Relevance of Exchange Traded Funds for Conservative Investors to Achieve Real Capital Preservation During Policy of Low Interest Rates

Bachelor Thesis from the year 2015 in the subject Business economics - Investment and Finance, grade: 2,0, University of Applied Sciences Essen, language: English, abstract: Introduction of exchange traded funds for conservative investors to achieve real capital preservation.

The world of money investment offers various possibilities for all kinds of investor to achieve personal financial goals. Institutional investors, such as hedge funds, insurances and asset managers, pursuit maximum profit for satisfaction of client
expectations. In contrast, private investors concentrate on personal goals, for instance, retirement arrangements, inheritance or material wishes. Nearly EUR4.5 trillion are the total savings of German private households. From classic savings accounts up to capital investments in stock or bond market, investors are spoilt for choice.

However, recent global financial events lead to the necessity of rethinking prevailing investment choices. Especially conservative investors with emphasis on low-risk investments suffer from the present investment landscape marked by low
interest rates. They prefer investments in bank deposit accounts and avoid possible alternatives. 25% of all German private investors follow that idea of full security.

But the recent ECB statement from April 2015 underlines the continuation of the policy of low interest rates. Due to the American model, key interest rate remains low at 0.05%. In addition, monthly purchase programmes of public and private
securities in the amount of EUR60 billion are executed. Hence, seeking new investment alternatives are the conclusion for savers. By way of example, dividends can be the new interests for conservative investors. The utilization of investment chances on the stock market can be a profitable solution for real return achievement and at last capital preservation. Despite the existing investment risk, it offers manifold ways to achieve winnings. On account of this, conservative investors need elaboration for approaching the stock market as effectively as possible to keep the risks and potential losses marginal. Discovering the personal most suitable investment strategy with the according mindset determines the success rate. This also implies to know the own willingness for taking risks. According to stock market expert André Kostolany, it is important to not allow emotions affect rational investment decisions.