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Start investing in shares
Investing in shares through managed funds gives you access to a broad range of markets, asset classes and investment strategies – expertly managed for you by professional investment managers.
Investing in shares
When you invest in shares – via professionally managed funds – your options are endless. You may choose to invest in a fund that tracks a particular index, one that gives you exposure to a market you’re not able to access on your own, or a fund managed by several professional investment managers with a similar investment strategy.
Investing in shares is generally considered high risk, because both Australian and global sharemarkets will have periods of volatility where the value of your investment will go up and down. That’s why it’s recommended to hang on to your investment for at least seven years.
If you have time on your side and you’re willing to ride out short term fluctuations, investing in shares has the potential to deliver high returns – depending on how your fund’s investment strategy performs compared to the market.
Compare our share options
Here are three of the cash solutions we offer at CFS.
For a complete list of our funds, check out our Find a fund tool.
CFS Index Australian Share
Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth
CFS Australian Small Companies
What is it?
CFS Index Australian Share
What is it?
Invests in a portfolio of shares which provides the greatest likelihood of matching the performance of the S&P/ASX 300 Accumulation Index. The option predominantly invests in Australian companies and therefore does not hedge currency risk.
Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth
What is it?
Has a long-term global equity strategy with a focus on investing in exceptional growth companies with the scope to grow to multiples of their current size.
CFS Australian Small Companies
What is it?
Invests in a diversified portfolio of predominantly smaller listed Australian companies, managed by a range of experienced investment managers.
Investment category
CFS Index Australian Share
Investment category
Single sector option
Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth
Investment category
Single sector option
CFS Australian Small Companies
Investment category
Single sector option
Asset class
CFS Index Australian Share
Asset class
Australian share
Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth
Asset class
Global share
CFS Australian Small Companies
Asset class
Australian share
Risk rating
CFS Index Australian Share
Risk rating
7 – very high
Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth
Risk rating
7 – very high
CFS Australian Small Companies
Risk rating
7 – very high
Minimum suggested timeframe
CFS Index Australian Share
Minimum suggested timeframe
At least 7 years
Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth
Minimum suggested timeframe
At least 7 years
CFS Australian Small Companies
Minimum suggested timeframe
At least 7 years
Inception date
CFS Index Australian Share
Inception date
14 July 2004
Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth
Inception date
23 October 2018
CFS Australian Small Companies
Inception date
1 March 2003
Performance – As at 31 October 2023
CFS Index Australian Share
Performance – As at 31 October 2023
Since inception: 7.53%
7 years: 7.35% p.a.
5 years: 6.73% p.a.
1 year: 2.16% p.a.
Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth
Performance – As at 31 October 2023
Since inception: 11.56%
7 years: n/a.
5 years: 11.90% p.a.
1 year: 12.23% p.a.
CFS Australian Small Companies
Performance – As at 31 October 2023
Since inception: 9.73%
7 years: 6.34% p.a.
5 years: 6.37% p.a.
1 year: -4.48% p.a.
APIR code
CFS Index Australian Share
APIR code
FSF0652AU
Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth
APIR code
FSF1201AU
CFS Australian Small Companies
APIR code
FSF0502AU
Option code
CFS Index Australian Share
Option code
184
Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth
Option code
270
CFS Australian Small Companies
Option code
165
What type of investor are you?
Different investment strategies and timeframes have different levels of risk. As a general rule, the bigger the potential investment return, the higher the investment risk. Understanding your tolerance for risk can help you feel more comfortable making investment decisions.
Before you invest, take some time to consider your appetite for risk. This way you’ll ensure the investment selection is aligned to your personal situation and financial goals.
Our Risk Profiler tool asks six simple questions to understand how you feel about risk. Based on your responses, it will suggest what your appetite for risk may be. Keep in mind that this tool should be used as a guide only. It won’t take into account your personal circumstances.
How to invest
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Step 1
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Step 2
In the investment strategy section, use the APIR and option code to select your investment.
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Step 3
Compare more CFS funds with our performance tool
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Step 4
Review important information about fees, costs and other fund details in our Product Disclosure Statements
What’s next?
Investing made simple
Learn everything you need to know to plan and start your investment journey.
Investment options
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Investment glossary
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Things you should know
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 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.