Share Market Falls: The Causes and What to Consider

Headlines about falling markets can be worrying – particularly if you’re approaching retirement. Find out more about the recent causes and what to consider.

After stellar rises in 2021, share markets lost some of their shine in January with steep falls that have attracted plenty of media attention. This is a market correction after a sustained period of share market gains. A few factors have spooked markets, including the prospect of interest rate rises, the ongoing disruption caused by the Omicron variant, and uncertainty about conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

If your super is in a balanced investment option, the falls in the share market are unlikely to be fully reflected in your account balance. That’s because your investments are spread across a range of different types of assets, such as bonds, property and infrastructure – some of which are largely unaffected by the factors behind the share market falls.

There are also good reasons to believe markets are reacting to short-term challenges likely to be resolved relatively quickly. Central banks are committed to a gradual rollout of interest rate rises, the economy is doing well and, despite the challenges of Omicron, we are slowly but surely getting to grips with Coronavirus. As a result, our short-to-medium-term outlook remains positive.

WHAT CAUSED THE SHARE MARKET FALL?

There are a few reasons that the share market has taken a tumble over the past month. These include:

  • The prospect of earlier-than-expected interest rate rises by central banks, both in Australia and overseas. Rising inflation is the driving factor.
  • The Omicron variant, which affected business operations. For example, sick workers resulted in disrupted trucking routes and empty supermarket shelves.
  • Geopolitical uncertainty, including a Russian military build-up on the border with Ukraine.
  • Finally, stock markets have surged over the past 20 months. After such a sustained period of growth, a correction is not unusual.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO CONSIDER?

As with all investment decisions, there are two key factors you should take into account. First, your risk appetite – how comfortable are you with experiencing falls in your investments? Second, your time horizon – when do you need to withdraw your money?

If the current falls in the share market are making you uncomfortable, it could indicate you are invested in an option that may not match your risk appetite. It could be helpful to speak to a financial adviser, if you don’t have one, to review your different investment options.  If you’d like to talk to someone, please call 0404167989 or email ds@bluerocke.com at Bluerocke Investment Advisers

If your time horizon is longer than the medium term (say, five years), then you may have time to ride out any losses and simply wait for the market to recover. Keep in mind, switching to a more conservative investment option could ‘crystalise’ your losses – turning a paper loss into an actual loss – leaving you with less capital and a lower growth investment.

At times like these, it’s important to keep in mind:

  • Stock market corrections are normal, and can be healthy
  • If you switch to a more conservative option such as cash, you risk locking in your losses
  • Shares have performed well over the long term
  • The economy is strong and unemployment remains low.

WHY MARKET CORRECTIONS ARE NORMAL

It’s impossible to know for certain what the future holds. Nevertheless, it’s important to put the current share market falls in context – they follow 20 months of strong market returns driven by abnormally low interest rates. The reaction of markets in recent weeks is best seen as a return to normality.

We are here to support you and things you can do include:

  • Reading our regular market updates
  • Staying up-to-date with the latest market developments
  • Reviewing your super to ensure it aligns with your risk appetite and financial objectives.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP

As you keep your long-term goals top of mind, remember: we are here to help – with news, insights and helpful resources available on our website,  www bluerocke.com to help keep you up-to-date on the latest.

 

DEV SARKER DIRECTOR

Authorized Representative

FCA, MBA, ADFP

p 1300 71 71 36 | m +614 0416 7989


Should you switch investments when markets fall?

During a market downturn, you might be tempted to switch your super away from riskier investments, like shares, and into safer ones. But is it better to switch or

What you need to consider

When it comes to investing and super, everyone has a different comfort level in terms of how much risk you’re willing to accept. It depends on your financial situation, goals, stage of life, and even your personality.

That’s why, when markets fall, everyone reacts differently. While some are quick to get out of the share market, others are content to ride out short-term fluctuations because they’re confident that markets will recover over the long term.

If short-term movements in your super balance are making you nervous, and you’re wondering whether you should switch into less-risky investments, there are a few things you should consider before you do anything.

Why switching isn’t always a good idea

Between February and March 2020, at the start of the Coronavirus pandemic, there was a significant market downturn. With so much uncertainty around, some people were worried about what the pandemic would do to their super balance, so they switched away from shares and into less-risky investments.

Research revealed that the amount of people switching investments was three times higher than usual. But when the markets picked up again, the risk was that these people missed out on the recovery. Over 70% of the switches done between March and April 2020 produced negative outcomes. These people would have been better off if they had stayed with their initial investments and done nothing.1

While that won’t always be the outcome, it’s an important reminder that markets can recover as quickly as they fall. That’s why any changes to your super strategy should be part of a long-term plan rather than a short-term reaction. Switching can be costly if you don’t do it for the right reasons.

What happens when you switch investments?

Let’s say you switch your super by moving away from a Growth portfolio, which has a high allocation to Australian and international shares, and into a Conservative portfolio, which has a high allocation to cash and fixed interest.

When you sell out of an investment while its value is down, you lock in its current price, which makes your losses real and irreversible. But if you stay invested, its value could increase again without you having to do anything.

The importance of diversification

A diverse investment portfolio spreads your risk exposure across different asset classes and markets, rather than putting all your eggs in one basket. This means if one asset class declines in value, other asset classes may experience higher returns and act as a financial buffer.

