Register For Our Mailing List

Register to receive our free weekly newsletter including editorials.

Home / 304

Do franking credits justify SMSF bias to Aussie shares?

Many Australian investors have an overly-large allocation or home bias towards Australian shares in their investment portfolios relative to global shares, despite the purported benefits of diversifying more globally.

Australia accounts for less than 3% of the MSCI World index, yet the average large superannuation fund holds 22% in listed Australian shares versus 23% in global listed shares (as a percentage of total assets under management). Expressed another way, half their listed equity exposure is domestic.

Reasons SMSFs allocate to Australian shares

There is no definitive data on SMSFs, but the average SMSF allocation is between 30% and 40% to Australian shares (including via funds) and only about 10% to global shares. ATO data on SMSFs is unreliable because it only shows direct holdings of global shares, not the majority of the allocation via managed funds and ETFs.

Part of this large home bias to Australian shares may be explained by domestic investors having liabilities in Australian dollars (AUD), and they are happy to receive AUD returns to fund AUD expenses. Other reasons include potentially higher costs associated with direct global investments as well as the tendency for investors to invest in companies they are familiar with.

In Australia, we have another reason to invest in domestic stocks: franking credits.

Australian companies that pay Australian company tax can distribute franking tax credits to Australian investors, and these can typically boost returns by approximately 1.5% p.a. for the S&P/ASX200.

With franking credits potentially under threat for SMSFs and low tax individuals under the current Labor proposal, it is timely to reassess the impact of franking credits on home bias to understand the impact of changes to taxation policy.

Optimal asset allocation with and without franking

First, even without franking credits, the Australian equity market has provided highly competitive long-term returns. Credit Suisse’s Global Investment Returns Yearbook 2019 shows that the Australian market beat all other developed markets over the past 119 years (1900-2018). Real returns (returns in excess of inflation) in US dollar terms over that period show Australia just pipped the US equity market to take the top spot, realising a real return in USD of approximately 6.5% p.a. In real local currency (AUD) terms, the Australian market rose slightly more at around 6.7% p.a. over the same period. These returns are before franking credits.

In order to estimate the impact of franking credits, we built an efficient portfolio (where efficiency is based on building the highest returning portfolio for a given level of portfolio risk) based on return expectations which both include and exclude the benefits of franking credits. Unlike most analyses, we build our portfolios bottom-up based on individual stock return expectations, rather than top down using country allocations.

Our portfolios are benchmark-unaware with currencies unhedged. Stock level return forecasts are based on Plato’s global alpha model, with franking credits added for with-franking portfolios. We built a range of optimal portfolios for a given level of total portfolio risk.

The impact of franking

Not surprisingly, Figure 1 shows that when we include franking credits, the optimal allocation to Australian shares goes up.

Figure 1. Optimal allocations to Australian shares within the equity allocation

For reasonable ranges of risk, the optimal allocation to Australian shares (within the equity allocation component, not the entire portfolio) including franking is just under 50% which is consistent with the allocations of large superannuation funds. That is, a similar allocation to domestic and global equities.

If we exclude franking credits, efficient allocations to Australian shares fall significantly to just below 40% and as low as less than 10%, depending on the investor’s risk tolerance. That is, at high levels of risk tolerance, the optimal allocation to global equities rises significantly without franking.

Figure 2 plots the efficient frontier for franking credit-inclusive returns, and also highlights the percentage exposure allocated to Australian shares at different risk levels.

Figure 2. The efficient frontier for returns when including franking credits

It also highlights that a portfolio built from individual stocks is significantly more efficient than either an S&P/ASX200 portfolio or an MSCI World ex Australia portfolio.

That is, we have built a portfolio with substantially higher returns and significantly less risk than an index investment in either the Australian or global equity markets.

Digging into the results, the weighting in banks tends to be underweight the MSCI index when franking is excluded.

