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With rising rates amid mounting inflation, the opportunity cost of leaving cash in low-yielding checking and savings accounts is greater than ever. Many savvy local Hong Kong “yield hunters” have started hunting for the best offers on time deposits to capture higher yields that banks offer these days. The Hong Kong government’s latest HK$50 billion issuance of “Silver Bonds” offering an annual coupon of 5%, which launched on 28 July 2023 also reported “record high” response.
However, for some of us with regular cash outflow obligations, it might not be optimal and sometimes frustrating to have money locked up for months and sometimes year(s) in instruments such as time deposits and certificate of deposits, despite the ability to earn higher yields.
We’re here to help — Endowus has a suite of cash management funds and cash management solutions designed to suit your specific needs. Pick cash management or liquidity funds available on our Fund Smart platform, or consider our Cash Management model portfolios that allow you to earn higher yields with no penalties on redemptions.
Most importantly, enjoy daily liquidity for full flexibility. The funds on the Endowus platform are well diversified and enable you to take advantage of increasing yields in a rising rate environment, while minimising concentration risks to single issuers.
We have these solutions available in HKD, USD.
With higher interest rates, net yields as of 30 June 2023 now range from 3.9% to 5.3% p.a. for cash management funds available on the Endowus platform.
Cash management solutions on the Endowus platform
Here are the key money market, liquidity, and fixed income funds available on the Endowus platform for Hong Kong investors to consider:
- E Fund HKD Money Market Fund
- GaoTeng WeInvest HKD Money Market Fund
- E Fund USD Money Market Fund
- GaoTeng WeValue USD Money Market Fund
- Abrdn Liquidity Fund USD
- Ping An USD Money Market Fund
- Amundi Cash USD Fund
To find out more about each fund’s historical track record, click on the fund names above. But as with all investments, investors are reminded that putting your money into money market or liquidity funds, albeit relatively low risk, could still be subject to some degree of investment risk, and yields are not guaranteed. If you do not wish to be subject to any risk of capital loss, then capital-protected vehicles such as time deposits and certificates of deposit are more suitable options, but you would be subject to lock-ups and lose out on liquidity and flexibility.
Comparing time deposits, CDs, Government Bonds, and cash management funds
The world of cash management spans a wide variety of yield enhancement products. Investors in Hong Kong who are looking for a higher interest rate may turn to time deposits from banks, certificates of deposit, Hong Kong government bonds, or unit trusts, for example.
However, it is important for investors to clearly understand the pros and cons of each of these instruments — they often come with trade-offs involving yield, lock-ups, duration, minimum or maximum investment amounts, and transaction fees.
The table below shows key details about time deposits, CDs, Hong Kong government bonds, and cash management unit trusts on the Endowus platform, including the latest available information on their yields (as of the time of writing). For time deposits, please note that the range of current yields should be taken as a guide only, given that time deposit interest rates in Hong Kong change frequently.
Why do people invest in money market funds?
- Maintaining an emergency fund: Life is full of uncertainties, having a liquidity fund can be a personal safety net to get through any unforeseen emergencies, such as a period of unemployment or an unbudgeted large expense. The general rule of an emergency liquidity reserve is about 3 to 5 months of monthly expenses. The accessibility and flexibility of money market funds makes them a good option while not having to sacrifice on yields.
- Short-term investment/life goals: Money market funds could be useful for short-term goals such as saving for a vacation or wedding. As it is important to ensure the investment holds its value over shorter time period.
- Parking of assets: Money market funds are also good vehicles to park or transfer assets, when you are deciding on how to deploy your funds for the longer-term. We do not recommend money market funds as the investment vehicle for your long-term wealth goals. Although their stability might be appealing in the short run, over the long-term their returns would be much lower than stocks and bonds.
The smart and flexible way to earn more on your cash
Looking to supercharge your cash savings? The Aberdeen Standard Liquidity Fund, with a net yield of 4.83% p.a.*, could be a great addition depending on your needs and objectives. You can add it to your portfolio by following these steps.
