Help secure your capital with fixed income ETFs

Clarke McEwan Accountants

Australian investors have not traditionally been big users of fixed income, but the asset class is increasingly coming to the fore. Investors are becoming more aware of the need for diversification in their portfolios, the income flow, stability and certainty that bonds can provide, and how crucial these attributes can be when planning a self-funded retirement.

Steady and reliable income

Bonds are classified as 'income assets' as they provide a steady and reliable stream of income. Fixed income is generally considered to be a defensive asset class, but bond values can fluctuate due to changes in interest rates. Bonds have a lower risk profile than shares, which means they don't offer the same capital growth potential.

The spectrum of bonds available ranges from practically risk-free (if held to maturity) Commonwealth government bonds, to semi-government bonds (issued by state governments) to corporate bonds (issued by companies). This bond menu offers a wide range of yields, and therefore meets a range of investor needs and risk appetites.

Corporate bonds do not have as high a credit rating as Australia's sovereign credit rating – or those of the states – so they are higher-yielding than government bonds, but consequently riskier. However, investing in investment-grade rated corporate bonds in both the Australian and global markets is generally safer than investing in the same companies' shares, as they are higher up the capital structure.

Easy, cost-effective access to the broad Australian bond market can be established by buying the iShares Core Composite Bond ETF (ASX code: IAF), or the investor can target only the "sovereign" (that is, commonwealth government bond) sector using the iShares Treasury ETF (ASX code: IGB). Income-oriented investors unwilling to accept the risk of inflation eroding their returns can specify their bond allocation into the Australian inflation-linked bond sector using the iShares Government Inflation ETF (ASX code: ILB).

Fixed income securities can give an investment portfolio an element of capital stability and a consistent flow of interest income. Moreover, bonds typically show a low correlation with shares, meaning that they can protect a portfolio against capital loss.

Simple diversification through ETFs

Historically, fixed income has been a difficult asset class for Australian retail investors to use. Most bonds were sold in prohibitively large minimum investment parcel sizes, which effectively locked retail investors out of the market, confining them to unlisted bond funds. But in 2012, the first fixed income exchange traded funds (ETFs) were listed in Australia. These gave local investors the ability to lock-in exposure in one ASX listed stock to a fixed income portfolio comprising investment-grade securities, Australian commonwealth government bonds and state government bonds.

As has happened in the equity space, the addition of global fixed income ETFs has allowed Australian investors to gain exposure to international sovereign bonds, bonds from 'supra-national' issuers (for example, the World Bank) and foreign companies. The global bond ETFs also add high-yield bonds (corporate bonds that are not rated investment-grade) and emerging market bonds to the local menu.

For example, the iShares Core Global Corporate Bond (A$ Hedged) ETF (ASX code: IHCB) offers a simple, low-cost exposure to global investment-grade corporate bonds, spanning multiple countries and sectors. The iShares JP Morgan US$ Emerging Markets Bond (A$ Hedged) ETF (ASX code: IHEB) does the same for the US$-denominated global emerging markets bond market.

Some hedged international bond exposure can potentially reduce a portfolio's overall volatility. Like shares, investors have the choice of hedging the currency exposure of global bonds back into the Australian dollar. If hedged, this allows the investor to earn foreign market income and take advantage of potential foreign bond price appreciation, without being affected by currency fluctuations. (All of the iShares international fixed income ETF range is hedged to Australian dollars, to remove the currency risk for the Australian investor).

Redressing equity bias

Historically, Australian investors have shown a strong bias towards shares, particularly domestic shares. This has been cemented over the last few decades by the strong attraction of the dividend imputation system (introduced in 1987) – stemming from the subsequent boost to returns provided by franking credits – as well as a series of government privatisations and de-mutualisations of large insurance companies that served to swell the ranks of shareowners.

This bias towards shares has extended into retirement funding portfolios. According to the Australian Association of Super Funds (ASFA)¹, Australian super funds hold 48% of their assets in listed investments, with Australian shares their single largest allocation, at 23% of assets, followed by international shares at 21%. (Real estate investment trusts, or REITs, fill out the listed portion, accounting for 4% of total assets.)

However, this predilection for shares puts Australia out of step with international practice. In most of Australia's peer group of developed countries, bonds are by far the dominant asset class in retirement funding.

