Returns over one, three and five years were all positive. However, in the latest quarter investors were reminded that returns are not always positive. The three-month returns were affected by many things but largely concerns about international trade, growth and interest rates. Where will the trade tensions between nations lead? What might they do to growth? Do current interest rates reflect the expected outcome?
These concerns led to some large share price movements in the quarter. Despite the ongoing uncertainties we remain cautiously invested (across each of the Income, Balanced and Growth Funds). By cautious we mean invested in assets where we expect to get a fair return and the capital back over the long haul.
Investment returns at 31 March 2018, before fees and tax:
| 3 Months | 1 Year (p.a.) | 3 years (p.a.) | 5 years (p.a.) | |
| Income Fund | 0.7% | 4.0% | 4.2% | 4.6% |
| Balanced Fund | -1.0% | 6.2% | 7.1% | 8.0% |
| Growth Fund | -1.7% | 7.6% | 8.7% | 9.8% |