For example, if your super is invested across several asset classes – like Australian and international equities, fixed interest, bonds and cash – it’s likely to withstand a market downturn better than if you only invested in one of these types of asset classes. That’s why diversification is an important part of any long-term investment strategy.

If you’re tempted to switch investments or change your investment strategy, chat to Bluerocke Investment Advisors first. We can help you work out if it’s the right move for you at the right time.

We’re here to help

As you keep your long-term goals top of mind, remember: we are here to help – with news, insights and helpful resources available on our website to  keep you up-to-date.

DEV SARKER DIRECTOR

Authorized Representative

FCA, MBA, ADFP

p 1300 71 71 36 | m +614 0416 7989


Moving into aged care

Key takeaways

  • There are three types of aged care which range from the ability to live independently or in supplemented accommodation
  • If your relative wants to apply for Government subsidies to move into an aged care, they must be assessed by a member of the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT)
  • You may be required to pay fees in a Government subsidised aged care home, so it’s important to work out the costs.

While there is a strong preference among older Australians to live at home for as long as they can1, there may come a time when they need to move into aged care.

This isn’t an easy decision though— there’s a raft of emotional issues, in addition to financial considerations.

In this article we look at the process to move into aged care and the different types of care available.

Types of aged care

There are three main types of aged care.

Help at home: if your relative prefers to live independently, they can receive care at their home (or a retirement village) when needed. This may include help with personal care needs such as showering and cooking meals, medical care, or other domestic support, such as home maintenance.

Short term care: may be required after a hospital stay or if the regular carer is taking a holiday

Aged care home: supplemented accommodation with 24-hour care available. Can be short term or permanent.

Moving into aged care: the process

If your relative decides moving into aged care is the right move, there are steps required to get the process in motion.

1. Have their needs assessed

To be eligible for Government subsidies, a person must be assessed by a member of the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). This assessment is free and can be done at home, a health centre or hospital.

The ACAT member will ask them a series of questions about their health, mobility and any help that they currently receive at home, to determine whether residential aged care is required based on their needs

2. Find an aged care home

Once ACAT approval is received, you can start looking for relevant accommodation. When evaluating aged care home options, it’s worth contacting a selection of providers to get a better comparison.

If you’re unsure about the facilities and rooms available in a particular area, you can find out more information by visiting myagedcare.gov.au.

It may be beneficial to have a list of questions prepared to ensure you receive the information you need.

These questions may include:

  • What kinds of recreational activities are offered?
  • Are the available rooms shared or single rooms, and is there a private ensuite?
  • What types of other services are regularly provided (such as physio or hairdressing services for example)
  • What food and beverage options are available?
  • Will your relative have access to a phone, internet or mobile phone to contact you?
  • Ask to see a brief report of the Health and Safety report. This is a good indicator with regards to, not only incidents that have taken place, but also incidents against residents and incidents of residents against staff.

Understanding your rights and responsibilities as well as those of the service provider will help you make an informed decision and get the best quality care to suit your relative’s needs.

3. Work out the costs of moving into aged care

There are a number of fees that may be payable in a Government subsidised aged care home. Some of these fees are fixed and others depend on your relative’s financial circumstances. Government subsidies may also be available.

Here’s a general summary of what your relative could be liable for:

Accommodation fees Ongoing care fees
Accommodation payment Basic daily fee Means-tested fee Extra services fee
  • Payable as a refundable lump sum; or equivalent non-refundable daily payment;
    or any combination of
    both
  • The resident chooses how to pay this fee
  • You may be eligible for
    Government assistance in paying this fee
  • Generally payable by all residents for all days in care
  • 85% of full Basic Single
    Age Pension (regardless of your actual Pension entitlement)
  • Payable based on a formula that takes into account your income and assets
  • Subject to change if
    circumstances change
  • Annual and lifetime
    caps apply
  • Payable if you select a position with extra services
  • Additional daily amount, set by facility
4. Apply for an aged home

Generally, multiple applications can be submitted when applying for an aged care home and you may have the ability to be placed on a waiting list.

You will be asked if you want to provide details of your relative’s income and assets but you are not legally required to disclose this.

5. Moving your relative into aged care

Just before they move in, you’ll be provided with an Accommodation Agreement. This is a legal document which sets out the terms of the residency as well as rights and responsibilities for your relative and for the aged care facility. You may want to consider seeking legal advice before signing it.

When your relative does move into an aged care home, don’t forget to notify Services Australia (Centrelink) about their new living situation and any other change in circumstances (e.g. sale of their home, assets used to pay lump sum costs).

Source: MLC https://www.mlc.com.au/personal/blog/2021/06/moving-a-loved-one-into-an-aged-care-home

If you have questions and would like your financial situation to be evaluated, please email us on ds@bluerocke.com with your contacts, for an exploratory meeting, at our cost, not yours.


Festive season closure dates

Dear All

Our office will be closed from end of day on Wednesday 22 December 2021 and will re-open on Thursday 6 January 2022.

From all of us here at BlueRocke Investment Advisors, we thank you for your support and we wish you and your families a safe and Merry Christmas followed by a Happy New Year!

As mentioned below, if any urgent matters crop up during the holiday season, please email Dev with the caption “URGENT” in the subject line and these will be attended to.