Written by Robin Bowerman, Head of Corporate Affairs at Vanguard/Vice Chair of the SMSF Association
It’s often said that for a better chance at investment success, portfolio decisions should never be guided by specific moments. This is probably more evident than ever in this volatile market, where daily swings can reach surprising heights and then record lows. Disregarding your long-term investment plan and letting only emotions dictate whether you should cash out or accumulate more at such times can be costly.
And just as there was no need to throw your household cupboards into disarray by panic-buying a year’s worth of toilet paper, it is also wise to refrain from panic-buying or selling shares and consequently causing similar havoc to your investment portfolio. Significantly changing your asset mix independent of your long-term goals is risky business. Rebalancing responsibly however is not.
Risk aversion vs Loss aversion
It is understandable for your risk tolerance to have changed a little since before COVID-19. According to the prospect theory, the pain of losing psychologically outweighs the joys of gaining. We’re more likely to want to exit the market now to prevent our portfolios from further declining, rather than wait out this storm and see it regain in value and then some.
Risk aversion and loss aversion however is not one and the same. A risk averse investor’s purpose is to manage the uncertainty that comes with investing by choosing an asset mix that is relatively more stable (i.e. a preference towards fixed-income products over equities). Their returns might be lower but they are also taking on less risk, and this level of risk also aligns to their investment goals.
A loss averse investor’s purpose is not to reduce risk, but rather to avoid loss. This might mean cashing out with the view to protect existing value during a market downturn, or on the flip-side, holding onto investments with large losses because the loss is not realised until it is sold. In the current environment, the first example is perhaps more prevalent.
Sometimes it is difficult to tell the difference between actively managing risk and loss aversion behaviour when emotions are involved. The fear of losing money can impair our judgement and disproportionately influence both our patience and appetite for risk. A way to reduce this is to view investment gains and losses through a long term lens, and not as a point in time. And as always, don’t lose sight of your goals – consider if your tolerance for risk really has changed (and will remain changed) in the future, or if it is mostly a reaction to current events.
Rebalance
A timely reminder worth noting is that the primary benefit of portfolio rebalancing is to maintain your risk profile, rather than to maximise your returns.
With the recent market downturn, it might be the case that your portfolio has shifted and is now no longer at the risk-return equilibrium you first set. The general rule of thumb is to rebalance if your asset allocation has drifted by 5 per cent, but do so at a frequency that is still time and cost efficient and with a watchful eye on the tax impact and transaction costs. This means not reallocating with every market swing, and perhaps doing so in consultation with a trusted adviser.
Volatile markets can be deeply unsettling but as history shows, markets are cyclical and in time the market will rebound – we just don’t know when that will be. In the meantime, calmly reassessing your risk tolerance and rebalancing may help mitigate the current uncertainty.
GENERAL ADVICE WARNING
Vanguard Investments Australia Ltd (ABN 72 072 881 086 / AFS Licence 227263) is the product issuer. We have not taken yours and your clients’ circumstances into account when preparing our website content so it may not be applicable to the particular situation you are considering. You should consider yours and your clients’ circumstances and our Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or Prospectus before making any investment decision. You can access our PDS or Prospectus online or by calling us. This website was prepared in good faith and we accept no liability for any errors or omissions. Past performance is not an indication of future performance.
Important Legal Notice – Offer not to persons outside Australia
The PDS or Prospectus does not constitute an offer or invitation in any jurisdiction other than in Australia. Applications from outside Australia will not be accepted through the PDS. For the avoidance of doubt, these products are not intended to be sold to US Persons as defined under Regulation S of the US federal securities laws.
Robin Bowerman - Guest Contributor
Robin Bowerman is Head of Corporate Affairs and Market Development at Vanguard and a member of Vanguard’s Executive team. He is responsible for Vanguard’s marketing & corporate communications and plays a pivotal role in Vanguard’s market and product strategy development. Robin is also the Vice-Chair of the SMSF Association.
Robin is a key spokesperson and presenter for Vanguard, with expertise in investor education, funds management, product development, industry and regulatory related topics.
Robin has overseen the considerable growth of Vanguard’s retail business and the products and services offered to both direct investors and financial advisers since joining Vanguard in 2003.
Prior to joining Vanguard, Robin had a distinguished career in the media and was a leading financial services writer, commentator and editor for over 15 years. He continues to be editor of Vanguard’s core client publications including writing a weekly column with more than 50,000 readers.
In 2002, Robin co-authored the book Wealth of Experience, with Jeremy Duffield, Vanguard Australia’s ex-Chairman and founder.