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Asset classes

What are asset classes?​

Ayabonga Cawe speaks with Investec's Kate Stannard and Paul McKeaveney.

The building blocks of an investment portfolio​

Cash, bonds, equities and property make up the four main asset classes, which are considered the building blocks of an investment portfolio. Each asset class plays an important role in balancing your portfolio, whether it’s providing stability in the form of bonds, or delivering higher returns by investing in company stocks.

Cash​

Everyone understands cash. It’s predictable, reliable and liquid. By investing your money with a bank, you are essentially lending the bank money with interest. There are pros and cons to investing in cash.

Cash is liquid, meaning you can access it when you need it but the returns on cash investments are low compared to other investments such as equity. It’s a general rule of thumb that the riskier the investment, the higher the returns, and vice versa. Because of these meagre returns, there’s always the looming presence of inflation over your returns on cash.

For example, if inflation is 5% and the interest earned on cash is 4% per year, you’re actually losing 1% on your investment to inflation every year, but this is the payoff for money that is almost guaranteed to remain stable. Considering this, cash is better suited to protecting savings for short-term goals.

Bonds​

When buying bonds, you are lending money to the bond issuer, either a country or a company. You earn interest on the bond every month until the investment matures at a specified date, at which point the initial cost of the investment, the principal, is paid back to you. Due to its long investment horizon, bonds are considered illiquid, as you only have access to your money when the investment matures at an agreed upon date.

It depends on the nature of the bond, but bonds are generally seen as long-term investments that offer a relative degree of security and stability. There’s always the possibility that the company or country can default on their payments due to collapse, but it’s highly unlikely, especially in markets that are highly rated by rating agencies.

On the downside, bonds are also susceptible to inflation, seeing that it’s a long-term investment with a fixed interest rate. If inflation increases during the investment period it negatively impacts the interest paid and the amount of capital paid to you when the investment matures.

Equity​

Investing in company stocks, or equity, has consistently outperformed other asset classes in the long run, but it comes with price volatility, which is part and parcel of this asset class and shouldn’t dissuade you from investing. Equity is an essential component of every long-term investment strategy.

When buying company shares, you are buying a stake in that business and share a direct proportional interest in that company, which is great if the company performs well, but results in losses if it tanks. Some companies pay their shareholders a dividend as a reward for investing in the company.

Successful companies such as Apple or Tesla have shown astronomical growth in their share price, resulting in very happy shareholders, at least those that stayed invested throughout the many ups and downs.

Equity has consistently outperformed other asset classes over a longer investment horizon. Another benefit is that inflation is already priced in the services or products of a company. If inflation rises, so too will the price of the products or services. You also have easy access to your equity investments should you need the money, but it’s worth noting the tax implications when selling company shares.

Property​

Due to its long track record, investors have a firm grasp of what makes the property market tick. You have the option of investing directly in property or buy shares of companies that invest in property.

The traditional means of investing in property is to buy a physical piece of land or a house. This asset class is directly linked to inflation. If it goes up, so does the repayments on your mortgage. If it goes down, good for you.

Property requires months, even years, to sell and is thus a long-term, illiquid investment.

Common investor mistakes​

Investing can be intimidating for first-time investors but a good start is working with a financial professional to help you structure a solid investment portfolio. Getting started is the important part. Below are a few common mistakes beginner investors should try to avoid.

  • First-timers often fear the volatility in riskier investments. Volatility is an accepted part of investing and is generally absorbed over long periods.
  • Older investors nearing retirement often make the mistake of shifting aggressively to cash and bonds We’re living into older age, meaning that many investors underestimate the amount necessary for a comfortable retirement. Start saving early and save consistently, even if in small amounts.
  • Don’t take on unnecessary debt. Remember, compounding works both ways. Interest owed on debt also compounds.
  • Also save toward a cash-based emergency fund that will cover your living costs for a few months.