The Money Mustache Community

Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Investor Alley => Topic started by: Captain Hungry on February 08, 2014, 08:09:19 AM

Title: International share investment - for Australian mustachians
Post by: Captain Hungry on February 08, 2014, 08:09:19 AM
Long time lurker, first time poster. My parents asked for investment advice and I only have a general idea - so I turn to the combined wisdom of the MMM forum!

Investor case study:
- 2 retirees in their sixties
- live in Australia
- no debt, have sufficient safe investments for income purposes
- have a solid chunk of exposure to Australian equities
- want to invest in share-type investments as cash pays 3.99% currently
- can either invest via self-managed superannuation fund or as individuals

Since my parents are already heavily invested in the Australian share market, I think it would make sense to invest in international share indices (S&P 500, Eurostoxx, etc).

Australian mustachians: what is the best way to do this via a local provider that doesn't have high fees?
Title: Re: International share investment - for Australian mustachians
Post by: Pinball on February 08, 2014, 09:42:24 AM
Vanguard has US Total Market (VTS) and All World Ex-US (VEU) ETFs available on the ASX. These are a simple and cost-effective way of getting international exposure.
Title: Re: International share investment - for Australian mustachians
Post by: Captain Hungry on February 09, 2014, 11:05:17 AM
Thanks very much!
Title: Re: International share investment - for Australian mustachians
Post by: AdrianM on February 09, 2014, 06:40:07 PM
Why do they want exposure to international shares?

For example.
Protection against a falling AUD.
They could own gold. (or any other asset priced in USD)

If they want income in USD
They could buy companies like BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust NYSE:BPT
Currently paying about %10 return

Each option comes with its own set of risk/reward.

If you just want a platform then try Interactive Brokers

Title: Re: International share investment - for Australian mustachians
Post by: Captain Hungry on February 16, 2014, 01:09:09 PM
Thanks AdrianM, wanting to diversify in terms of geographical and currency exposure. Not looking to invest in a single asset.

Will check out Interactive Brokers, thanks!