If you’re interested in model portfolios, Cash Management - Simple is another good option, with projected yields ranging between 4.8% and 5.0% p.a**. Cash Management - Plus is available as well for investors who are willing to take more risk relative to the Cash Management - Simple solution. Critically, Endowus offers our cash management solutions at fees of just 0.10% (as of 30 June 2023), making our offerings highly competitive for your low-risk investments. This is on top of our longstanding practice to rebate any trailer fees back to our clients. Learn more about our Cash Management offerings here.
Make your cash work smarter for you. If you have money set aside for an upcoming expense, earn higher returns on it instead of letting it sit idle in your current or savings account. To get started with Endowus, click here.
*As of 30 June 2023. Net yield after deducting fund-level fees and Endowus access fee, and adding back rebates. Source: Endowus Research, Aberdeen Standard.
**As of 30 June 2023. Net yield after deducting fund-level fees and Endowus fee, and adding back rebates. Source: Endowus Research, Aberdeen Standard, Ping An.
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Risk Warnings
Investment involves risk. Past performance is not an indicator nor a guarantee of future performance or returns. Projected performance or returns is not guaranteed to materialise. The value of investments and the income from them can go down as well as up, and you may not get the full amount you invested.
Rates of exchange may cause the value of investments to go up or down. Individual stock performance does not represent the return of a fund.
General risk warnings relating to collective investment schemes
Before making an investment decision, you are reminded to refer to the relevant prospectus/ offering document for specific risk considerations and related fees and charges.
Funds are not a bank deposit and not capital guaranteed, and is subject to investment risks, including the possible loss of the principal amount invested.
Some of the funds also involve derivatives. Do not invest in them unless you fully understand and are willing to assume the risks associated with them.
Opinions
Any forward-looking statements, prediction, projection or forecast on the economy, stock market, bond market or economic trends of the markets contained in this material are subject to market influences and contingent upon matters outside the control of Endowus HK Limited (“Endowus”) and therefore may not be realised in the future. Further, any opinion or estimate is made on a general basis and subject to change without notice. In presenting the information above, none of Endowus HK Limited, its affiliates, directors, employees, representatives or agents have given any consideration to, nor have made any investigation of the objective, financial situation or particular need of any user, reader, any specific person or group of persons. Therefore, no representation is made as to the completeness and adequacy of the information to make an informed decision. You should carefully consider (i) whether any investment views and products/ services are appropriate in view of your investment experience, objectives, financial resources and relevant circumstances. You may also wish to seek financial advice through a financial advisor or the Endowus platform and independent legal, accounting, regulatory or tax advice, as appropriate.
No invitation or solicitation
Nothing contained [in this article] should be construed as a solicitation, an offer to buy or sale, or recommendation, to acquire or dispose of any security, commodity, investment or to engage in any other transaction in any jurisdiction in which such solicitation, offer to buy or sale would be unlawful under the securities laws in such jurisdiction. No information included [on this website/ in this article] is to be construed as investment advice or as a recommendation or a representation about the suitability or appropriateness of any advisory product or service; or an offer to buy or sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, any security, financial product, or instrument; or to participate in any particular trading strategy. Investors should seek independent financial and tax advice before making any investment decision.
Product Risk Rating: Please note that any product risk rating (the “PRR”) provided by us is an internal rating assigned based on our product risk assessment model, and is for your reference only. The PRR is subject to change from time to time. The PRR does not take into account your individual circumstances, objectives or needs and should not be regarded as advice or recommendation to purchase, hold or sell any fund or make any other investment decisions. Accordingly, you should not solely rely on the PRR in making your investment decision in the relevant Fund.
Complex Products
Some of the funds contained in this article are complex products and investors should exercise caution when investing in these products. Though these products have been authorised by the SFC, authorization does not imply official recommendation. SFC authorization is not a recommendation or endorsement of a product nor does it guarantee the commercial merits of a product or its performance.
This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Securities and Futures Commission or any regulatory authority in Hong Kong.
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