As financial advisers, we talk a lot about risk, so what is Sequencing Risk? Let’s begin with an example…
Terry and Chris each contribute $20,000 per year to their superannuation funds for 10 years.
They both earn an average return of 5% per annum, after tax and fees and from Years Two to Nine they earn identical returns each year.
The only difference is that Terry’s portfolio returns 8% in the first year and -8% in the last year; whereas Chris’s returns are -8% in Year One, and 8% in Year Ten.
This doesn’t seem like much of a change, yet Chris ends up with a balance of $290,514 compared to Terry’s $252,177 [1]. That’s a substantial difference of $38,337, or 13% less.
This simple example demonstrates that it isn’t just the average of annual returns that matter; of equal importance is the sequence in which those returns occur. Not surprisingly this is called Sequencing Risk.
The sequence of returns isn’t an issue with a lump sum investment. It’s only of concern when regular contributions and withdrawals are being made. In the draw-down phase, such as in retirement, positions are reversed. Imagine that Terry and Chris both invest the same lump sum into a pension and withdraw $20,000 each year. If they each experience the same sequence of returns as in the first example, this time Terry is better off by $38,337 after 10 years.
Dealing with the real world
This may make it appear that with Sequencing Risk what you lose on the way in, you gain on the way out, but history is unlikely to repeat itself exactly. What is clear is that:
> Poor portfolio performance at the end of an accumulation phase can be more damaging than poor performance at the start.
> In the draw-down phase, good returns late in life may not make up for a poor start.
Both points suggest that risk should be reduced well ahead of retirement. For example:
> Don’t carry any more risk than is necessary. During the accumulation phase, if you reach a point where your savings will allow you to meet your needs with a conservative investment portfolio, start dialling down the risk.
> Start early. The sooner you start and the more you are able to save in the early years of preparing for your retirement, the sooner you will be able to reduce your exposure to sequencing risk.
> Build a cash reserve. Aim to have two to three years’ worth of pension payments in the cash component of your superannuation savings by the time you retire. This can reduce the need to sell shares or property during any market downturn.
Achieving the right balance
Reducing Sequencing Risk usually involves allocating a larger proportion of the investment portfolio to cash and fixed interest. The potential downside of this option is increasing longevity risk – outliving your savings. If Sequencing Risk catches you out, the alternatives may be to work longer or reduce your living standards.
Investment risk management is a fine balancing act. The right strategy depends very much on individual circumstances. As Licensed Financial Advisers, we are able to assess your individual situation and develop a risk management strategy that’s right for you.
Sources:
Sequence Risk: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sequence-risk.asp
How Sequence Risk Affects Your Retirement Money: http://moneyover55.about.com
The Future of Retirement Income – report by ASFA & State Street Global. Published March 2015. www.superannuation.asn.au
[1] Results vary significantly depending on specific annual returns.
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