According to data from the 2015 OECD Pensions in Focus² report, the average pension fund (in a sample of 31 developed countries) holds 51.3% of its assets in bills and bonds, and 23.7% of its assets in shares. The same report puts Australian pension funds' allocation to bills and bonds at 8.8%, while 50% of the assets are held in shares.

Australia's growing army of self-managed super funds (SMSFs) diverges even further from the normal preponderance of bonds in pension funds. According to Australian Taxation Office (ATO)³ statistics, as at March 2016, Australian SMSFs held $6.7 billion in debt securities, or just 1.2% of the $570.6 billion in SMSF assets. In contrast, SMSFs own $172.1 billion worth of shares, or 30.2% of their assets.

The upshot of these statistics is twofold. Firstly, the asset allocation of the Australian pension system, being much lower in bonds, is not as conservative as that of its OECD peers – that is, it is arguably more risky. This applies particularly to Australian SMSFs.

Secondly, Australian SMSFs' minuscule collective holding in bonds means that these funds are not well-diversified as a group. Using selected domestic and global bond ETFs can redress this asset allocation anomaly by cost-effectively establishing a portfolio holding in fixed income.

¹ Source: http://www.superannuation.asn.au/resources/superannuation-statistics

² Source: http://www.oecd.org/finance/private-pensions/pensionmarketsinfocus.htm

³ Source: https://www.ato.gov.au/Super/Self-managed-super-funds/In-detail/Statistics/Quarterly-reports/Self-managed-super-fund-statistical-report-March-2016/?anchor=Assetallocation#Assetallocation

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored article by BlackRock Investment Management

< Older Post Newer Post >

Have you considered the benefits of using a family trust? We share five ways

Protecting you and your business: using trusts

By Clarke McEwan • July 30, 2025

Have you considered the benefits of using a family trust? We share five ways that a trust can help you shelter your personnel assets and protect the future of your family and business? #trusts #familytrust #businesstips

The one big, beautiful bill that may not be so beautiful for Aussies

By Clarke McEwan • July 2, 2025

Where are things at? Australian superannuation funds currently have about $400 billion invested in the US and tax concessions are currently available under existing tax treaties. This could change. A new bill, backed by the Trump administration and recently passed through the House of Representatives proposes higher taxes on countries seen to be discriminating against US businesses, including Australia. If the bill becomes law, Australian super funds could face higher taxes on US investments, directly affecting the long-term returns of super funds. The implications Even if you don’t have direct investments in the US, this matters. If your business is tied to superannuation funds or if you rely on consistent super returns for your retirement planning, changes like these can add pressure. It also adds a layer of uncertainty for Aussie businesses operating globally. As trade tensions rise and tax rules shift, doing business internationally becomes more complex and potentially more costly. Tax experts say these changes could override existing treaties between the US and Australia. And they’re not just aimed at big corporates, any individual or entity with US exposure could potentially be affected in some way. What’s being done? Industry groups including the Financial Services Council are calling on the Australian Government to step in and protect Australian investors through diplomatic and trade channels. Major super funds have already met with US lawmakers, reminding them that Australia is a significant source of capital for US markets and that strong partnerships go both ways. That said, this legislation is still working its way through Congress and faces pushback even from some Republicans. But as one US political expert said, ‘Bills that looked doomed have passed before.’ We live in hope but it’s not over yet. What can you do? Using John Howard’s barometer, for now we’re at the be alert but not alarmed stage. If you’re managing a business, planning your retirement, or investing overseas, this is a reminder of how global politics can impact your bottom line. Here’s what we recommend: • Stay informed. Tax rules can change quickly • Ensure your retirement planning is flexible enough to adjust if needed or talk to us to help you • Talk to us if you’ve got exposure to US investments, but you might need some input from a US tax specialist. There’s undoubtedly a bit to consider in the world of tax / finance at the moment, the environment’s changing at pace. You’re not alone in this though, as always please reach out if you have any questions and concerns. We’re here to help.

Trust funds: are they still worth the effort?