However, when franking is included, there is an increase in banking weight of 5-7% for much of the efficient frontier, and this reflects a steering of the portfolio away from global banks and into Australian banks. This is an interesting empirical result and is also an outcome we observe in many retail portfolios.

In summary, our analysis finds that franking credits help explain Australians’ home bias, justifying the average asset allocations of large super funds.

SMSFs still have a problem

Our analysis does not justify the much higher weighting that SMSFs have in Australian shares. Remember, we are looking at allocation within the equity component, not over all asset classes. SMSFs typically have 75% or more allocated to Australian equities within the equity component.

Our analysis would also suggest that for investors who may lose franking credit refund ability under the Labor proposal, allocations to Australian shares could fall significantly, by as much as 40% of total equity allocations depending on risk appetite, in favour of global shares.

However, we don’t expect individual investors will all significantly reduce their allocations to Australian shares. While losing franking might encourage many investors to reduce their Australian share exposure, home bias and capital gains tax for taxed investors will likely reduce the amount of money switched from Australian shares.

When we surveyed our clients, 81% of 1,414 respondents said they would reduce exposure but 7% said they would not, with the balance not knowing.

In terms of where investors would re-allocate their funds, for those who did say they would reduce exposure, almost half (46%) said they would increase exposure to global shares. Only 8% of respondents indicated they would increase their exposure to property.

 

Jonathan Whiteoak is Senior Quantitative Analyst and Dr Don Hamson is Managing Director at Plato Investment Management. This article is general information and does not consider the circumstances of any investor.

 

23 Comments
Ian S
May 09, 2019

In his segment on the 7:30 report 01/05/19 Bill Shorten said: "When you get an income tax credit when you haven't paid income tax it is a gift from the government."

See https://iview.abc.net.au/show/7-30 at 18:36 or https://youtu.be/iDXbfqI0A2g?t=399

Notice he did not say refunds. He said tax credit.

At the moment he is going after individuals and SMSF accounts in pension phase.

He and Bowen will be well aware that many SMSF accounts will move their share investments to industry or retail funds in order to retain their franking credits.

How long before Labor goes after retirees in pension phase in APRA funds? Surely this is the logical next step based on Bill's statement above.

Graham Hand
May 05, 2019

Well, Greg, in case you didn't notice, we published 8 articles plus a White Paper this week, and while two were on franking credits (a subject clearly of great interest to our readers), one was a piece of research about the value of franking in justifying holding Australian shares.

That leaves six for your 'diversified portfolio of topics'.

So while I concede we have given a lot of space to franking, there is plenty of other great material for anyone who wants to ignore franking. And I repeat, we are happy to publish an article which is for the policy, but nobody has provided one.

Chris Creelman
May 02, 2019

Hi, I also watched the the ABC 7.30 report, great biased report supporting Labour. Did they really have to do the interview on the guys luxury cruiser. They could have easily found a lot more self funded retirees who will struggle without the refund. Mr Shorten mentions the free kick retirees get from the franking credit refund, equally what about the free kick the self funded retiree gives the government by not receiving a pension plus all the other government benefits.

Tim
May 04, 2019

The 2001 election turned for the LNP on the back of the Tampa, could the 2019 election turn for the ALP on the back of an entitled luxury boat owning franking credit rorting baby boomer?

Graham Hand
May 04, 2019

Tim, have you seen the ABC programme? The guy has $500,000 in his SMSF earning $40,000 a year including franking. He's been retired for 10 years so probably has no future work prospects. It's hardly a luxury boat as his knees bang on the back of the boat from his tiny deck with barely enough room for a little table. He's eating a Tim Tam, not caviar. His wife is a 61-year-old aged care worker - how much do you think she earns? Tampa? We decide who eats our Tim Tams and the circumstances in which they do so.

Ron
May 04, 2019

I hear the cheaper Tim Tam version at Aldi is quite nice. Good to have options in case Labor get up.

