Depending on the particular managed investment, it might invest in shares, property, fixed interest or cash - or a specific combination of those assets.

When you invest in a managed investment (often called a managed fund), you're allocated a number of units based on how much you invest and the current price of each unit. If you invest $10,000 and the unit price at the time is $1, you would own 10,000 units.

If the fund does well and the value rises to $2 then your investment will be worth $20,000 ($2 x 10,000 units).

Conversely, if the unit price drops to 90 cents, your investment would then be worth $9,000 (90 cents x 10,000 units).

Using managed investments will save you time and effort as the investment manager does all the research for you.

Getting started

If you'd like more information, talk to your financial adviser. If you don't have an adviser, we can help you find one.

Why should you invest in a managed investment?

Managed investments have become popular with investors for four main reasons:

1. Expert management

Investment managers employ teams of investment analysts and portfolio managers. Their job is to constantly research investment markets to determine which assets should have the best performance. Then they buy those assets on your behalf, and monitor them closely to ensure they perform as expected. Investment managers also conduct regular reviews to determine which assets should be sold and replaced with assets with more potential.

2. Broad diversification

Diversification is a proven strategy to minimise the risk of losing capital and the risk of fluctuating investment returns. It's another way of saying 'don't put all your eggs in one basket.'

The problem for most people is that they don't have enough money to spread their investments enough to minimise these risks. That's where managed investments come in. For as little as $2,000 (or even less in some cases), you can access a diversified portfolio which contains hundreds of well-researched investments.

Some managed investments are asset specific, which means that they only invest in one asset type - shares, property, cash or fixed interest. However, in each case, the managed investment would still employ diversification. For example, a managed investment specialising in shares will typically invest in a range of shares across many different sectors such as banks, retail, building materials, media and telecommunications.

3. Convenience

Using managed investments will save you time and effort as the investment manager does all the research and buying and selling the underlying investments on your behalf. All your administration issues are taken care of as well - from dealing with brokers and sending you regular reports to providing you with information relevant to your tax return.

Which type of managed investment should you invest in?

There are a number of different types of managed investments:

• Cash - invests in highly secure bank and government short-term securities and wholesale money markets. You'll receive interest on a regular basis.
• Fixed interest - invests primarily in bonds issued by governments and corporations. The investment will pay you interest, and there is also the possibility of a small amount of capital growth and loss.
• Property - typically invests in commercial, retail and industrial properties. The value of these managed investments will fluctuate according to market movements, but over time should deliver an increase in value greater than inflation. Income is paid to you on a regular basis.
• Shares - focuses on shares in Australia and/or internationally. These investments will generally deliver the highest return of all managed funds over the medium to long term, however they also exhibit the highest fluctuations in values in the short term. Income which is paid to you will be tax effective if it is from Australian shares.
• Multi-sector - invests in a broad range of asset classes. Typically, some of the money is invested in shares and property, with the balance in cash and fixed interest.

The benefits of diversification

Diversifying your investments means spreading them around. Many people invest across each of the main asset classes (shares, property, cash and fixed interest), and also invest in a number of securities within each asset class. By placing your money across a number of different asset classes and investments, the good returns you receive from one investment can offset any negative returns from another. The graph below shows how a balanced portfolio can smooth your investment return.

The line is the return you would have received had you invested in a basket of all the asset classes rather than any particular one. The highs and lows have been smoothed out along the way, providing you with a more consistent return.

Having a variety of shares can smooth your investment return

Annual asset class performance to June

A brief history of platforms

Platforms arose out of a need to simplify the investment process for investors and advisers alike. Previously, diversifying by investing in multiple retail managed investments involved large volumes of paperwork. You completed multiple application forms, multiple reports, capital gains and other taxes were difficult to calculate, and the whole process was extremely unwieldy.

Platforms reduce your administrative burden so you and your financial adviser have more time to concentrate on helping you realise your goals (rather than completing excess paperwork).

Important information

It is not the intention of Asgard Capital Management Ltd ABN 92 009 279 592 AFSL 240695 ('Asgard') that the information in this publication be used as the primary source of readers' information but as an adjunct to their own resources and training. No representation is given, warranty made or responsibility taken as to the accuracy, timeliness or completeness of any information or recommendation contained in this publication and Asgard will not be liable to the reader in contract or tort (including for negligence) or otherwise for any loss or damage arising as a result of the reader relying on any such information or recommendation (except in so far as any statutory liability cannot be excluded).

The information provided in this publication does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and, because of that, you should before acting on the advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice having regard to your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. In deciding whether to open, or to continue to hold, insurance through the Asgard Personal Protection Plan or through the Asgard Employee Super Account, you should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement issued by Asgard. Copies can be obtained from Asgard or a financial adviser. Information about the remuneration (including commission) or other benefits that Asgard and any other person can receive in respect of, or that is attributable to, Asgard products are set out in the Financial Services Guide issued by Asgard.