How is Your Asset Allocation Tracking?

by Dominique Schuh

The Australian share market has closed higher as positive news from steelmaker BlueScope Steel and medical device maker ResMed buoyed investors ahead of the main company earnings season in February. At the close, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 was up 21.4 points, or 0.4 per cent, at 5671.5 points while the broader All Ordinaries index was up 19.7 points, or 0.30 per cent, at 5726 points. Wall Street edged higher on Tuesday, led by technology and materials stocks, as the corporate earnings season kicked into high gear. Investors are also seeking more clarity on President Donald Trump's economic policies.

What does this mean for you?

Have you noticed a change in your Centrelink aged pension payments? The Asset and Income limits were reduced on the 1st January this year, and if your aged pension income has lessened, you may need to consider reducing your asset base. This can be achieved by spending some money on home improvements, gifting, investing in a funeral bond or simply spending some of your money. This may not be an ideal outcome for you, but these options may just help to increase your aged pension slightly.

How is your asset allocation tracking? If you've received some dividends or distributions from your investments recently, it's a good idea to check in on what you're doing with that cash. Are you just waiting for an opportunity to buy something, or are you blissfully unaware of what your investments have earned? To avoid this, talk to us about a regular investment plan that will allow you to keep investing small amounts on a continual basis, to ensure your cash is working for you. Investing on a consistent and regular basis avoids the associated risk of trying to "time" the market. Plus, it also ensures that your investing actually happens.

If you would like to review your current structures, contact us today on 5482 2855.