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In the case of Fund A as table 1 illustrates, the NAV per unit is RM1.00 and if
the Fund is charging 10%, then the selling price is calculated as RM1.10. The fund
manager can then adjust the bid price accordingly at his discretion.
Under the new guidelines, the bid and offer price is determined by the management
company and disclosed in the prospectus. The fund manager from time to time may adjust
the prices as he or she thinks fit.
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Table 2. Sample of Bids and Offers
|
|
Fund
|
NAV
|
Buy
|
Sell
|
|
X
|
1.00
|
1.00
|
1.05
|
|
Y
|
1.00
|
1.05
|
1.10
|
|
Z
|
1.00
|
0.95
|
1.00
|
Let us take the following scenarios:
Scenario 1
When Fund Y is performing well in a bull market, new money normally exceeds redemption.
In this case, fund manager is charging a maximum of 10% to the NAV (RM1.00) in order
to reap higher sales revenues. The manager prices the bid price at 5 cents less the
selling price. Thus, the bid and offer prices are published as RM1.05 and RM1.10.
On the surface, by merely studying the spread between the bid and offer, you may
think that entry cost to the fund is only 5 cents. However, from the investors' point
of view, the fund will only grow from the NAV which is at RM1.00. Your capital or
income growth will only be generated from RM1.00 but the price that you pay is RM1.10.
Scenario 2
When Fund X and Z are facing a huge redemption.
In order to avoid loss or even reap profits during bad times, the fund manager will
adjust the bid price at or below the NAV. In this case, the manager for Fund Z decides
to adjust the bid price at RM0.95. The manager buys back the units from you at RM0.95
and sells back at the NAV to the trustee;
| Bid or redemption price is at NAV |
RM0.95 |
| Cancellation price of a unit is at NAV |
RM1.00
|
| Profit on units cancellation to manager |
RM0.05
|
By knowing the NAV of a particular Fund, you will know how much the manager is actually
charging. In other words determining the value you are receiving and the true service
cost to enter the Fund.
Thus, the disclosure of the NAVs by various unit trust companies as required by the
new regulation is regarded as very healthy for the local unit trust industry as a
whole.
By looking at the NAV published, you could be surprised to find that the Fund you
bought is charging 10% and has not been performing well as compared to another Fund
whose bid price is fixed at the NAV.
Clearly, the new guidelines to require the disclosure of the NAV is positive as not
only will it help to increase the competitiveness and professionalism of the unit
trust industry it guards your interest as an investor.
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