Tim
May 04, 2019

Yes
$21.73 x 40 hours x 52 weeks = $45,198.40 p.a
Diplomatic dispute with Norway. Introduction of the Border Protection Bill. Howard... “We decide who comes into this country and the circumstances in which they come.” Etc

Don
May 05, 2019

I personally prefer a good cup of tea and a Tim tam over a glass of Moët and caviar. If that poor chap loses his franking credits, it may hamper his chances of upgrading his yacht.

Greg
May 05, 2019

Don’t worry about Tim Tam gate, the big question on every readers mind is will there be a franking credit article next week or will cuffelinks return to a diversified portfolio of topics.

Rob G
May 02, 2019

None of this is rocket science, the money will move IF the Bowen proposals get through a possibly hostile Senate

If we take the extreme case that every SMSF in retirement closes and moves to an Industry Fund, firstly Bowen's "bonus" disappears, probably a year after it has been committed AND every franked dividend payer would be under pressure.

Why? Simple maths - SMSF's in retirement have a vastly heavier weighting to Aussie equities than say, Australian Super's Balanced fund with 22%. Mind the Gap!

Personally I think what will happen is that smaller SMSF's will in fact switch to Industry Funds while the bigger SMSF's will change their Asset Allocation and Stock selection in 2019/20 to make franking irrelevant, having collected massive franking credits in 2018/19 via buybacks. Bowen will say "told you so, look at the billions we paid out" but when he comes to count his "franking bonus" in 2019/20, it will not be there!

Aussies are not stupid, if Canberra moves the goalposts they will find somewhere else to play. Meanwhile Bowen has put 1m Aussies offside, possibly enough to "lose the unloseable", for next to no revenue gain. Brilliant!

Jan
May 02, 2019

Chris: "I don’t know why anyone would think $500k is enough to retire on".

Well, Chris, if you reach retirement age and you have to resign your job, or you can't get a job because you are considered too old, or you fall ill and can't work, or your partner falls ill and you have to look after him/her, if all you have saved us $500,000, then that is what you have to retire on, like it or not.

BTW: The ABC report did a pathetic job of trying to explain the imputation system and the impacts of Labor's plan on different entities and individuals. Likewise, Leigh Sales failed to ask Shorten the crucial questions e.g why do unions, charities and the Future Fund who pay no tax get cash refunds but individuals and SMSFs do not? Why are cash refunds dependent on what investment vehicle you use? If those losing cash refunds sell their FF shares, which are then bought by those who can use them to reduce their tax even to zero (so pay no tax) will Labor get the revenue it is counting on?

Errol Davey
May 02, 2019

The hardest thing l find to accept about labors proposal is that it doesn't affect any of the politicians and senior public servants!.
Why is the Future Fund exempt as it will still collect all franking credits!

PeterT
May 02, 2019

“…allocations to Australian shares could fall significantly”

Two reasons I doubt this…

1. The Australian stock market is currently, and has been for some time, the highest yielding stock market in the world. Without franking credits. You can tout the returns (ignoring the risk profile) on corporate bonds, or peer-to-peer lending or other asset classes all you want - but in the equity space, if you are an investor chasing yield, it is still going to be hard to beat Australian equities.

2. The so-called 'home equity bias', which describes the empirical reality that equity investors are invariably overweight in equities from their domestic market, has been documented in academic studies to occur across time and across geographies. Finnish investors are overweight Finnish stocks much the same as American investors are overweight US stocks and Australian investors overweight Aussie stocks. One suspects it can be adequately explained on the basis of garden-variety parochialism, and investors just "buying what they know". But whatever the reason for it, the home-equity bias clearly has nothing to do with the nonsensical situation where, for roughly two decades, in a single geography, in a (by global comparison) tiny stock market, the government has allowed the cash refund of excess franking credits.

TrevorL
May 02, 2019

Peter, I agree with you on your point 1.

