Fewer own shares but more are in control
The latest Australian Share Ownership Study, run by the ASX, shows the proportion of the population directly owning shares has fallen to 34 per cent, down from 39 per cent in the last survey in 2010.
Total share ownership, which includes exposure through unlisted managed funds, has fallen to 38 per cent, from 43 per cent.
But Australia continues to have one of the world's highest levels of exposure to equities, with 6.7 million people participating in the market either directly or through their super funds.
The ASX study has been running since 1991, tracking changes in the behaviour of investors.
It shows investors have become more self-reliant in recent years, with more people saying they want to be in control of their portfolios. The desire for control coincides with the rise in popularity of self-managed super funds, and the desire to reduce fees.
However, more people admit they are "not at all knowledgeable" about the way the market works.
Most investors (61 per cent) expect to maintain the present proportion of their funds in shares during the next 12 months (up from 52 per cent in 2010), the report says. It also found more people hold residential property in their self-managed super funds than a few years ago (19 per cent up from 11 per cent in 2010).
The report also shows the average value of trades has dropped by 11 per cent to $12,730 in recent years. The average value of funds invested fell to $139,380 from $163,885 two years ago.
Recent gains in the sharemarket are translating into bigger superannuation returns with balanced super funds - the most widely held funds - on track to deliver their highest returns in 15 years.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
The latest ASX share ownership study reports direct share ownership has fallen to 34% of the population, down from 39% in the 2010 survey. Total share ownership (including unlisted managed funds) is 38%, down from 43%.
The study links the fall to weakened investor confidence and poorer returns following the global financial crisis, which has left the proportion of people directly owning shares at its lowest level in more than a decade.
When you include exposure through super funds, about 6.7 million Australians are participating in the market either directly or through their superannuation, according to the ASX study.
The ASX study finds more investors want to be in control of their portfolios. That desire for control coincides with a rise in popularity of self-managed super funds (SMSFs) and an interest in reducing fees.
Yes—61% of investors expect to maintain the present proportion of their funds in shares over the next 12 months, up from 52% in the 2010 survey.
The report shows the average value of trades has dropped by 11% to $12,730, and the average value of funds invested fell to $139,380 from $163,885 two years earlier.
Yes. The study found a rise in residential property held inside SMSFs: 19% now hold residential property in their SMSF, up from 11% in 2010.
Recent sharemarket gains are translating into bigger super returns: balanced super funds—the most widely held type—are on track to deliver their highest returns in 15 years, the study reports.
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