The number of SMSFs engaged in online trades grew in proportion to the overall increase in the number of funds in the sector, but those using an adviser had holdings of greater value compared to their non-advised counterparts, according to Ausiex.
The wholesale trading platform’s annual report on advised and self-directed SMSF accounts that use its service found total SMSF trading accounts grew by 1.52 per cent from 2023 to 2024 and the value of their holdings increased by 8.8 per cent.
The growth in funds using Ausiex was consistent with the 1.8 per cent increase in total SMSFs from September 2023 to September 2024 reported by the ATO, with newly established SMSF trading accounts across advised and self-directed segments rising by 14.5 per cent over the past year.
Ausiex noted advised SMSFs accounted for most of this growth, 12.3 per cent, with head of product, customer experience and marketing Brett Grant adding: “We’ve seen advised SMSF accounts grow in number last year and continue to grow at the start of this year – and trading more actively.
“SMSFs traded more in 2024 than they did the previous year, up 7.5 per cent (by number of trades) year on year.
“The increase we believe was in part due to increased additional interest in global equities, in particular global equity and US equity exchange-traded funds (ETF).”
Grant also noted the value of holdings was higher for advised SMSFs than for non-advised SMSF accounts and while the value of all SMSF holdings lifted by 8.8 per cent, for advised funds that figure rose by 13.47 per cent, while self-directed holdings only increased by 3.05 per cent.
“These gains appear to have been supported significantly by more diversified holdings across sectors and securities,” Grant said.
“This includes an increasing allocation to ETFs – which is a stark difference to non-SMSF accounts and self-directed SMSF accounts, which prefer direct equities.
“Despite concerns about the future of the wholesale investor test, the potential Division 296 superannuation tax, compliance requirements and cost-of-advice concerns, SMSFs remain in favour with distinct groups of investors and advisers who value greater flexibility when it comes to growing and protecting wealth.”