Despite what the financial press and advisers say and recommend about "better risk balanced" portfolios and investing overseas; why would an investor sell high yielding Australian shares (in the top 50 ASX) and suffer capital gains taxation and and then buy a lower net income yield basket of shares in an ETF. Staying in the Australian shares, even with the loss of excess franking credits, will still be a better yield to fund a particular lifestyle. The higher yielding Australian share, even with no franking credit refund, still buys more groceries.

Common financial advisory theory (lore) does often not apply in practice to many investors with bills to pay. I feel too much advice in the media over the past year will see people sell good income yielding stocks because of the loss of franking credits refund and when they reinvest they will be no better off, have wasted money on commission/fees, paid capital gains tax, and have no more or even less income - but have a better balanced less Australian focused portfolio, so advisers can sleep soundly.

Dudley
May 02, 2019

"the nonsensical situation ... cash refund of excess franking credits.":

For precisely the same 'nonsensical' reason that cash refunds are paid to employees: over paid tax.

PeterT
May 03, 2019

My mistake Dudley, I should have been clearer…

The nonsensical situation… where the government (which again, is almost alone in the world today, in doing this) imputes the corporate earnings of it’s BHPs, CBAs, Telstras, etc. to a demographic of shareholders who sit outside the taxation regime. And in so doing, the government implicitly elects to pay for roads and schools and hospitals, etc. without taking a clip from those corporate earnings. That, I’m afraid, is pure nonsense.

Imagine, for a minute – if you have never actually done this before - sitting down and trying to explain this bizarre practice to someone in another country. With a straight face. And set your stopwatch to see how long it is before the word “Greece” is mentioned…

You can acknowledge the nonsense, and the necessity for the status quo to change, but disagree on precisely how; fair enough. Numerous Cuffelinks readers have pointed out that the zero rate of tax paid by pension-phase superannuants is really what should be put under the microscope. My own view is that imputation is the issue, and that it makes no sense to impute the earnings of a corporate entity to an individual shareholder when virtually no other property or practice of that entity is similarly imputed. Or there is the Keating view, which Labor proposes to re-implement, where you tax every single dollar of corporate earnings just once, at a rate equal to the higher of the corporate tax rate and the shareholder’s marginal tax rate.

If you take the view that the status quo here must change, that the nonsense must end – and most, even if not all, do - then under any of the above three avenues of redress, (1) more tax is going to be collected AND retained from corporate earnings, and (2) superannuants, as well as other low-tax-rate shareholders, are going to have less money in their pocket. That’s going to sting those individuals, for sure, no question, although the amount of the sting will vary depending on how you move the needle and on which dial. Any change to the status quo is going to have consequences, positive or negative, for everyone. If you are someone for whom the change has negative consequences (and I personally am squarely in this camp, but luckily my world view extends beyond the end of my own nose) you can console yourself, perhaps, with the view that in a rational universe, the money you will lose is money you really should never have been given, and are really very lucky (in a Greek way) to have received, over the past two decades, since Howard/Costello made the changes.

Now, I’ll don my flak jacket and step outside…

Dudley
May 03, 2019

"makes no sense to impute the earnings of a corporate entity to an individual shareholder":

Company earnings are synonymous with company pre-tax profit. The profit belongs to the owners which are synonymous with shareholders. It is fundamental that company profit belongs to shareholders.

Imputation, by ATO, is of company tax, not earnings, to shareholders.

To tax company profits at 30% and also tax shareholder dividends at their tax rate, for example 47%, results in a much higher tax rate, for example (1 - (1 - 47%) * (1 - 30%) * 100%) = 62.9%, than is common in other jurisdictions. All but dullards would invest other than in Australian companies. Shareholders of companies not paying dividends are, effectively, taxed 30% on profit and on capital gains on their shares.

To not tax dividends results in a tax rate of 30% for high incomers rather than 47%, and in a tax rate of 30% for low incomers rather than 0% - a flat tax rate.

Hence franking credits to tax dividends at the recipient's legislated tax rate.

