell off (05 August – 24th August) MSCI -15.60% , Eurostoxx -14.40% and DAVY GPS Cautious Growth -4.70%

Standard Life Global Absolute Return Fund

Standard Life Global Absolute Return Strategies Fund (GARS) aims to provide positive investment returns over the medium to long term in all market conditions. It has a target return of cash* +5% per annum (gross of charges) over rolling three year periods. *As measured by the six month European Interbank Offer Rate (Euribor)GARS is ideal for investors looking for competitive returns but with less of the volatility associated with stock market investment - it is not a substitute for cash or deposits.

GARS aims to make money in all market conditions, increased diversification, easy access as priced daily and Standard Life is a huge asset manager, managing in excess of €352 billon on behalf of customers worldwide. Standard Life GARS has delivered so far.

Global absolute return fund –  based upon data March 2016 – rolling 3 year average figures between 30 June 2006 and 29 February 2016 – lowest return per annum 4.20%, highest return per annum 13.50% and average return per annum 8.10%.Other key metrics between 12 June 2006 to 31 Dec 2015 : Volatility measured between these two periods - GARS 5.30%, Global Equities 13.40% and Irish Pension Managed Fund 10.80% Maximum drawdown measured between these two periods -GARS -13.80%, Global Equities -52.90% and Irish Pension Managed -46.00%

AVIVA AIMS fund

The Fund invests globally in a wide range of assets including equities, fixed interest and other debt securities (both corporate and government), money market securities, deposits, and other regulated funds.

It also makes significant use of a range of complex financial instruments known broadly as derivatives, whose values are linked to the performance of other underlying assets. Derivatives may be used to reduce risk or manage the Fund more efficiently and will be used with the aim of contributing to the target return and volatility aim of the Fund.

Derivatives will be used to take long and short positions in markets, assets and groups of assets. Short positions means holding derivatives that seek to deliver a return when the assets they are linked to fall in value. Long positions are akin to traditional investing, where the Fund seeks to deliver a return if assets rise in value.

This fund targets a gross annual income of 4.00% above ECB base rate or equivalent – it is however not in any way guaranteed

It invests in a range of different investment strategies and aims to achieve less than 50% of the volatility of global equities over any three year period and uses 5 other diversifying strategies – equity dividends, REIT dividends, corporate bond coupons, options and government bond coupons. Recent performance during volatile periods does demonstrate what the fund is about – delivering growth in stressed times such as

Oct 14 –to Nov 14 Recovery post economic slowdown in China/Japan market turmoil – AIMS +4.20% MSCI world index 10.49%,Dec 14 – Feb 15 Rally due to QE in Europe AIMS 6.15% Market 9.36%,Jun 15 – Jul 15 Grexit threat AIMS 0.28% and MSCI -4.84%,August 2015 Commodities and emerging currencies sell off AIMS -2.02% and MSCI -11.15% and

Dec 15 – Feb 16 ECB and BoJ Fed rate hike and China growth concerns AIMS -0.73% and MSCI -14.88%

Want to know more? We are available to discuss your options, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Our job is to help you choose a product and structure that will help you meet your goals.

telephone | 091441188 and/or email | office@nelsonlife.ie

RETIREMENT & PENSIONS |  INVESTMENTS | FINANCIAL PLANNING | LIFE INSURANCE

Nelson Life Limited trading as Nelson Life is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

WARNING: Past performance is not a reliable guide to future performance. WARNING: The value of your investment may go down as well as up. WARNING: You may lose some or all of the money you invest. WARNING: These funds may be affected by changes in currency exchange rates. WARNING: If you invest into this product you will have access until you retire (Pension Products). WARNING: The above content does not constitute investment advice, as it does not take into account the investment objectives, knowledge and experience of financial situation of any particular person. Prospective investors are advised to make their own assessment of the information contained herein and to obtain professional advice suitable to their own individual circumstances. WARNING: The information contained in this document is based on our understanding of current tax legislation and the current Revenue Commissioners interpretation thereof and is subject to change including retrospectively without notice. This is intended as a general guide only and is not a substitute for professional tax, legal and investment advice. 

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