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What are my SMSF investment options?

Explore the full range of investment options available to SMSFs

SMSFs can invest in a wide range of assets, provided the investments align with the fund’s documented investment strategy and comply with relevant superannuation and tax laws.

These could include:

Cash-based options

  • Cash Management Account: A central account for managing transactions and settling trades.
  • Term Deposits: Lock in a fixed interest rate for a set period
  • Cash on hold: Flexible access to funds while earning interest.

Market-based options

  • Australian Shares: Investing in Aussie markets gives you exposure to local companies and sectors. You could grow your portfolio, and gain income through dividends (or distributions), but it does come with risks.¹
  • International Shares: Investing in international shares means buying parts of companies based outside Australia, which can help spread your investment risk and give access to global markets.²

Broader SMSF investment options

  • Managed Funds: Professionally managed portfolios across asset classes.
  • Direct Property: Residential or commercial property (subject to rules).
  • Fixed Income Securities: Bonds and other interest-bearing investments.
  • Precious Metals and Collectables: Includes artwork, vintage cars, wine (strict compliance rules apply).
  • Cryptocurrency: Allowed under certain conditions, but high-risk.


Matching investments to your goals

Your SMSF investment strategy should reflect the personal circumstances and retirement objectives of each member. For instance, it should consider:

  • Risk and return: Are you seeking growth, income, or capital preservation?
  • Diversification: is the composition of the funds investment strategy diversified to account for unnecessary risk?
  • Liquidity: Can your fund meet expenses and benefit payments?
  • Insurance: Should your fund hold life or disability cover?

Your strategy must be documented and reviewed regularly - especially after major life events or market changes.

Final thoughts and next steps

SMSFs offer flexibility and control, but navigating your investment options requires diligence and planning.

If you’re considering new investments or reviewing your SMSF strategy, it’s wise to consult a licensed financial adviser with SMSF expertise. They can help you assess suitability, manage risks, and ensure your fund remains compliant with superannuation laws.

Explore SMSF solutions or speak to a licensed financial adviser.

How to diversify your SMSF share portfolio

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Distributed by Commonwealth Bank

Things you should know

¹Risks include capital loss risk (Investment value can decrease), liquidity risk (buying or selling can be difficult due to market conditions) and market and economic risks (share price can be impacted by several factors).

²Risks include capital loss risk (Investment value can decrease), liquidity risk (buying or selling can be difficult due to market conditions) and market and economic risks (share price can be impacted by several factors).

This article is intended to provide general information of an educational nature only. The information may include general advice but does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation, needs or tax circumstances, and so you should consider the appropriateness of the advice having regard to your circumstances before acting on it. Where applicable, you should obtain and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and other important disclosure documents before making a decision about acquiring or continuing to a product. You should consider seeking independent professional financial, tax and/or legal advice before making any decision based on this information.

The information in this article and any opinions, conclusions or recommendations are reasonably held or made, based on the information available at the time of its publication but no representation or warranty, either expressed or implied, is made or provided as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of any statement made in this article. 

Past performance is no guarantee of future performance. Investing carries risk.