TCAM

Some investors have a different view on sharemarket declines. They see the low stock prices as a chance to get a bargain.

During times of market turbulence, it is our natural instinct to guard our assets and distance ourselves from risk. While this reaction is not surprising, it can also mean missing out on growth opportunities created during crazy periods.

Warren Buffet, one of the world’s wealthiest professional investors, believes market downturns from another viewpoint, saying “Look at market swings as your friend rather than your enemy; profit from folly rather than participate in it.”

Generally when we see a lower price for something we want we rush in for a bargain, however it can be quite the opposite with stocks. Why is it that we treat stocks that have dropped in price with dread? Share prices of a company can fall for a multitude of reasons.

Lately we have seen the stock prices of a number of reputable companies with sound balance sheets be negatively affected due to a rush to sell as a result of the economic crisis.

Despite the uncertain share trading environment, professional investors are always reviewing the market for buying opportunities. Many superannuation managers are searching to find shares in sound companies with strong balance sheets and dividends. For example Australian companies such as household names like David Jones have delivered strong profits after tax and dividends in 2008. However during 2008, David Jones’ share price fell by more than 30%.

Identifying opportunities
Not all businesses will be affected by the global economic crisis in the same way. Some industries are more susceptible to the economic cycle than others.

Providers of basic goods and services continue on almost unabated, for example we all need to eat - so food producers aren’t as affected as much as manufacturing, retail or luxury goods.

Australia’s population growth is at a 19 year peak and growing at 1.7% per year. Australia’s growing population provides increasing demand for goods and services as people need food, housing, cars, and other staples. Unlike many overseas countries, Australia benefits from two key factors: a high population growth rate and a high demand for houses.

Population growth is nearly twice that of the US while Germany has negative population growth. In the US there is an over-supply of housing while Australia suffers from a lack of supply. The combination of limited accommodation and a rising population will create growing demand for housing which will support further building and provide opportunities for the building industry.

The value of companies
Many people view businesses with falling share prices with fear, but we need to take a look under the bonnet of these companies to find out why. Have they borrowed heavily?

What industry are they in? Are they competitive against their peers? Only by answering these questions, can we know if their stock price has fallen for valid reasons or if the company is indeed on sale.

When investing, many fund managers look for firms with high and maintainable returns, strong balance sheets and ongoing cash flow. These companies are more likely to outlast the volatility storm and may give you a greater return when the market moves into the next phase of recovery and
beyond.

Before you consider changing your investment, you should consult a professional. Having a financial adviser and a long-term financial plan can give you confidence to manage the effects of market cycles. With the right advice you can ensure your investments are cut to your risk profile and time horizon, giving you the certainty of knowing you’re doing what’s right for you. This article brought to you by a Brisbane business consultant who offers sales training and a web designer brisbane. Distribution by seo packages. BS1004

The turmoil in the international stock markets is having a tragic impact on the retirement plans of many retired Australians.

For example, during September 2008, it was estimated by Super Ratings, a company that tracks the performance of super funds, that Australian super funds lost as much as 6% of their value. During the past year they lost 12% of their value.

The reason for the massive decline is the current superannuation rules which effectively place the Australian superannuation system in a virtual stock market strait jacket.

Over the years, The Investors Club has argued strongly that Australians should have greater flexibility in using their superannuation to invest directly in property and also to help pay off their mortgages.

This stock market strait jacket has been highlighted by a recent report from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) that tracked the performance of superannuation funds in Australia during the period 1997 to 2006.

Super woes highlighted

The report showed that the ten-year average annual return for super funds with assets more than $100 million was around 6.7% before they imposed fees and charges.

During the same period, figures produced by the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) show that the annual average returns (taking into account capital growth and weekly rents), for a three-bedroom residential home in the major capital cities varied from 11.2% to 16.8%.

The heavy investment in the stock market by super funds is underlined by the APRA report which showed that during 2006 nearly 60% of investments were in Australian or international shares.

The current superannuation rules virtually prohibit the use of superannuation for residential real estate and goes against the basic investment tenant of not putting all of your eggs in one basket.

By allowing Australians to use their super contributions to pay off their mortgage, this would encourage additional super contributions. For example, someone has to earn $150 and pay $50 tax before paying $100 off their mortgage.

It would also allow more first home buyers to enter the housing market at a time when Australia is recognised as having among the most expensive real estate in the developed world and the worst housing shortage.

Interestingly, financial advisers and stockbrokers are the prime beneficiaries of this share market splurge and it is no coincidence that they are major contributors to both political party’s election funds.

It is now time that ordinary Australians were given a greater say in where their superannuation is invested and this should include the option of investing in residential real estate which is a proven long-term investment to create wealth.

================
Further information available from :

Kevin Young - The Investors Club Kevin Young - The Investors Club Kevin Young - The Investors Club Kevin Young - The Investors Club Kevin Young - The Investors Club