In its first quarter update to investors, the AAIC has decided to maintain a neutral stance on Australian equities, hold an overweight to income securities and maintain listed property allocations at zero across all of Implemented Portfolios’ individually managed accounts.

According to AAIC member Jon Reilly, Australian Equities will be supported by continued demand for resources from China, India and other emerging markets, whilst the banks may have slow growth but will still provide solid returns underpinned by their dividends.

“This quarter we have determined to move towards a lower allocation in international equities, but will do gradually, taking advantage of further strength to lock in returns.”

“This is consistent with our investment strategy of buying when we view classes as fair value or undervalued and selling incrementally as they become more expensive,” Mr Reilly said.

Continuing to favour income securities over cash, the AAIC has held its overweight position and maintains a preference for securities issued by the major banks.

The committee’s assessment of A-REITs last quarter was that they were expensive and the outlook was likely to remain subdued. This assessment has not changed in the first quarter, and the portfolios have now moved to a 0% allocation to listed property.

“The AAIC’s decisions this quarter reflect the continued need to be cautious. We have positioned the portfolios defensively but will add to equities allocations when valuations become more attractive. On balance the portfolios will continue to capture the growth from Australian equities, and consistent distributions from the income securities exposure.” he said.

“In 2011 we expect there will be continued sluggish economic growth in the developed world, and significant risks from managing the build up of debt in those countries. Whilst growth rates will be better in emerging markets we are conscious that valuations are no longer as attractive as they once were, which will likely suppress longer term returns.”

The AAIC is comprised of a team of professional managers that make implementation and investment decisions for Implemented Portfolio’s range of Individually Managed Accounts. The quarterly update is the AAIC’s long term assessment of each asset class amid the broader context of the economic environment and investment markets.

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