Figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics has released findings that show the managed funds industry had $1,869 billion, recording an increase of $84.9 billion, or 5 per cent, on the December 2011 quarter.

 

The figures were driven by the increase of $67.2 billion in consolidated assets of managed funds institutions.

 

The asset types to increase during the quarter were shares, $28.5b (7%); overseas assets, $15.9b (7%); deposits, $10.8b (6%); units in trusts, $5.4b (3%); bonds, etc., $4.1b (6%); short term securities, $2.4b (3%); land, buildings and equipment, $1.5b (1%); and loans and placements, $0.5b (1%). These were partially offset by decreases in other non-financial assets, $1.2b (6%); and derivatives, $0.4b (20%).

 

The main valuation effects that occurred during the March quarter 2012 were as follows: the S&P/ASX 200 increased 6.9%, the price of foreign shares (represented by the MSCI World Index) increased 10.9% and the A$ appreciated 1.3% against the US dollar.