Each month, the investment gurus at Intellidex scan the market to come up with a list of their favorite ETFs. Know more about their top picks here.
Bonds and Cash
Dividend or Income-focused
"Various empirical studies conclude that the bulk of equity returns stem from diversification among broad asset classes rather than from individual stock picking. As such, our grouping is done with a diversified portfolio in mind, ensuring appropriate exposure to different asset classes. First, we group the ETFs according to the three widely recognized asset classes – equities, bonds and cash. We further split equities into geographic groupings, then add a category for equity ETFs with an income theme."
What's in it for EasyVSTRs?
"Our picks should provide an investor with a relatively diversified portfolio made up only of ETFs. However, asset allocation is not a one-size-fits-all concept. You need to make sure that weights of different asset classes in your portfolio meet your unique risk-and-return objectives. Multi-asset ETFs, which are already diversified among asset classes, are analyzed as a separate category.
As a rule of thumb, we like ETFs that follow a watertight investment philosophy. They should also be tax smart, which means they should qualify to be in a tax-free savings account. To avoid overconcentration, a good ETF should cap its exposure to a single sector and/or a single counter. While competition among providers is intensifying and ETF costs are coming down, we look at this metric closely and prefer ETFs with low total expense ratios (TERs). An overview of our favorite funds for each category follows."
Domestic equity: Absa NewFunds Low Volatility (NFEVOL) and Satrix FINI (STXFIN) ETFs
Absa NewFunds Low Volatility (NFEVOL) and Satrix FINI (STXFIN) ETFs
Our second pick is the Satrix MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (10.2%) for investors who want to trim their exposure to Chinese equities. This ETF holds a diversified portfolio of stocks in different countries that have the potential to benefit from the Chinese reopening. China is a major trading partner to virtually all other emerging market economies and accounts for about one-third of market capitalisation in most emerging market indices, according to Morgan Stanley. As a result, investors place great emphasis on the country when allocating capital. In addition, the bank believes the market is underestimating the implications of the reopening. Morgan Stanley is bullish on China and remains optimistic about spillover effects to emerging market economies that are exporters of commodities. The reopening in manufacturing will amplify demand for oil as China relies heavily on the commodity for manufacturing. Manufacturing will also boost demand for precious metals such as gold and platinum, in which emerging markets play a crucial role."
Satrix MSCI China (STXCHN) and Satrix MSCI Emerging Markets (STXEMG) ETFs
Satrix ILBI (STXILB)
Dividends: CoreShares S&P Global Dividend Aristocrats ETF (GLODIV)
CoreShares S&P Global Dividend Aristocrats ETF (GLODIV)
New to investing
and want to learn more about other ETFs?
Read: SA Market Outlook and Top Picks for 2023
Background: Exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are passively managed investment funds that track the performance of a basket of pre-determined assets. They are traded the same way as shares and the main difference is that whereas one share gives exposure to one company, an ETF gives exposure to numerous companies in a single transaction. ETFs can be traded through your broker in the same way as shares, say, on the EasyEquities platform. In addition, they qualify for the tax-free savings account, where both capital and income gains accumulate tax free.
Benefits of ETFs
Disclaimer
This research report was issued by Intellidex (Pty) Ltd. Intellidex aims to deliver impartial and objective assessments of securities, companies or other subjects. This document is issued for information purposes only and is not an offer to purchase or sell investments or related financial instruments. Individuals should undertake their own analysis and/or seek professional advice based on their specific needs before purchasing or selling investments. The information contained in this report is based on sources that Intellidex believes to be reliable, but Intellidex makes no representations or warranties regarding the completeness, accuracy or reliability of any information, facts, estimates, forecasts or opinions contained in this document. The information, opinions, estimates, assumptions, target prices and forecasts could change at any time without prior notice. Intellidex is under no obligation to inform any recipient of this document of any such changes. Intellidex, its directors, officers, staff, agents or associates shall have no liability for any loss or damage of any nature arising from the use of this document.
Remuneration
The opinions or recommendations contained in this report represent the true views of the analyst(s) responsible for preparing the report. The analyst’s remuneration is not affected by the opinions or recommendations contained in this report, although his/her remuneration may be affected by the overall quality of their research, feedback from clients and the financial performance of Intellidex (Pty) Ltd.
Intellidex staff may hold positions in financial instruments or derivatives thereof which are discussed in this document. Trades by staff are subject to Intellidex’s code of conduct which can be obtained by emailing mail@intellidex.coza.
Intellidex may also have, or be seeking to have, a consulting or other professional relationship with the companies mentioned in this report.
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