Our multi-asset investment options combine different asset classes to suit various risk profiles and objectives.
Diversified investing made simple
Our ready-made portfolios give you a diversified mix of investments in a single option. Simply choose the portfolio that suits your goals, risk profile and investment timeframe, and we'll take care of the rest.
What is a ready-made portfolio?
A ready-made portfolio is a single investment option that provides instant diversification across a range of asset classes, such as Australian and global shares, fixed interest, property, infrastructure and cash. Each portfolio is professionally designed with different growth and defensive asset allocations to suit a range of goals, risk profiles and investment timeframes.
Choose the portfolio that best matches your needs, and a professional investment manager will monitor market conditions and rebalance the portfolio as needed. You don't need to select individual investments or make ongoing portfolio decisions. We’ll take care of that for you.
The benefits of diversification
Spreading your money across different asset classes is a way to manage your investment risk so you’re not relying on any single company or market. This can generally be achieved in three ways.
Within each asset class
Each portfolio invests in a range of underlying investments within each asset class, reducing reliance on the performance of any single company or security.
Across asset classes
Investing in a mix of Australian and global shares, fixed interest, property, infrastructure and cash reduces the impact of market movements in any one asset class.
Across styles and managers
Different investment managers and styles, such as value or growth, perform differently at different times. A mix can help smooth returns and reduce manager-specific risk.
Your financial adviser can help you understand investment risk, and design a strategy for you. Don’t have an adviser? Find an adviser
FirstChoice ready-made portfolios
Choose from a range of FirstChoice ready-made portfolios, including multi-manager, index and enhanced index options. Each range includes portfolios from defensive to high growth, letting you choose the investment style and risk level that suits you.
CFS Multi-manager — blends multiple specialist managers
A range of multi-asset, multi-manager portfolios that bring together multiple specialist investment managers, selected against strict quality criteria and blended in complementary styles. The aim is to provide a more stable experience and the potential for stronger returns than relying on any single manager.
CFS Index — low-cost, index-based
A range of multi-asset, index portfolios that track market indices to give you a diversified portfolio at a low cost. They're a straightforward, cost-conscious way to invest across asset classes, and they can also serve as a foundation to blend with other options.
CFS Enhanced Index — index foundation, active adjustments
A range of multi-asset, enhanced index portfolios that combine the low-cost discipline of index investing with the flexibility of active management, aiming to outperform the benchmark over time. Our investment team selectively adjust the components based on factors like fundamentals, dividends or volatility.
CFS Thrive+ Sustainable Growth Fund
A diversified, professionally managed investment option that invests in companies with strong environmental, social and governance practices. If investing in line with your values is important to you, CFS Thrive+ may be worth considering.
Choosing your investment category
Each ready-made portfolio is designed to suit different risk profiles and investment goals by combining growth and defensive assets. Growth assets, such as shares and property, aim to deliver higher long-term returns but can be more volatile. Defensive assets, such as fixed interest and cash, generally provide more stable returns with a lower risk of loss.
Defensive
Focuses on preserving capital with lower risk and lower return potential.
0-20% growth assets, 80-100% defensive assets
Alternative income
Aims to generate a higher level of income through a mix of fixed interest investments and alternative income funds.
Primarily fixed interest, with some income producing equities and use of derivatives.
Conservative
Lower-risk option with a small allocation to growth assets.
20-40% growth assets, 60-80% defensive assets.
Moderate
Balances growth potential and stability.
40-60% growth assets, 40-60% defensive assets.
Balanced
Seeks long-term growth while maintaining some defensive assets.
50-70% growth assets, 30-50% defensive assets.
Growth
Focuses on long-term growth with higher exposure to growth assets.
70-80% growth assets, 20-30% defensive assets.
High growth
Designed for investors with a long timeframe who can tolerate higher market volatility.
80-100% growth assets, 0-20% defensive assets.
Geared growth
Uses borrowing to increase investment exposure, which can amplify both gains and losses. Suitable for experienced investors with a high risk tolerance.
Geared exposure to a diversified portfolio of growth assets.
Each option has a Standard Risk Measure (SRM) rating from 1 (very low) to 7 (very high) and a suggested minimum investment timeframe. Generally, portfolios with a higher allocation to growth assets are better suited to longer investment horizons. Not sure which option is right for you? Find your risk profile
How to open an account online
Open an account
Provide your contact details, address, tax file number and identification. We’ll need to verify your identity as part of the process.
Choose your investments
Select a ready-made portfolio or build your own using 200+ investment options. Decide how much you'd like to invest in each option.
Fund your account
Make your initial investment via BPAY, EFT or direct debit. Add to your investment at any time or set up a regular investment plan.
Frequently asked questions
Colonial First State offers three types of ready-made portfolios: CFS Multi-manager (blends multiple specialist managers), CFS Index (low-cost, index-based) and CFS Enhanced Index (an index foundation with active adjustments). Each type offers investment options across different risk profiles from defensive to high growth, so you choose both the management style and the risk level that suit you.
Yes. You can switch between ready-made portfolios at any time through FirstNet, our online member portal. There are no switching fees for ready-made portfolios within the same product.
Yes. The same ready-made portfolios are available inside FirstChoice Personal Super and FirstChoice Employer Super. Tax treatment differs between products. Please read the relevant PDS for details.
Each ready-made portfolio is designed for a different level of risk and return, ranging from defensive to high growth. Higher-growth options can offer greater long-term return potential but may experience more short-term ups and downs. All investment options are assigned a risk rating, from very low to very high, which is detailed in the PDS. You can also use our risk profiler to help identify a risk level that aligns with your goals and investment timeframe.
No. All investments involve risk, and the value of your investment can go up or down. While ready-made portfolios use diversification to help manage risk, they do not guarantee your capital. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Before investing, read the relevant PDS and TMD.
Our CFS Multi-manager, CFS Index and CFS Enhanced Index options give you access to leading investment managers including CFS's own investment team. The team brings together some of the most experienced and well-respected financial minds in Australia and has a track record of navigating investment market cycles.
Disclaimer
Avanteos Investments Limited ABN 20 096 259 979, AFSL 245531 (AIL) is the trustee of the Colonial First State FirstChoice Superannuation Trust ABN 26 458 298 557 and issuer of FirstChoice range of super and pension products. Colonial First State Investments Limited ABN 98 002 348 352, AFSL 232468 (CFSIL) is the responsible entity and issuer of products made available under FirstChoice Investments and FirstChoice Wholesale Investments.
Information on this webpage is provided by AIL and CFSIL. It may include general advice but does not consider your individual objectives, financial situation, needs or tax circumstances. You can find the target market determinations (TMD) for our financial products at https://www.cfs.com.au/tmd which include a description of who a financial product might suit. You should read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Financial Services Guide (FSG) carefully, assess whether the information is appropriate for you, and consider talking to a financial adviser before making an investment decision. You can get the PDS and FSG at www.cfs.com.au or by calling us on 13 13 36.