Mastering Portfolio Management: Three Smart Moves for ASX Investors in Turbulent Times
By Richard Hemming, Founder, Under the Radar Report
The ASX has been on a rollercoaster ride lately, with sharp downturns followed by surprising rebounds. In times like these, it’s more important than ever to sharpen your portfolio management strategy. At Under the Radar Report, we’ve weathered many market cycles over the past 13 years — and there are three key lessons I’d like to share with investors navigating the current turbulence.
Not a member yet? Get the Smart Start Bundle: $50
1. Focus on Income and Growth – But Play to Your Advantage
Professional fund managers often aim to outperform the index. That’s not our goal. We focus purely on making money — by investing in value, not benchmarks.
For income, consider combining blue-chip dividend payers with high-quality, profitable small caps. Our Small Cap Dividend Portfolios have delivered consistent double-digit returns over time by focusing on value-priced, cash-generating businesses. These aren’t speculative plays — they’re quality companies acquired when undervalued.
📌 Watch this space: We’re releasing updated Small Cap Dividend Portfolios in the coming weeks — a great opportunity for income-focused investors.
For growth, it’s about identifying emerging winners.
Take Evolution Mining (ASX:EVN)
and Superloop (ASX:SLC)
— stocks we bought in smaller amounts years ago when they were under the radar. They’ve grown significantly and are now core portfolio holdings.
That’s the power of leveraging into success — letting winners become the foundation of your future returns.
2. Protect Your Capital with Solid Fundamentals
In a tighter funding environment, capital preservation is critical. With interest rates high and capital harder to secure, even large players like Brookfield are feeling the heat — as seen in their recent multi-billion-dollar write-down on Healthscope.
We’ve seen dividend yields from some of our portfolio holdings decline, not due to weakness, but because these companies are reinvesting for growth. That’s a good sign — if the balance sheet and cash flows remain strong.
💡 Our edge: We focus deeply on balance sheet strength and cash flow rather than getting distracted by short-term earnings expectations. That’s how long-term capital is truly protected.
3. Stay Liquid – Cash Is a Strategic Asset
Right now, uncertainty is the name of the game. With the US 10-Year Treasury yield hovering around 4.5% — a 15-year high — the global risk environment is elevated. Tariffs and geopolitical noise only add to the pressure.
This is why we’re holding 22% cash in our portfolio — even after buying in recent weeks. Cash gives you optionality, flexibility, and the ability to take advantage of sudden opportunities.
🧭 Key takeaway: Maintain a healthy cash buffer. In uncertain markets, liquidity is protection.
Bonus Tip: Think Small and Act Incrementally
Here’s a rule we live by: Small steps, always.
Whether you’re entering a position or taking profits, don’t go in too big, too fast. Gradual buying lets you adjust and refine based on how a stock or the broader market evolves. And when a holding grows too large? Don’t be afraid to take some money off the table.
✅ “It’s rarely wrong to take a profit.” Especially in a volatile environment, trimming your winners can help rebalance risk.
Final Thoughts: Stick to the Process, Control What You Can
Despite all the noise — tariffs, yields, geopolitics — our investing process hasn’t changed. We focus on fundamentals, take calculated steps, and aim to build value over time. That’s how we’ve delivered long-term returns of over 24% per annum for our house portfolio.
With upcoming deep dives into gold, lithium, and dividend portfolios, there’s plenty to look forward to.
📘 Explore more: Read our latest reports and portfolio insights at Under the Radar Report to stay ahead in today’s market.
Happy investing,
Richard Hemming
