Fund Product Update

Challenger launches fixed term annuity

Challenger has a new guaranteed fixed term annuity, with a three-year investment period at 4.4 per cent per annum. Investors who opt to have their capital returned to them at the end of the three-year term will receive guaranteed annual payments over the period. Performance isn’t affected by share market performance.

Vanguard launching super fund

Vanguard is launching a superannuation fund this year, Vanguard Super, which has received the go-ahead from the regulator.

AMP-managed trust moving elsewhere

AMP Capital Retail Trust (ACRT) is moving onto another manager, after unitholders made a decision to switch. AMP received a notice from unitholders regarding their intention to move management of the trust to another provider.

BlackRock launches iShares ETF

The iShares Global Aggregate Bond ESG AUD Hedged ETF has been launched by BlackRock. The exchange-traded fund (ETF) offers Australian investors access to a diversified group of over 21,000 fixed income securities from government to green bonds, tracking the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Index.

eToro launches AussieEconomy portfolio

The AussieEconomy portfolio recently launched by eToro offers long-term exposure to 35 high-performing ASX listed companies. The companies are from several industries, such as commodities, mining, biotech, pharmaceuticals, tourism, finance and software. There is a minimum investment of US$500.

Chant West announces platform rankings service

The Chant West apple ranking system for investment platforms has launched with ratings of five platforms. The company previously ranked superannuation and pension funds, and is now applying this to features, services and investments offered to financial advisers and their clients via platforms. Advisers can compare platforms and assess features and capabilities.

UBS launches small-cap strategy locally

An Australian small-cap strategy has been launched in Australia by UBS, the Future leaders Small Cap Strategy. The actively managed global strategy of 40-60 small cap ‘future leaders’ stocks is to offer investors access to high-quality companies across three long-term themed categories: digital transformation, health and societal transformation, and sustainable transformation.

BlackRock and NAB launch ETF suite together

BlackRock and NAB Private Wealth have launched an iShares ETF suite with three new themed funds: iShares Balanced ESG ETF, iShares High Growth ESG ETF and the iShares Future Tech Innovators ETF. The first two offer globally diversified, sustainable multi-asset portfolios with balanced or growth risk profiles.