Tips To Select A Suitable Unit Trust Fund

Unit trusts offer investors a simple, a more convenient, and less time consuming method of investing in a diversified portfolio with as little as RM1000 than trading individually. But selecting the right funds is never easy.

To begin, there is a wide array of unit trusts funds available in the market that investors need to understand first before investing. Amongst them is the Equity Unit Trust Funds, one of the most popular scheme that provides exposure to companies listed on Bursa Malaysia (and some overseas share markets). Fixed Income Unit Trust Funds are invested mainly in Malaysian Government Securities, corporate bonds, and money market instruments such as bankers’ acceptance and fixed deposits. The objective of a fixed income (or bond) unit trust funds is usually to ensure consistent income flow rather than capital growth.

Money Market Unit Trust Funds, meanwhile, invest in low-risk money market instruments that are, in effect, short-term deposits of banks and other low-risk financial institutions, and in short-term government securities, with less than 90 days maturity. The money market unit trust fund is, therefore, highly liquid and ideal for use as a short-term strategy for investors to park their savings. In addition to the above funds, there are other funds such as the Government Sponsored Unit Trust Funds and the Syariah Unit Trust Funds, which invest in a portfolio of “halal” companies, Islamic Debt Securities and bonds or other securities in accordance with Syariah principle.

Apart from these traditional funds, some new investment products have also emerged. These include the Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT), a defensive investment tool based on its stable returns from investing in real property, and the Exchange Traded Fund (ETF), which is an open-ended investment fund that tracks the index of a particular market or sector.

Next, investors would need to evaluate a few general considerations that help the selection process. The first consideration involves identifying investment goals, which may involve planning for retirement, setting up children’s education fund, preserving capital, or simply earning income for the present.

The second consideration would involve determining the appropriate investment horizon, or the number of years available for investing that would help achieve one’s financial goals. Time horizon is important in influencing what assets to invest in, how much the investment can grow and how much risk to tolerate. The goals set and the investment horizon, partly a function of one’s age, would play a major part in the selection of an appropriate fund. For example, a person in his early twenties, wanting an early start on a retirement fund, would be interested in a fund that emphasised capital growth rather than current income or liquidity.

One other consideration is determining the degree of risk tolerance. Like any other investment product, unit trust has also its own elements of risks. Funds that aim to deliver higher returns would normally be accompanied by higher risks. The appetite for risks should differ, depending on age, financial situation and any other alternative investment holding. For example, a younger person may take more risk for long-term gain as compared to a person who will be retiring soon.

After determining which category of funds to invest, it is important to analyse the prospectus for each funds selected. Some general factors to consider include the track record, the investment style and the cost structure of the funds. One important point to note is that investors, when selecting a fund, can be easily swayed by the funds’ historical investment performance. Past performance does not reflect future returns and therefore should not be the primary determinant, though it may be used as one of the factors in selecting the type of fund to be invested.

In reviewing a prospectus, one should pay close attention to the following items. First, investors should look at the fund’s investment objective, whether the fund’s goal is to maximize dividend income, maximize interest income, earn short-term gains, seek long-term capital growth, etc. Second, the fund’s profile, which contains a synopsis of the main attributes of the funds, such as a description of the fund’s investment objectives and the strategies (the types of securities the fund invest in) that it employs to realize its objectives should be looked at.

Third, investors have to analyse the risks involved in investing in a particular unit trust and decide whether they match their own risk profile. Fourth, investors should be clear on the fees charged and the impact of these fees on returns, as not all unit trust funds charge the same type of fees or the same level of fees. Next, investors should study the procedures for subscription, redemption and the switching of units carefully. And finally, investors should look out for any
specific features and constraints that may be in conflict with their investment goals, as some funds may have a policy of not distributing dividends, may require higher minimum investment requirement or may have procedures for buying or selling units that are somewhat restrictive.

However, making the right decision on the appropriate investment to meet one’s investment objective and risk profile is not enough. The selection of a unit trust adviser with the necessary resources, experience and skills to manage one's investment is crucial. After investing in a fund, its performance needs to be closely monitored. Regular investment or the practice of dollar cost averaging is strongly encouraged. Over time, investment strategy and objectives should be continuously evaluated and adjusted. As an example, a person nearing retirement may consider moving money from growth funds into fixed-income funds that provide current income and greater stability.


Article source: MIER

Will your KWSP savings be enough when you reach 55 years old? Will it be enough to sustain your retirement days?

According to research, retirees would need at least RM120'000 in KWSP savings to finance the retirement for the next 20 years. In simple calculation, for the next 20 years after retirement, one's monthly salary will be RM500. But ask yourself.. will RM500 per month be enough?

Impact Of Inflation

The chart above is a clear reason why we need to multiply our savings. 3 meals a day would cost you RM20 today, but 20 years later the same 3 meals a day would probably costs about RM60!!

Ask your self again.. will RM500 per month be enough?

Average yearly dividend generated from KWSP is 5%. Yearly dividend of 5% is good, but it is not enough. Because every year, our inflation rate keeps going higher! Malaysia inflation rate recorded 5.4% in 2009! We need to 'CHARGE-UP' our KWSP savings so that it will generate more than 10% dividend a year! Can it be done?! The answer is YES IT CAN BE DONE! You will soon find out how to do it.

Now look at the chart below. In which group do you want to be when you retire at age 55?

So you wish to be in the 1/3 of the top of the chart? Or 1/3 of the bottom and beyond? After exploring the facts above, we clearly do need to 'CHARGE-UP' our KWSP savings and let it work harder for us. Give our savings a chance to 'snow-ball' and become a BIGGER 'ball' every year.

So how do we do it? Dividends in KWSP alone is 5% a year. How can we save our money so that dividends we received are more that 10% a year without working two or three jobs at the same time? The answers will be revealed..

Unit Trusts Fund Is The Answer

Basic Savings (Simpanan Asas)

Did you know that you can withdraw a portion of your savings in KWSP and invest in goverment approved Unit Trust Funds? Click HERE to go to KWSP and find out more.

Take a look at the table above. If your savings in your account 1 in KWSP is more than the 'Basic Savings' required at your age, then you are eligible to invest 20% of the excess in unit trust fund. Below is an example..

You may also use the KWSP calculator HERE to determine your investable amount in your KWSP savings

The earlier you start your investment, the 'snow ball effect' gets bigger and bigger. What will happen if you procrastinate your investment? The illustration below explains the effect of compounding interest and effect of procrastination.

Start 'Charging-Up' your KWSP investment now before it is too late.

After all, NO CASH investment is required. It is just a matter of 'moving' a portion of your savings from KWSP to a GOVERMENT APPROVED UNIT TRUST FUND and let your money work twice as hard for you.

Contact us for further inquiry!

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+6016 - 846 7306

alternatively you can also email us at:

doublekwsp@gmail.com