Not refunding over paid tax, a 100% tax on 'excess' franking credits - a double tax, results in a 30% tax on dividends for incomers with an income less than $138,922.22. All but dullard low incomers would invest other than in Australian companies.

Refundable franking credits results in the dividend recipient being taxed on that income at their legislated tax rate.

Dudley
May 02, 2019

"how can investors seriously think that getting a cash refund is acceptable?":

How can employees 'seriously think that getting a cash refund is acceptable?

To bring employee taxation into line with Bowen's scheme, employers would pay 30% tax on the wages, pay the employees 70%, the tax paid for each employee would be credited to the employee.

Where the employees tax assessment is greater than the tax credit they would pay more tax.

Where the employees tax assessment is less than the tax credit they would not receive a refund. Those with an income less then the tax free threshold would no longer pay 0% tax - they would pay pay 30% tax.

A far quicker way of paying off the national debt - get the low incomers to do it. Pure cunning.

Chris
May 02, 2019

I know I'm in the minority here but how can investors seriously think that getting a cash refund is acceptable? If, as it's being reported, people have "saved" for their retirement then how/why are they relying on the government to subsidies their retirement with franking credit refunds?

A segment on the 7.30 report last night featured a fellow in WA who retired several years ago with $500k in his SMSF. While his wife is still working, he's upset that he'll lose his refund. 1, I don't know why anyone would think $500k is enough to retire on, 2 legislative risk applies to businesses as well as investments.

Maybe a little overweight in Aussie shares!

Furthermore, if one has saved for retirement, when is one expected to start selling down their investments to fund their lives? It seems like everyone interviewed wishes only to live on the income stream and not the capital. Since when was superannuation supposed to be an inheritance vault for the kids?

John E
May 02, 2019

@Chris.

“When was superannuation supposed to be an inheritance vault?”.

Err...Never! There are minimum payment rates for smsf pensions. In the first few years income may cover that.

But as you age the minimum payment increases up to 14% per annum. The chances of passing anything on to the kids are extremely unlikely.

https://www.ato.gov.au/rates/key-superannuation-rates-and-thresholds/?page=10

Graham Hand
May 02, 2019

Hi Chris and John, I disagree on this one. “When was superannuation supposed to be an inheritance vault?”

I have always considered superannuation as my inheritance vault. I don't need to drawdown any of the amount in accumulation phase. The main thing I need to watch is the 17% 'death tax'.

From the Superannuation Complaints Tribunal:

"the purpose of superannuation is to provide income in retirement to members and their dependants"

Sounds like an inheritance to me. Why does super have Binding Death Nominations? To ensure my super goes to who I want to give it to.

Most of the money people enter retirement with goes to their estate.

https://cuffelinks.com.au/my-purpose-of-super-is-probably-not-yours/

Dudley
May 02, 2019

"inheritance vault for the kids":

. It is compulsory to withdraw age related annual minimum % of capital from super retiree accounts.

. It is not compulsory to spend the withdrawals.

. It is not compulsory but some or all of the withdrawals can be saved personally.

. It is not compulsory to donate personal savings to government upon death.

Allan
May 02, 2019

@Chris.

There is no "subsidy". The imputation system as it currently stands serves no other ultimate purpose than to ensure individual recipients of franked shares pay tax at the relevant marginal tax rate.

You may well question if those tax rates are appropriate, but anyone who actually understands the current arrangements doesn't need to ask any other question.

Imagine the outcry if excess small business PAYG instalments made in advance, as they are required to be, were confiscated by the ATO on behalf of Government at the end of the financial year. Why would they do that? By Mr Bowen's logic because giving money out, although a rightful return of excess tax paid, has now taken on the appearance of a refund or a "subsidy" of tax to small business owners.

Nonsense. It is simply a return of what the ATO/Government was never entitled to in the first place. And the changes as proposed will have next to no impact on the genuinely wealthy anyway, who continue to receive the full benefits of the franking credits via an offset against the income tax they are required to pay. Them and charities and certain pensioners excluded as an afterthought. Oh, and unions.

