Two new strategies have been added to portfolios, the Betashares Global Share Currency Hedged ETF (ASX: HGBL), and the Ironbark Royal London Core Global Share Fund (Royal London). The new positions have been funded by the sale of Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares (Hedged) ETF (ASX: VGAD), and the UBS Emerging Markets Fund.

Both the ASX: HGBL and Royal London strategies sit within the International Equities asset class.

What we like about ASX: HGBL:

  • Provides passive exposure to most of the developed economies’ companies listed on major exchanges (similar to that of the Vanguard).
  • Under updated tax rulings, the strategy can align the gains/losses from currency overlays with the underlying assets of the ETF. Essentially, the strategy offers improved tax outcomes for long-term investors when investing in a hedged index product.
  • A more competitive fee relative to peers.

What we like about Royal London:

  • An experienced investment team.
  • A distinct investment philosophy viewing the investment universe through a corporate life cycle lens.
  • The belief that companies are able to generate value irrespective of their life cycle stage, to which the team has the ability to assess company fundamentals in the context of where the company sits on the lifecycle.
  • The diversified portfolio across all stages of the life cycle aims to deliver consistent performance from stock selection while minimising style and factor risks.
  • A competitive fee relative to peers.

We allocate both ASX: HGBL and Royal London as “core” strategies within the International Equities asset class, to which we see value in increasing due to continued macro influences and geo-political tensions impacting satellite strategies like UBS Emerging Markets. Furthermore, the changes reduce the cost of the overall portfolio.


As always, thank you for your support, and additional information on the adjustments is available in the video update. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact your adviser.