Corporate bond investments provider XTB’s fixed-rate portfolios outperformed both the credit index and the comparative bond exchange-traded fund (ETF) market in 2017.

The market has experienced a significant shift in the past two years towards more initial public offerings (IPO) comprised of small-cap companies, putting a dent on funds raised.

The best operators within the industry were once again recognised at the 2017 SMSF Service Providers Awards co-hosted by selfmanagedsuper and research house CoreData.

Adelaide-based SMSF audit firm ASF Audits has announced it will merge with fellow independent SMSF audit firm Super Auditors, bringing the combined number of SMSFs serviced under the new business to more than 12,000.

Delivering on client expectations in regard to portfolio construction and investment diversification is the key objective SMSF advisers are looking to achieve, whether through traditional face-to-face advice or via the emerging online automated model.

Listed real estate fund manager Folkestone has launched a property development offering beginning with an 80 per cent investment in a site approved for residential subdivision in the Melbourne suburb of Wollert.

Australia-based investment manager Jaipur Asset Management (Jaipur AM) has created a new fund that will enable sophisticated investors, including SMSFs, to gain exposure to Indian equities.

Global investment manager Spire Capital is set to add to its suite of Real Estate Opportunity Capital (ROC) funds in late October, providing investors with access to the United States aged-care property sector.