The global real estate asset class delivered modestly positive returns in 2017 and similar results are expected for the next 12 months.

Including a portfolio allocation to global franchise companies can complement the home bias and stock concentration exhibited by many SMSF investors, a specialist fund manager has said.

Fintech platform Stake has announced the beta launch of Stake Premium, which will provide SMSF investors with direct access to United States share trading without charging any trading fees or commissions.

The outlook for emerging market debt as an asset class will be a more compelling one for strategic investors during 2018, despite the significant global macro events expected, Lazard Asset Management has said.

Despite the noise across global economic markets, SMSFs should not forget to remain focused on their investments and investment strategies, particularly as the new superannuation changes have been receiving all the attention from advisers and trustees.

The current and intended use of managed funds among SMSFs has stabilised after experiencing an increase over the preceding few years, the latest industry research has found.

As SMSFs increasingly participate in overseas investments, it is vital the tax consequences and structuring of such opportunities are considered and understood, but importantly advisers must be monitoring rules continuously in case of any changes.

Developments in technology have allowed for new investment opportunities at a lower cost, giving SMSFs with smaller balances the ability to be more cost-effective and well-diversified than ever before.