Mortgage Funds block redemptions

October 24, 2008 · Filed Under Bank Deposits, Bank News, Economic News 

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The Australian Mortgage Funds are in a stay of disarray at the moment as a host of major funds have blocked redemptions of mortgage funds to prevent a run on funds that will not only destroy the funds but also seriously damage the long term results of the funds.

Earlier in the week the Challenger Howard Mortgage Fund worth $2.8 billion suspended redemptions.  They have now been joined by Australian Unity, AXA Asia Pacific Holdings and Perpetual

The suspension of redemptions has sent fear through the economy as pensioners and long term investors had recently been withdrawing funds in some cases in excess of ten fold on normal levels due to the government guarantee on bank deposits.

The Australian Governement recently announced a plan to guarantee all bank deposits but mortgage funds were not included.  This has caused people to run for the doors drawing investments from such funds and transferring into the safety of bank deposits. 

No doubt in coming days these mortgage funds will be joined by others as the fear spreading through the economy will continue for a while to come as people see dollars in the bank as the only safe investment. 

Have you had your funds suspended for redemption by the mortgage funds?  Share your thoughts in our comments section.

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