Investment managers are reducing their return expectations across a broad range of asset classes as cash rates globally reach or approach historic lows, according to a Zenith Investment Partners sector review.

Fixed interest sovereign bonds cannot provide the best investment solution for SMSF members looking for capital preservation while generating a reasonable yield, according to a global fixed income manager.

Active small-cap funds continued to experience a strong year compared to the index despite dropping significantly from double-digit growth in previous years, research house Zenith Investment Partners’ sector review showed.

SMSF trustees need to look beyond the domestic equity market to seize investment opportunities arising from worldwide trends, an international fund manager has said.

Defensive asset classes have been marked as the segment to watch, with more flows and demand expected from SMSF trustees in the next 12 months following continued market volatility.

BlackRock believes SMSF trustees will see the appeal of its new proposition, iShares Core, which comprises two new exchange-traded funds (ETF).

A recent review of the real estate market performed by listed property fund manager Folkestone has shown Australian real estate investment trusts (AREIT) to be the best-performing investment vehicle over the past five years.

Research house Zenith Investment Partners’ latest assessment of the global long/short sector has concluded market conditions are making this an opportune time for managers in the space.

Research house Lonsec has assigned its initial ratings for two managed investment funds – the AllianceBernstein Global Equities Fund and Macquarie Specialist Investments (MSI) Dividend Run-Up Fund.