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So, you’ve got some extra savings and you’re thinking about investing? That’s fantastic! Welcome to the exciting world of investing. Now, the big questions arise: where should you invest, how long should you keep it there, and what types of investments should you consider?

If you’re planning to invest for a few years, you’re likely looking at long-term investment strategies. The good news is, long-term investing is generally simpler than chasing quick returns from riskier, more volatile investments. There’s an old saying: “Successful investing isn’t about timing the market, but time in the market” – and that’s the essence of long-term investing.

What is Long-Term Investment?

Long-term investing involves committing your funds for a significant period, typically around 5 years or more. In the context of superannuation, this can extend to 10 or even 20+ years. This approach allows your investment to grow over time and better withstand market volatility. Growth can come from natural increases in value when stock markets rise, and through the compounding effect, where returns (dividends, interest, etc.) are reinvested, generating additional earnings over time. Of course, not all investments grow, but a well-diversified portfolio generally tends to increase in value over the long term.

Long-Term Investments?

Depending on your financial situation, risk tolerance, timeframe, and personal preferences there are a few options. Common long-term investments include shares and ETFs, property, managed funds, specialist assets, and term deposits.

Successful investors often diversify their portfolios, which means:

• Different types of assets (e.g., shares, cash, etc.)
• Variation within an asset type (e.g., shares across different industries) or in different markets, such as Australian shares, global shares, and shares in emerging economies.

Diversification helps protect your portfolio from significant losses if one asset’s value drops, as other assets may rise in value. Creating a diversified portfolio might sound challenging, but there are simple ways to achieve it, like contributing to your superannuation or buying ETFs (more on ETFs later). Both can provide ready-made diversification in a single transaction.

Shares for the Long Term?

Shares for a long-term investment aren’t necessarily specific types but rather a mix of shares in your portfolio. While certain shares may perform well in the short term, long-term success often requires a variety of stocks, including those from different markets.

Blue-chip shares are from solid, well-known companies. They may pay regular dividends but might not grow as quickly in value. These stocks can provide stability, while shares in smaller, newer companies (small-cap or medium-cap) carry more risk but have the potential for faster growth. A balanced portfolio includes both types for stability and growth. Another option is Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), which can offer both stability and growth in a single investment.

What Are ETFs?

An ETF is an asset you buy on a stock exchange, similar to a share. However, instead of owning a piece of one company, you invest in a range of companies. In Australia, there are over 200 ASX-listed ETFs covering various sectors.

For example, you can buy ETFs that focus on the top 20 Australian corporations, sustainable industries, global tech firms, robotics, high-dividend companies, emerging economies, and more.

You can even invest in property through ETFs without needing a mortgage. A small number of ETFs can provide the kind of diversification that would make any investor happy, without needing to be a billionaire.

ETFs differ from managed funds, which are another type of investment fund, because you can buy them on the stock market. Managed funds are typically more actively managed.

Are ETFs Good for the Long Term?

ETFs can be great for long-term investing due to their diversity. They are usually passively managed, meaning they are only adjusted slightly, often automatically, resulting in lower fees compared to actively managed funds. For instance, an ETF tracking Australia’s top ASX200 companies will only change its portfolio when companies enter or leave the top 200 list. As the ASX200 index rises or falls, so does the value of the ETF.

However, like all investments, ETFs come with risks. The value of your investment can fall, especially if the ETF is concentrated in a specific economy, sector, or trend. Be aware of other costs, such as transaction fees and buy/sell spreads.