By Clarke McEwan • July 2, 2025

Is there a shift away from trusts? In recent years, we have noticed a slight trend of businesses transitioning from trust structures to corporate entities. This shift is largely due to increasing scrutiny on how trusts are used and the growing complexities involved in managing trusts, particularly when it comes to documentation and compliance requirements. Trustees and directors of trustee companies are realising that they need to devote more time and resources to ensure compliance with evolving and complex regulations. One of the primary challenges in utilising trusts for business purposes is the need for timely and accurate decision making. Trustees are normally required to make decisions about distributions by the end of the financial year to prevent the profits of the trust from being taxed at penalty rates. This timing can be problematic as it might not align with the availability of complete financial information, especially for businesses that are actively trading. This can lead to difficulties in making informed decisions regarding the distribution of trust income and to achieve optimal tax outcomes. The ATO has also intensified its focus on trust arrangements, especially when it comes to the use of integrity rules which have formed part of the tax system for many years, but haven’t tended to be applied all that often. The risk of making mistakes and being detected is probably higher than ever before. All’s not lost (we’re here to help) While the landscape around trusts is evolving and the scrutiny is high, this doesn’t mean that trust structures don’t still have their place. With the right support (support that we can provide in conjunction with other experts) trusts can still offer advantages that other structures can’t. They can still be a useful platform for passive investment activities, estate planning and as part of a business structure. This isn’t the time to give up on trusts. But it is important to seek advice before setting up a trust to make sure it is the most appropriate option and to fully understand the advantages, disadvantages and practical issues that will need to be managed when using a trust structure.

Finfluencers: bad tax advice could cost you

By Clarke McEwan • July 2, 2025

Finfluencers: bad tax advice could cost you Relying on this advice could not only leave you out of pocket but also expose you to ATO penalties, fines or in the worst case scenario - prosecution. What’s the problem? Many finfluencers make money by promoting financial products on behalf of companies, which means that they don’t necessarily have your best interests in mind when sharing information or insights. Finfluencers aren’t always qualified to provide advice on tax or financial products. You just can’t expect to receive solid, reliable or tailored guidance. Unfortunately, we’re seeing some influences share tax hacks that are either completely false or apply only in extremely limited situations. The ATO and some of the accounting professional bodies have sounded the alarm on some recent false claims, including: • Claiming your pet as a work related guard dog • Writing off luxury handbags as laptop bags • Deducting fuel costs without any documentation • Trying to claim swimwear as a work uniform These kinds of suggestions might sound plausible but following them could get you into serious trouble. The ATO uses sophisticated data matching tools to detect suspicious or inflated claims. If your deductions don’t meet the legal criteria, this could trigger an audit and if mistakes are found, the consequences can include: • An increased tax liability • Interest charges • Fines • A criminal record and in the most serious cases, imprisonment. Here’s how to stay safe and tax smart: • If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Dodgy deduction tips on social media are best ignored, at least until they can be verified. • Stick to trusted sources. For official tax guidance, visit ato.gov.au. • Don’t risk your business or personal reputation for a quick deduction. If you aren’t sure, please reach out to us and we can help you stay compliant, no filters or hashtags!

