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If you’re looking for a more diverse and stable investment portfolio, you may want to consider investing in listed investment companies. This blog post will discuss what Australia listed investment companies are, how they work, and why they might be a good investment option for you!
What are Listed Investment Companies?
Listed investment companies (LICs) are a type of company that invests in a range of assets, including shares, property, and cash. They are listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and can be bought and sold just like shares.
How do Listed Investment Companies Work?
LICs are managed by professional fund managers who aim to grow the company’s value and pay regular dividends to shareholders. The fund managers make all the investment decisions and choose which assets to invest in.
What are some factors to consider before investing in a Listed Investment Company?
1) The LIC’s investment strategy: Make sure that the LIC’s investment strategy aligns with your investment goals.
Some LICs may have a more aggressive growth strategy, while others may focus on generating income through dividends. In addition, some LICs invest in a specific sector or asset class.
2) The LIC’s track record: It’s important to look at how the LIC has performed in the past. This will give you an idea of what to expect in the future.
Look at things like the LIC’s total return (income plus capital growth), dividend history, and volatility.
3) The LIC’s costs: All LICs have fees and expenses that you need to know. These can eat into your investment returns, so it’s important to compare the costs of different LICs before investing.
Common fees include management, performance, and entry/exit fees.
4) The LIC’s structure: LICs can be trusts or companies. Trusts tend to be more tax-effective, but they also have higher fees. On the other hand, companies have lower fees but are not tax-effective.
It would help if you also considered things like the size of the LIC and how long it has been around. For example, a larger, well-established LIC is likely to be more stable than a smaller, newer one.
Why Invest in Listed Investment Companies?
There are several reasons why you might consider investing in LICs, including:
1. Diversification: LICs offer investors the opportunity to diversify their portfolios. This is because they invest in different assets, including shares, property, and fixed interest. This diversification can help to reduce risk and improve returns over the long term.
2. Cost-effective: One of the main reasons LICs are so popular is because they offer a cost-effective way to invest. For example, many LICs have low management fees, and some even offer discounts for large investments.
3. Tax-effective: One of the key advantages of LICs is that they are tax-effective. This is because they can pass on franking credits to investors, offsetting an investor’s taxable income. This makes them an attractive investment option for those looking to minimize their tax liability.
4. Regular income: LICs can provide investors with a regular income stream in the form of dividends. This is because they are required to distribute at least 70% of their net income to shareholders as dividends.
5. Long-term growth: LICs offer the potential for long-term capital growth. This is because they can reinvest their earnings into new investments, which can help grow the company’s value over time.
6. Access to professional fund managers: LICs are managed by professional fund managers who have the expertise and experience to grow the company’s value. This means that investors can access a team of professionals to manage their investments, providing peace of mind.
Overall, investing in a LIC can be a great way to diversify your portfolio, reduce your tax liability, and generate a regular income stream. However, it’s important to do your research before investing and ensure that the LIC is right for you.
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