iRate is the online portal for van Eyk’s clients to access its fund manager and shares research, portfolio constructions tools and model portfolios. It is used daily by thousands of financial advisers across Australia. 

Version 4.0 introduced a number of improvements, including major enhancements to the portfolio construction tool. 

The Interactive Tactical Allocation Model (ITAM) assists advisers in making tactical asset allocation decisions and allows them to easily build investment portfolios that take account of changes in markets and the economic outlook. 

van Eyk chief executive Mark Thomas said the new tool reflected van Eyk’s strategic outlook, which recognised the importance of active investment management within a long term strategic asset allocation. 

“Investors should expect ongoing market volatility given the global debt burden and extreme monetary policies and cannot rely solely on market trends to deliver superior returns,” Mr Thomas said. “While we still think strategic asset allocation is very important, we also stress the importance of taking advantage of the shorter term opportunities that a volatile market is going to present.” 

Advisers can follow van Eyk’s tactical asset allocation recommendations for different risk profiles, but the tool also allows them to make adjustments to the underlying assumptions and see the results graphically on a client’s portfolio.

The release of iRate 4.0 is the first milestone in a major development program which will culminate in the release of iRate 5.0 in the first quarter of 2013. 

iRate 5.0 will feature a significantly enhanced user interface fully compatible with smartphones and tablets. 

van Eyk has engaged an additional five software developers to work on the upgrade program. 

Versions 4.1 and 4.2, which will be released over the next two months, will roll out major changes to the presentation of fund research and reporting which will make it easier for advisers to include information in a Statement of Advice. 

An upgrade to the database of managed fund research will provide even more detailed information on the more than 16,000 funds iRate covers and introduces powerful new search and sorting tools. 

New Portfolio Reports will provide an “at a glance” analysis of investment portfolios, including performance data and analysis of asset allocation, manager holdings and fee structures. 

iRate Product Manager Ilona Oshana said the development drive recognised the growing demands on the busy financial adviser. “Advisers need ever more efficient and powerful systems to support them in providing a superior service to their clients,” she said.

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