Diversified Portfolios - Income - 29 February 2016

COMMENTARY

MARKET COMMENTARY

The volatility surrounding Australian and global equity markets experienced in December and January continued in the month of February. The local equity market was down 1.7% for the month, as were global equity markets. Emerging market equities were down 1.1%, performing better than their developed market counterparts.

Australian REITs were the standout performer over the month, returning 2.8% for February (as measured by the S&P/ASX 300 A-REIT Accumulation Index). Global property was relatively flat for the month, posting a return of 0.1% (as measured by the FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed REITs AUD Hedged NR Index).

Within fixed interest, Australian bonds posted a return of 1.0% over the month of February (as measured by the Bloomberg AusBond Composite Bond Index) while global bonds returned 1.1% (as measured by the Barclays Global Aggregate Bond Index AUD Hedged). Cash returned 0.2% over the month as measured by the Bloomberg AusBond Bank Bill Index.

PORTFOLIO COMMENTARY

The InvestSMART Diversified Income portfolio returned -0.1% over the month of February, underperforming the benchmark by 0.4% and the RBA Cash Rate 1%objective by 0.4%. The significant weighting to Australian equities dragged on the performance of the portfolio.

Despite recent equity market volatility the portfolio continues to hold a significant weight to Australian equities given its high yielding characteristics relative to other asset classes as well as what we believe to be reasonably attractive valuations. Taking into account the additional benefit of franking credits, holding Australian equities as part of an overall income portfolio allows investors to generate a higher level of income than they would from more traditional sources of income, such as fixed interest and cash, especially in a low interest rate environment. However, investors need to accept that there will be higher levels of volatility than what a traditional "income" portfolio may have had in the past.

Within the InvestSMART Diversified Income portfolio the Australian equity exposure via the MSCI Australia 200 ETF returned -1.9% over the month which was the single biggest detractor to performance in the portfolio. The Vanguard Australian Property Securities ETF posted a positive return for the month of 1.5%.

Within fixed interest, the iShares Composite Bond ETF returned 0.9%, while the Macquarie Income Opportunities Fund returned -0.3%. The BetaShares Australian High Interest Cash ETF returned 0.3% over the month.

Growth of $10,000

Income Reinvested

Asset Allocation as at 29 February 2016

Source: Praemium, RBA

Returns are before expenses and fees. Returns are shown as annualised if the period is over 1 year. * Since Inception (SI) date is 29 December 2014.

PORTFOLIO POSITIONING

The portfolio continues to remain overweight Australian equities on the basis that valuations continue to appear reasonably compelling when compared to other asset classes and given the attractive yield characteristics of the asset class. Within fixed interest the portfolio holds Australian government bonds and has an exposure to Australian credit and overseas securities. The portfolio is expected to do well in an environment where Australian equities outperform other asset classes and where credit outperforms government bonds.

Peformance Summary to 29 FEBRUARY 2016

The InvestSMART Diversified Income portfolio returned -0.1% over the month of February, underperforming the benchmark by 0.4% and the RBA Cash Rate 1% objective by 0.4%. Since inception the InvestSMART Diversified Income portfolio is behind its benchmark by 1.65% and its cash-plus objective by 1.33%.

Peformance Summary to 29 February 2016

Portfolio Objective

The investment objective is to maximise annual income while minimising capital losses over three year rolling periods by investing in a diverse mix of asset classes covering Australian equities, international equities, property, infrastructure, alternatives, fixed interest and cash.

Contribution to Return 1 Month to 29 February 2016

Important Information

While every care has been taken in preparation of this document, InvestSMART Financial Services Limited (ABN 70 089 038 531, AFSL 226435) (“InvestSMART”) makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of any statement in it including, without limitation, any forecasts. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. This document has been prepared for the purpose of providing general information, without taking account of any particular investor’s objectives, financial situation or needs. An investor should, before making any investment decisions, consider the appropriateness of the information in this document, and see professional advice, having regard to the investor’s objectives, financial situation and needs. This document is solely for the use of the party to whom it is provided. This document has been prepared for InvestSMART by InvestSense Pty Ltd ABN 31 601 876 528, Authorised Representative of Sentry Asset Management Pty Ltd AFSL 408 800. Financial commentary contained within this report is provided by InvestSense Pty Ltd. The information contained in this document is not intended to be a definitive statement on the subject matter nor an endorsement that this model portfolio is appropriate for you and should not be relied upon in making a decision to invest in this product. The information in this report is general information only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation, needs or circumstances. No representations or warranties express or implied, are made as to the accuracy or completeness of the information, opinions and conclusions contained in this report. In preparing this report, InvestSMART and InvestSense Pty Ltd has relied upon and assumed, without independent verification, the accuracy and completeness of all information available to us. To the maximum extent permitted by law, neither InvestSMART, InvestSense Pty Ltd or their directors, employees or agents accept any liability for any loss arising in relation to this report. The suitability of the investment product to your needs depends on your individual circumstances and objectives and should be discussed with your Adviser. Potential investors must read the PDS, Approved Product List and FSG along with any accompanying materials. Investment in securities and other financial products involves risk. An investment in a financial product may have the potential for capital growth and income, but may also carry the risk that the total return on the investment may be less than the amount contributed directly by the investor. Past performance of financial products is not a reliable indicator of future performance. InvestSense Pty Ltd does not assure nor guarantee the performance of any financial products offered. Information, opinions, historical performance, calculations or assessments of performance of financial products or markets rely on assumptions about tax, reinvestment, market performance, liquidity and other factors that will be important and may fluctuate over time. InvestSense Pty Ltd, InvestSMART Financial Services Limited, its associates and their respective directors and other staff each declare that they may, from time to time, hold interests in Securities that are contained in this investment product.