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Picture Book · Investing

Meet the four asset families

Story pages

Four different houses side by side on a green hill: a small round tin house
Most investments belong to one of four families. Let's meet them.
A ceramic piggy bank on a kitchen shelf beside a grocery basket that looks slightly smaller than expected
Cash: low risk and low return. It keeps its dollar value, but it can lose ground to inflation over time.
A cheerful older man collecting an envelope from a letterbox on a sunny suburban street
Fixed interest (bonds): you lend money and get regular income. Usually steadier than shares.
A young family carrying boxes into a raised Queenslander house as a friendly owner hands over keys
Property: rent plus possible growth. You can own it directly or through listed property funds.
A family laughing on a gentle wooden rollercoaster at a seaside fair
Shares: Australian and international companies. The highest expected long-term growth, and the bumpiest ride.
A family sharing a picnic blanket in a park covered with a varied mix of foods and fruit
Most portfolios mix the families. The right mix depends on your goals and how long until you need the money.

The end

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General advice warning. This picture book is general information only. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs, and it is not personal advice. Rules and thresholds change. Before acting, consider whether it is right for you, read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement and our Financial Services Guide, and seek personal advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

Information as at 27 October 2026. Sources:

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