Individuals looking to invest in organisations that are in start-up phase must look at traditional company fundamentals to assess whether these entities will perform well and provide a good opportunity to enjoy solid returns, a financial commentator has said.

Individuals looking to invest in bonds should consider an allocation extending beyond Australian government bonds, according to a specialist fund manager.

The monitoring of Australian equities performance can be performed in a more meaningful manner by using an alternative measure to the All Ordinaries Index, a leading economist has suggested.

The size of the global bond market compared to the global equities market suggests it has the ability to offer SMSF trustees a wider variety of opportunities to invest in companies and governments, a fixed income manager has said.

To receive the full portfolio diversification benefits and to take advantage of all of the Asian investment opportunities individuals need direct holdings in the overseas markets, according to a specialist portfolio manager.