Below we outline a sample defensive asset allocation, we recommend for clients with a 0% risk tolerance. You can use this as a guide in constructing a Defensive portfolio.

Strategic investment mix

Defensive Profile Allocated %
New Zealand Cash 65.00%
New Zealand Fixed Interest 35.00%
Global Fixed Interest 0.00%
Total income assets 100.00%
New Zealand Equities 0.00%
Australian Equities 0.00%
Global Equities 0.00%
Total growth assets 0.00%
Total portfolio 100.0%

Risk indicator

The Financial Markets Authority has provided guidance on indicators which can help describe investment risk. These indicators are based on annualised standard deviations, a mathematical measure of risk.

On a scale of 1 (least risky) to 7 (most risky), the investment risk of the asset sectors can be described as follows:

Asset sector

Risk Indicator

Cash

1

Very low volatility

Fixed interest (New Zealand)

2

Low volatility

Fixed interest (Global)

3

Low to medium volatility

New Zealand equities and listed property

4

Medium to high volatility

Global equities

5

High volatility 

Australian equities

6

Very high volatility

The risk profile for a Defensive portfolio can be described as 2 (low volatility).

Performance: Check out the performance information for each fund, which is updated online monthly and read the latest quarterly fund update.