As super rules and markets change, it can be helpful to step back and look at your own strategy and what other super funds are doing. To help you get started, we’ve put together some information and tools to allow you to see where you’re invested and compare your SMSF.
From looking at how SMSFs invested in 2017 and why diversification is important, to creating your own pie chart and exploring BT SMSF – find out more about what you could consider for your SMSF strategy.
How SMSFs invested in 2017
Take a look at how SMSFs invested their super as at December 2017, compared to how all other super funds were invested.1
All SMSFs - generally had more concentrated portfolios with investments primarily in Australian shares, cash and property.
All other super funds2 - were diversified with investments in international markets, fixed interest and other asset classes.
| Investment class | All SMSFs | All other super funds |
|---|---|---|
| Australian shares | 30% | 23% |
| Cash | 23% | 11% |
| Property | 15% | 8% |
| Fixed income | 1% | 21% |
| International shares | 1% | 24% |
| Unlisted shares | 1% | 4% |
| Infrastructure | 0% | 5% |
| Other | 28% | 4% |
See footnotes
1. Asset allocation data sourced from Moneysmart.gov.au. 'Table 1: How APRA-regulated super funds and SMSFs are invested, as at 31 December 2017'.
2. This includes all Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) regulated super funds. Super funds regulated by APRA are typically large funds with thousands of members – such as a large industry, retail or corporate fund. The figures quoted for all other super funds do not include SMSFs, which are regulated by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
3. Data on infrastructure investments is not available for SMSFs.
4. For SMSFs, ‘other’ investments include: Listed and unlisted trusts, managed investments, and collectables. For all other super funds, it includes hedge funds.
View this pie chart data as a table
See how SMSFs invested their super as at December 2017, compared to how all other super funds were invested.1
All SMSFs |
All other super funds2 |
|
Australian shares |
30% |
23% |
Cash |
23% |
11% |
Property |
15% |
8% |
Fixed income |
1% |
21% |
International shares |
1% |
24% |
Shares in unlisted companies |
1% |
4% |
Infrastructure3 |
0% |
5% |
Other4 |
28% |
4% |
TOTAL5 |
99% |
100% |
1. Asset allocation data sourced from Moneysmart.gov.au. ‘Table 1: How APRA-regulated super funds and SMSFs are invested, as at 31 December 2017’.
2. This includes all Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) regulated. Super funds regulated by APRA are typically large funds with thousands of members – such as a large industry, retail or corporate fund. The figures quoted for all other super funds do not include SMSFs, which are regulated by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
3. Data on infrastructure investments is not available for SMSFs.
4. For SMSFs, ‘other’ investments include: Listed and unlisted trusts, managed investments, and collectables. For all other super funds, it includes hedge funds.
5. May not equal 100% due to rounding.
Important things to think about
The data above includes a mix of members who are still working and accumulating their super, or in retirement and drawing down a pension. So it’s important you decide your SMSF’s investment mix based on the needs of your members.
Here are some questions for each member to consider:
- How old are you?
- How close are you to retirement or are you in retirement?
- What are your retirement goals?
- How much super will you need?
- What is your appetite for risk?
- How do you feel about potential risks versus possible return?
- How are markets performing?
- How much does your SMSF need to keep in cash to pay pensions or running costs?
1. 'Other’ includes listed and unlisted trusts, managed investments, and collectables
This tool is for illustrative purposes only, it is not intended to be relied on for the purposes of making a decision in relation to a financial product. The information you enter is not saved or stored by BT.
Why is SMSF diversification important?
Discover the benefits of building a diverse SMSF portfolio and broadening your investment horizons.
Building a diversified portfolio is easy with online access to Australian shares, ETFs, term deposits, managed funds and professionally managed portfolios.
Insights you may be interested in:
-
Is your portfolio mix right or is it time to make some adjustments?
-
Check our latest market and investment insights for SMSFs.
Get help if you need it
What you need to know
The information on this website has been prepared by BT Portfolio Services Ltd ABN 73 095 055 208 AFSL 233715 (BTPS) and is current as at November 2018. The information provided is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and so you should consider its appropriateness having regard to these factors before acting on it. All examples and images are for illustrative purposes only. Your portfolio value and performance are likely to be different and will depend on the investment options you have selected and the time period over which you are invested in those options. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
BT Portfolio Services Ltd ABN 73 095 055 208 AFSL 233715 (BTPS) operates Panorama Investments. Westpac Financial Services Ltd ABN 20 000 241 127 AFSL 233716 (WFSL) is the responsible entity and issuer of interests in BT Managed Portfolios. Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714 (Westpac) is the issuer of the BT Cash Management Account (BT CMA). Together, these products are referred to as the Panorama products.
A Product Disclosure Statement or other disclosure document (PDS) for the Panorama products can be obtained by contacting BT on 1300 554 267 or by visiting www.bt.com.au/smsf. You should obtain and consider the relevant PDS before deciding whether to acquire, continue to hold or dispose of interests in the Panorama products.
BTPS, BTFM and WFSL are subsidiaries of Westpac. Apart from any interest investors may have in Westpac term deposits, Westpac securities or the BT CMA acquired through the Panorama products, an investment acquired using, the Panorama products is not an investment in, deposit with or any other liability of Westpac or any other company in the Westpac Group. These investments are subject to investment risk, including possible delays in repayment of withdrawal proceeds and loss of income and principal invested. Westpac and its related entities do not stand behind or otherwise guarantee the capital value or investment performance of any investments acquired through the Panorama products.