New to Investing – Advice on ETFs and diversification - The Pearler Exchange

Question

Hi everyone, I’m 25 and new to investing. I’m putting aside $1,000 a month, mostly into A200 because it seems diversified and reliable.

I have a few questions:
- Is sticking with A200 fine, or should I diversify into other ETFs?
- What should I consider when investing, especially without a clear goal?
- My portfolio is 80% A200 and 20% CBA. Is this a good mix, or should I adjust?

Thanks for your advice!

Answer

Hi Liam,

Great job getting started first of all!

Nobody here can give you personal advice, but here’s a few thoughts on your Qs…

— Most people diversify into other markets such as the US or global funds (which usually include US).  Simply because this gives us ownership of some of the world’s most impressive and dominant companies.

I wrote a bit about this here: https://pearler.com/explore/learn/blog/austra...

— What to consider when investing, I wrote about questions to ask yourself here: https://pearler.com/explore/learn/blog/invest...

— Having 20% of a portfolio in a single stock would be considered a lot.  Especially since A200 already has CBA as its biggest holding.  So it’s really closer to 30% of the portfolio in a single company.  There’s really no benefit to this level of concentration on a single company.  I would consider diversifying more and investing in other things to dilute that concentration over time.

Hope that helps.
Dave

Answer

Hello! It’s great to hear that you’re starting your investment journey and are considering your options carefully. Let’s address your questions one by one.1. Diversification with A200 and Other ETFs:A200 is an ETF that tracks the ASX 200 index, which includes the top 200 companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. This provides a good level of diversification across various sectors of the Australian economy. However, depending on your risk tolerance and investment horizon, you might consider diversifying further into other ETFs. For instance, you could look into international equity ETFs, which would give you exposure to markets outside Australia, or sector-specific ETFs if you have a strong belief in the potential of certain industries. Diversifying can help reduce risk by spreading your investments across different assets.2. Considerations for Investing Without a Clear Goal:Investing without a specific goal can be challenging but it’s still possible to make effective investment decisions. Here are a few considerations:Risk Tolerance: Understand how much volatility you can handle in your investments. Higher risk typically comes with higher potential returns, but you need to be comfortable with the ups and downs.Investment Horizon: Even without a specific goal, consider how long you are willing to invest. Longer horizons typically allow more time to recover from market dips.Regular Contributions: Since you plan to invest $1,000 monthly, think about using a dollar-cost averaging strategy, which involves regularly buying a fixed dollar amount of a particular investment, regardless of the share price.Rebalancing: Regularly review and adjust your portfolio to maintain your desired asset allocation, ensuring it aligns with your risk tolerance and investment strategy.3. Portfolio Mix (80% A200 and 20% CBA):Your current mix heavily favors Australian equities, with a significant weight in A200 and a portion in Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA). This concentration in Australian assets and particularly in one stock (CBA) adds specific risk to your portfolio. You should consider whether this is sufficient diversification for your risk profile.Regarding your use of Pearler, it’s excellent for investors like you who are looking to build and track a diversified portfolio over time. Pearler’s focus on long-term investing and features like auto-invest can help you stick to your investment plan and make regular contributions effortlessly. This can be particularly useful when you’re looking to diversify beyond A200 and into other ETFs or assets, as it allows for easy management and rebalancing of your investments according to your predefined preferences.Keep educating yourself and perhaps even consider speaking with a financial advisor to tailor an investment strategy that best suits your needs. Happy investing!You can find out more about this topic here: https://pearler.com/explore/learn/blog/divers...DisclaimerI am not a financial advisor. The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. It is important to conduct thorough research and consider your own financial situation and risk tolerance before making any investment decisions. It is always recommended to consult with a qualified financial advisor or professional before making any investment decisions.

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New to Investing – Advice on ETFs and diversification

Liam Thompson.

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Dave Gow - Strong Money Australia

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