Important tax update: deductions for ATO interest charges scrapped

By Clarke McEwan • July 2, 2025

What are the interest charges? There are two main types of interest that are charged by the ATO. These are: • General Interest Charge (GIC) : This applies when you pay your tax liability late. The ATO applies GIC to encourage tax liabilities to be paid on time and ensure taxpayers who pay late don’t have an unfair advantage over taxpayers who pay on time. GIC is calculated on a daily compounding basis on the overdue amount. The GIC annual rate for the July – September 2025 quarter is 10.78%. • Shortfall Interest Charge (SIC) : This is applied when there is a shortfall in tax paid because of an amendment or correction to your tax assessment. SIC is also calculated on a daily compounding basis. The SIC annual rate for the July – September 2025 quarter is 6.78%. The ATO applies SIC to the tax shortfall amount for the period between when it would have been due and when the assessment is corrected. What’s changing? Historically, both GIC and SIC amounts could be claimed as a deduction. This has meant that the net after-tax cost of the interest charges has been reduced for taxpayers who have a positive income tax liability for the relevant income year. However, the Government has passed legislation to ensure that GIC and SIC amounts incurred on or after 1 July 2025 are no longer deductible, even if the interest relates to a tax debt that arose before this date. As these interest charges are no longer deductible, this means that the after-tax impact of the charges is higher for many taxpayers. The impact becomes greater as your tax rate increases. For example, let’s take a look at two individuals who have the same level of tax debt owed to the ATO and the same level of tax debt owed to the ATO and the same GIC liability of $1,000 for a particular income year: • Sally is a high income earner and subject to a 45% marginal tax rate (ignoring the Medicare levy). Under the old rules the net cost of the interest charge was only $550 because she could claim a deduction for the GIC amount and this reduced her income tax liability by $450. Under the new rules no deduction is available and the full cost to Sally will be $1,000. • Adam is subject to a 30% marginal tax rate (again, ignoring the Medicare levy). Under the old rules the net cost of the interest charge was $700 because he could reduce his income tax liability by $300 by claiming a deduction for the GIC amount. As with Sally, under the new rules no deduction is available for the GIC and the full cost to Adam is $1,000. What can I do to minimise the impact of this change? The simple answer is to pay down ATO debt as quickly as possible. As you can see, the GIC rate is relatively high and continues to accrue on a daily basis until the debt is paid off. The faster you can pay off that debt, the lower the interest charges that will accrue. If you can’t afford to pay off your ATO debt in the short term then you might want to explore other options, including whether you would be better off borrowing money from another source at a lower interest rate to pay off the ATO debt. In some cases it is possible to claim a deduction for interest accruing on a loan that is used to pay tax debts, although this is normally only possible if the debt arose from business activities. It isn’t normally possible to claim a deduction for interest accruing on a loan that is used to pay a tax debt that arose from investment or employment activities. While the ATO will sometimes allow taxpayers to enter into a payment plan so that tax debts can be paid through instalments, tax debts that are subject to a payment plan still accrue GIC. On a more proactive basis, a better option is to plan ahead to ensure that upcoming tax payments can be made on time. This will sometimes mean setting aside funds regularly for tax instalments, GST, PAYG withholding and other amounts that need to be paid to the ATO. Keeping these amounts separate will help to ensure you’re ready when the ATO bill arrives. If you're currently carrying tax debt or need help staying ahead of your obligations, we're here to help. Let’s work together on a strategy that keeps you compliant and protects your bottom line.

Div 296 super tax and practical things to consider

By Clarke McEwan • July 2, 2025

How does it work? While we are waiting to see whether the measure will become law, let’s assume for the moment that the Government passes legislation which is consistent with the Government’s announcements to date. If so: • If your TSB is over $3 million at 30 June, a portion of your annual superannuation earnings above that threshold will be taxed at an additional 15%. • The tax is assessed to you personally and can be paid from your super or your own funds. • Superannuation earnings for this purpose reflect the increase in your net super balance for the year, adjusted for certain contributions (eg, inheritance via death benefit pension) and withdrawals. • Some exclusions apply: children on super pensions, structured settlements (personal injury), and the deceased. It is important to remember that your TSB is the aggregate of all Australian superannuation interests (including balances with APRA funds, SMSFs and defined benefit schemes) held at the end of the income year. If the start date is 1 July 2025, then the first test date will be 30 June 2026. An individual’s TSB at this date, and each following 30 June, will determine whether they will have a Division 296 tax liability for that income year. Only where the individual has a TSB on 30 June in excess of $3 million will they have a Division 296 tax liability for that income year. Examples Sam’s account • 30 June super balance: $4 million. • Annual growth: $120,000. • Portion above $3m: ($4m–$3m)/$4m = 25% • Taxable earnings: $120,000 x 25% = $30,000 • Extra tax: $30,000 x 15% = $4,500 Lisa’s inheritance • Lisa’s balance rises from $2m to $4.5m after receiving a death benefit pension. • Only new investment growth (not the transferred amount) is taxed as earnings, but a total balance over $3m means she may still have a liability. What can you do? • Review your super fund liquidity and cashflow planning for future tax payments • Ensure your asset valuations are up to date • Estimate your combined super balances and plan for any large transactions • Document asset values, especially for SMSF members • Seek tailored professional advice before making any changes While we are waiting to see whether the legislation passes through Parliament and whether any significant amendments or adjustments are made to the proposed measures, if you have any questions or concerns around this in the meantime, reach out – we’re here to help.