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Navigating the investment market can be difficult for the average retail investor, especially if they need more information on the various assets they can access for their portfolio.
Here are some of the Nest Egg articles that focus on important considerations when selecting investment assets for their portfolio. Some of these are the underlying assets, regulatory changes and taxation.
Consider the three discussions below:
In “Bricks and stones investors know, but commercial can aid in diversity”, the Nest Egg podcast team discussed opportunities that commercial properties can open up for investors with Steve Bennett, head of direct property at Charter Hall. In the podcast, Mr Bennett explained how investors can access commercial properties to diversify their portfolio and the benefits investors can reap from them.
He also highlighted the importance of doing due diligence when selecting a commercial property investment fund, especially when a gearing strategy is involved.
“You need to look at the manager's track record. Have they previously done what they said they would do? So, pick up the PDS, product disclosure statement. See what assets they said they would buy and have they delivered on that?” Mr Bennett advised.
Meanwhile, Australians with existing property investments can rest easy in 2018 because experts have looked into the budget and implied that property investors are not targeted—a welcome news after the government amended the tax rules and removed the privilege to claim tax deductions on travel expenses in relation to a property.
“A good budget for investors” discusses several “psychological wins” for property investors who could benefit from the focus of the current year’s budget.
One such win is the budget’s pleasing figures on infrastructure spending which may not directly affect property investors. However, gains from infrastructure improvements could still funnel down to their respective areas of investment.
Another area of concern for investors are the proposed changes to the imputation credit system. For those who are unaware, this system helps investors avoid getting their dividends taxed twice.
“Just a ‘myth’: will dividend reform see investors double-taxed?” discusses the opposing sides to the issue, with Labour senator for NSW Kristina Keneally denying the double taxation claims.
Revenue and financial services minister Kelly O’Dwyer disagrees with senator Keneally’s interpretation of the 1987-introduced franking and imputation system. She argues that shareholders who receive dividends have already paid company tax prior to receiving the money.
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO), on the other hand, considers the original 1987 policy as a relief to double taxation while recognising some revenue concerns with the refundability of issued franking credits that exceed the shareholders’ marginal tax rate.
Visit Nest Egg for more information and up-to-date discussions on investment assets, regulations and taxation.
