Be clear on investment goals

by Jeff Rogers

Retirees concerned about cuts to the official cash rate need to clearly identify their investment goals to help clarify whether capital stability or income sustainability is of greater importance. In this article, we discuss how a well-managed portfolio of select corporate bonds, equities, property and infrastructure can deliver attractive and predictable income streams that can be expected to rise over time.

Sustainable income in a low-rate environment

Cash investments such as term deposits have been regarded as a safe option for cautious investors due to the stability of their capital value and, at least historically, the delivery of an adequate level of income.

However, official cash rates are now at historically low levels and the income from term deposits has fallen to levels marginally above the underlying rate of inflation. By contrast, a diversified portfolio of bonds, shares and real assets can be managed to meet the goal of a predictable and sustainable income stream that rises progressively over time.

This stability of income can be achieved through the selection of investments with specific characteristics such as:

• High-quality corporate bonds with fixed coupons;
• Shares of quality companies whose management is committed to delivering rising dividends to its owners;
• Property assets with long-term rental agreements and infrastructure assets with inflation-linked contractual cash flows.

Expect some short-term volatility and constrained returns

In order to achieve a sustainable income stream, however, investors do need to accept some short-term volatility in the capital value of their portfolio. There are many companies with dividends that are stable or rising but with share prices that nonetheless move through a 25% range over a year.

A strategy based on term deposits is exposed to high income variability over time but benefits from low capital volatility. This may suit investors with a specific short-term spending goal because their initial investment is safe. In saying this, it is a risky strategy for meeting the goal of achieving a sustainable income stream over an extended period. The fluctuations in cash rates are just too large.

While interest rates will undoubtedly rise again in the future, retirees also need to recognise that the average level of cash rates in the years ahead is most likely to be lower than our experience during the past 30 years.

Final thoughts

The most important thing is for people to be clear on what they’re trying to achieve and then identify an investment strategy best tuned to meet that goal.

We can help you identify and articulate your goals, recommend a strategy that is right for you and your circumstances, and help deal with the challenges and uncertainties on the journey.

Important note: While every care has been taken in the preparation of this information, AMP Capital Investors Limited (ABN 59 001 777 591, AFSL 232497) makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any statement in it including, without limitation, any forecasts. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. This information has been prepared for the purpose of providing general information, without taking account of any particular investor’s objectives, financial situation or needs. An investor should, before making any investment decisions, consider the appropriateness of the information, and seek professional advice, having regard to the investor’s objectives, financial situation and needs. Certain information in this website has been obtained from sources that we consider to be reliable and is based on present circumstances, market conditions and beliefs. We have not independently verified this information and cannot assure you that it is accurate or complete.