During this recent period of uncertainty for investors, I thought it might be of help if I gave a few insights as to possible “Safe Havens” for Swiss and neighboring French-domiciledinvestors, together with a personal appraisal of where danger exists, and how to avoid it.
Many of the Swiss insurance companies have brought out innovative savings plans which include capital protection at maturity, often combined with tax-efficient incentives supported by the tax authorities. As you will probably know, each Canton in Switzerland has a slightly different tax treatment, which can however be quite significant, whilst federal regulations are standardised throughout the country. Taking advantage of these concessions is well-worth the time and effort, and at Spectrum we have almost 15 years of experience in advising and helping both new arrivals, and long-term residents.
For all income earners in Switzerland, or those living in nearby France but working in Switzerland, there are tax-efficient solutions with the safety of not only a minimum return, but also, quite frequently, with the flexibility to adjust terms to changing circumstances. Investing or saving is not designed for short-term, and in many ways it is a form of financial disciplinewhich rewards those that “stay the journey”.
The current world-wide Covid-19 virus, once tamed, will very probably change the way the developed world thinks, and works, in the future. Remote working from home will become the norm for certain organisations, reducing pollution, increasing productivity and allowing freedom for commuters to structure their time more efficiently. This demographic change will revolutionise the corporate world.
Why is this relevant to saving and investing? Because by planning ahead, and putting in place the foundation of a portable, secure and viable investment programme it will allow you and your family to have security in the future. It is quite likely that many existing corporations and businesses will merge with current rivals, with there being “safety in numbers”. Others will be bought by better orientated competitors.
Spectrum has access to various insurance-driven products which are able to both protect your assets at the current time, yet also give you a platform for unit-cost averaging when adding in funds in the coming months and years. The payments can be made “ad hoc” – as and when you feel comfortable with the stability of the markets at that time – or can be fed-in on a regular quarterly or semi-annual basis – which smooths the volatility i.e. you no longer have to “time the market”, but instead have “time-in-the-market” working in your favour. Depending on your fiscal status, some of these products can be partially tax-deductible, or tax-deferred, which is the aim and strategy for medium-term investing. Quite clearly not all cases are the same, but we have the experience and knowledge to be able to offer you alternatives to simply leaving your assets in a bank account – currently giving virtually zero interest.
Wishing you good health, keep safe, and we are here to help advise and make suggestions if you would like a personalised interview.