Index funds - recommendations?

Discussion in 'Shares & Funds' started by Sheldrick, 11th Mar, 2020.

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  1. Sheldrick

    Sheldrick Well-Known Member

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    Hi all

    I'm considering to invest a small amount into Australian index funds soon. Does anyone have any good recommendations regarding low fee index funds in Australia?

    I have previously invested in Vanguard index funds but I don't like how when withdrawing the funds, they only accept fax. Prefer something a bit easier when withdrawing.

    I don't mind if it's S&P200 or 300.

    I was considering Spaceship Voyager but I think it's more tech companies. Just want an index fund that focus more on the big companies in Australia.
     
  2. Nodrog

    Nodrog Well-Known Member

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    Perhaps contact Vanguard as I’d heard they were in the process of developing a new online investor portal?
     
  3. Skinman

    Skinman Well-Known Member

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    Can’t you just purchase and sell VAS etc through normal share trading platforms like CMC and Commsec etc.?

    I’m planning on purchasing some myself in the near future and was planning on using CMC as I already have an account.

    Is there a downside to buying these units through an online trading platform?

    P.s I know CMC sucks but I trade very rarely.
     
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  4. Sheldrick

    Sheldrick Well-Known Member

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    I would like to know more. Anyone purchased VAS through Commsec etc before? Thoughts?

     
  5. jprops

    jprops Well-Known Member

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    Yea, today
     
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  6. Skinman

    Skinman Well-Known Member

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  7. geoffw

    geoffw Moderator Staff Member

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    Yes, I have. And also through Selfwealth. They're just shares on the share market. It can be a little hassle getting an account set up, but all ok after that.

    Selfwealth charge $9.50 per trade, CommSec charge a commission, which can be much larger than in Selfwealth. But when you sell, Selfwealth doesn't let you use the funds until three days after.
     
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  8. number 5

    number 5 Well-Known Member

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    you can use the funds to purchase more shares immediately, you just can't withdraw the money for three days.
     
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  9. UncleDrew

    UncleDrew Well-Known Member

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    VGS should probably be the cornerstone of anyone's portfolio. About the most diversified ETF you are going to get and no domestic risk.
     
  10. Sheldrick

    Sheldrick Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the responses guys.

    If I'm looking to invest a small amount (say between $100 to $1000), which options would be cheaper?

    I registered for a commsec account last night but haven't learned how to use it yet.

    I'm leaning towards going for ETF through a broker to buy vanguard index find (the share).

    Probably will be buy a little bit at a time (say a few hundred) over the next couple of months.

    Thanks.
     
  11. sharon

    sharon Well-Known Member

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    Perhaps you should search for Commsec Pocket on this site and the 'net in general.
    Unfortunately you can't get VAS but it's great for small investments and it does have 1
    share that is ETF.
     
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  12. vbplease

    vbplease Well-Known Member

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    I was surprised how easy it was to setup a CMC account.. it took about 5mins to enter all details online.. about 48hours to complete the account and another 48 hours four bpay payments to appear in the account.

    I wouldn’t bother making $100 purchases as the $10 brokerage eats up 10% of the purchase straight away
     
  13. Nodrog

    Nodrog Well-Known Member

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    Depending on the investors circumstances and given the current value of the Aussie dollar the other question to consider is Hedged vs Unhedged.
     
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  14. pippen

    pippen Well-Known Member

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    The activity on PC atm is crazy! Never knew there were so many share investors/speculators!
     
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  15. geoffw

    geoffw Moderator Staff Member

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    For small purchases, you have a small choice of ETF investments using CommSec Pocket, for $2 a trade
    CommSec Pocket - Investments within reach
     
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  16. UncleDrew

    UncleDrew Well-Known Member

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    Depending on your timeframe of course Nodrog. If you are a millennial I think it all comes out in the wash.
     
  17. Sheldrick

    Sheldrick Well-Known Member

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    Thanks, that's awesome. No worries that I can't get VAS, I can see I get the top 200 companies which is good enough for me. Thank you.
     
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  18. Sheldrick

    Sheldrick Well-Known Member

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    Thanks, that's awesome. Keen. Now just have to consider when to invest. :)
     
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  19. Des

    Des Well-Known Member

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  20. Trailblazer

    Trailblazer Well-Known Member

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    That link pretty much days get the Vanguard ETF but doesn't explain why it's cheaper than going wholesale. You would think putting a sizeable minimum investment into the wholesale fund would be cheaper than the ETF.