Daily FNArena News - SMSFundamentals

Very few Australians in general believe they will have enough money at retirement. Retired SMSFs by contrast are quite happy with the level of their retirement income. Advice is important.

Australian-listed ETFs grew at a record rate in 2013 to mark a record value of investment, with offshore funds proving the most popular.

As Charter Hall closes its second direct industrial property fund more than a year ahead of schedule, AMP surveys fresh global fund manager investment preferences.

ABS stats show super fund managers are moving away from cash and into risk assets while surveys from MLC and NAB on wealth sentiment and wellbeing find Australians concerned they do not have enough money saved for retirement.

The latest ASX-Russell Investments Long-Term Investing Report demonstrates that equities have still performed better than other asset classes over ten and twenty years but suggests that from here on, diversification will be key.

A survey of SMSFs by CoreData finds trustees accessing financial advice are more knowledgeable and have more diversified portfolio allocations than those going it alone, as we shift into a new climate for retirement investment.

Where will SMSFs put their money once term deposits lose their appeal and defensive high-yield stocks run out of puff? Direct property investment funds have a track record of stable returns on attractive yields.

Westpac and NAB will both issue high-yield hybrid securities next month. Investors need to be fully aware of how they stack up against other opportunities.

BullionVault’s Adrian Ash argues gold still has a role to play in any long term, diversified investment portfolio.

A multi-asset approach to reduce risks and volatility through cycles? PFP’s Tim Price discusses two unusual alternatives.