Way to dress up sound and fair taxation principles as a scam.

 

Leave a Comment:

     

RELATED ARTICLES

The danger in Labor's new franking credit proposal

Franking debate is signal to review SMSFs

Steps SMSFs may take to beat Labor’s franking

banner

Most viewed in recent weeks

The nuts and bolts of family trusts

There are well over 800,000 family trusts in Australia, controlling more than $3 trillion of assets. Here's a guide on whether a family trust may have a place in your individual investment strategy.

Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 581 with weekend update

A recent industry event made me realise that a 30 year old investing trend could still have serious legs. Could it eventually pose a threat to two of Australia's biggest companies?

  • 10 October 2024

Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 583 with weekend update

Investing guru Howard Marks says he had two epiphanies while visiting Australia recently: the two major asset classes aren’t what you think they are, and one key decision matters above all else when building portfolios.

  • 24 October 2024

Preserving wealth through generations is hard

How have so many wealthy families through history managed to squander their fortunes? This looks at the lessons from these families and offers several solutions to making and keeping money over the long-term.

A big win for bank customers against scammers

A recent ruling from The Australian Financial Complaints Authority may herald a new era for financial scams. For the first time, a bank is being forced to reimburse a customer for the amount they were scammed.

The quirks of retirement planning with an age gap

A big age gap can make it harder to find a solution that works for both partners – financially and otherwise. Having a frank conversation about the future, and having it as early as possible, is essential.

Latest Updates

Planning

What will be your legacy?

As we get older, many of us start to think about how we’ll be remembered by those left behind. This looks at why that may not be the best strategy to ensure that you live life well and leave loved ones in good stead.

Economy

It's the cost of government, stupid

Australia's bloated government sector is every bit as responsible for our economic worries as the cost of living crisis. Grand schemes like the 'Future Made in Australia' only look set to make it worse.

SMSF strategies

A guide to valuing SMSF assets correctly

SMSF trustees are required to value all fund assets, including property, at market value when preparing the fund's financial statements each year. Here are some key tips to ensure that you get it right.

Economics

Australia is lucky the British were the first 'intruders'

British colonisation's Common Law system contributed to economic prosperity, in contrast to Latin America's lower wealth under Civil Law. It influenced capitalism's success in former British colonies, like Australia.

Economics

A significant shift in the jobs market

The expansion of the 'care sector' represents the most profound structural change to Australia's job market since the mining boom. This analyses how it's come about and the impact it will have on the economy.

Shares

Searching for value in tech stocks

Just because a stock is cheap doesn't necessarily make it good value. This uses case studies in the tech sector to help identify when stocks trading on 30x earnings may be inexpensive and when others on 10x may be value traps.

Investing

Are more informed investors prone to making poorer decisions?

Finance Professor Michael Finke recently discussed the double-edged sword of taking an interest in your investments, three predictors of panic selling, and why nurses tend to be better investors than doctors.

Sponsors

Alliances

© 2024 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer
The data, research and opinions provided here are for information purposes; are not an offer to buy or sell a security; and are not warranted to be correct, complete or accurate. Morningstar, its affiliates, and third-party content providers are not responsible for any investment decisions, damages or losses resulting from, or related to, the data and analyses or their use. To the extent any content is general advice, it has been prepared for clients of Morningstar Australasia Pty Ltd (ABN: 95 090 665 544, AFSL: 240892), without reference to your financial objectives, situation or needs. For more information refer to our Financial Services Guide. You should consider the advice in light of these matters and if applicable, the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before making any decision to invest. Past performance does not necessarily indicate a financial product’s future performance. To obtain advice tailored to your situation, contact a professional financial adviser. Articles are current as at date of publication.
This website contains information and opinions provided by third parties. Inclusion of this information does not necessarily represent Morningstar’s positions, strategies or opinions and should not be considered an endorsement by Morningstar.