Mercer actuary David Knox says the data used to determine the old age dependency ratio is “totally out of date” and overstates the severity of the problem.
From their inception, SMSFs have always attracted more than their fair share of criticism. Now it’s an ageing membership that’s being used to restrict their numbers.
What to watch for when considering new investments
The internet and data age has led to a proliferation of information being available to every investor from the experienced to the first-timers. This has seen a spike in finance and investment scams, but also both high- and low-quality investment opportunities being made available directly to consumers, passing the due diligence risk to the buyer.
After decades in the industry there are a few key characteristics that tend to stand-out and are best to look out for when assessing these new and emerging opportunities. The first, which has become more common in recent years, is the prevalence of storytelling as opposed to cold hard facts and data.
This has been highlighted by a growing number of investors in recent months, as the stories and themes behind many profitless technology companies reversed. Storytelling has been central to the passing of information over time but is also a powerful tool to gain support for unique, forward-looking concepts.
While understanding thematics and secular trends is important, these can end up being more cyclical than we appreciate, requiring the need to be flexible. The most important factor when making an investment is a real track record over multiple cycles, not the quality of a story.
Storytelling extends to the broad associations with other successful investors, and that is using the quotes of other experts to explain one’s own philosophy. There are millions of people who claim to invest like Buffett or Graham, but only one Buffett and one Graham. Quotes are great to provide context and support to an appropriate, but successful investors have their own approach that they adhere to, not copy others.
Investing is a long-term game, that requires both patience and flexibility to see the real benefits of compounding returns. There is a growing trend towards more restrictive terms, that is, longer periods for redemption, and waiting periods, which whilst suitable for some asset classes and investments, removes the optionality for the everyday investors. Every investment should be seen as a three-year investment, otherwise it is speculation, but being forced to lock-in said terms is likely excessive.
As it has been in business for decades, knowing what you are good at and focusing on that, and only that, is central to success. This is even more important when it comes to investing. Every investment must have a clear mandate, investment target and purpose, but most importantly, have a strategy that allows them to leverage their unique skillset. The process required to manage large companies, small companies and private ones is extremely different and, in my experience, the lack of a specific niche can impact long-term direction.
The final one is the quality of partners of any investment. That is, which brokers do they deal with, which custodian do they use, which administrator, unit trust registry or bank provider? Similarly, have they partnered with platforms, advisory firms and other groups? While neither a guarantee of success nor safety, it is worth considering.
