An update for Q1 2020 from our CEO, Terry Dillon.
The start to the new year has been a challenging one with natural disasters dominating the news. The response to the recent fires and floods has reminded us of the grit and resilience of Australians and has driven the climate change discussion to one of a national and global priority.
With a focus on the environment, in this edition we look at electric cars and the part they’ll play in a low-carbon future. We also explore what we are calling ‘investing without compromise’. The capacity to align your investment decisions with your values through sustainable or responsible investment.
The latest research shows that adding a sustainability overlay achieves the same or very similar risk and return outcomes. We currently offer sustainable fund options as part of our product offering and are investigating adding a sustainability factor more broadly.
Putting our client’s interest first, in front of our own and all other stakeholders, not just when it’s easy, but every time, is the key reason more than 10,000 Australians have chosen Shadforth as their family’s most trusted adviser.
Over the coming months we will look to formalise and permanently embed this client first philosophy by being independently assessed to become a certified fiduciary advice firm. Becoming a fiduciary means we are bound ethically to act in our clients best interests, and is the highest legal duty of one party to another.
Attaining certification and on-going adherence to these stringent fiduciary standards will mean Shadforth is one of only a handful, and by far the largest advice firm in Australia, to meet these standards of fiduciary excellence.
Many of you would have received an email or call from your adviser to discuss recent market conditions and concerns over COVID-19. We have included in this edition further background to the global forces driving this period of uncertainty, and trust this information provides reassurance.
Volatility and uncertainty are always present when investing – it is how we respond to these factors that determines the outcome and historically each downturn has been followed by a period of recovery and a new market high.
I wish you success and happiness in 2020 and thank you for your continued support. If you have any questions, please contact your adviser.
We’re exploring what we call ‘investing without compromise’ or aligning your investment decisions with your values through sustainable or responsible options.