In an office packed with change and progression, and a more recently announced lack of air conditioning for two months while they change systems, I've gone all Joni Mitchell. We really don't know what we've got til it's gone. The biggest issue looming shortly for many investors will be what to do with their government guaranteed fixed interest deposits. A big wedge of these mature next month, with a further sizeable tranche maturing on New Year's Eve, when the Crown Deposit Scheme officially finishes.
New Zealanders have just under $2 billion invested in government guaranteed deposits, and many were made at the beginning of the scheme and at the height of the interest rate cycle. It has been a lovely run, enjoying rock solid rates of over 8.00 per cent per annum while the capital markets went on their rollercoaster ride, not to mention a brilliant income earner. Like that missing coolant ventilation system, which I often cursed for not working perfectly, this is about to conclude. Don't stick your head in the sand about it - low risk, high interest rates are well and truly over. If you've been happily collecting 8.25 per cent and higher, it's going to pinch when your next safest option, money in the bank, now yields you 4.50 per cent.
Investors in this situation have two clear choices: to accept much lower rates for approximately the same level in risk (in fact, bank deposits are riskier than government backed ones), or to increase their risk profiles and their expected returns. Option one is pretty straightforward; just continue with cash, which as explained in previous columns has its place but will essentially go backwards with inflation, tax and account fees factored in. Okay for those who didn't rely on the income to start with and for those that like negative real returns.
Option two, with the words, "increasing your risk profile" is a bit more complex as that statement means different things to different portfolios. Risk, sometimes perceived as the devil in disguise by those burnt in scams, gets an undeserved bad rap. Risk, properly researched, allocated correctly and diligently monitored is where higher returns are found.
Managed and diversified risk is what I'm really talking about when it comes to boosting that big reduction in income when your Crown deposit matures shortly. Presently, fixed interest portfolios can return around 7.00 per cent pa. Certain listed property trusts have gross yields between 9 per cent and 11 per cent pa. Selected New Zealand equities carry similar income streams. A combination of these could be just what your investment doctor ordered. Acknowledge the environment in which your money now exists and start preparing today.