I thought it useful to try and construct an investing portfolio for someone just starting out. The premise for this is you are just starting out and only have a small amount each month to invest, and this will eventually grow.
The portfolio would be based on HKSE listed ETFs whereby you will be a set amount each month. Why HKSE listed ETFs? Because of the low barrier of entry. It is easy to open an investment account with most HK banks and if you are paid in HKD, you don't have to worry about currency conversions or opening a separate brokerage account. We are talking KISS here.
I reckon the strategy is good for anyone trying to build a portfolio up to USD50k / HKD400k. After that you may want to consider about investing in UK listed ETFs.
I would avoid investing in specific company shares but stick to ETFs.
The portfolio is a mix of equities and bonds as follows:
2800 (The Tracker Fund of Hong Kong): https://www.trahk.com.hk/eng/
3140 (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF): https://www.vanguard.com.hk/portal/m...UITY##overview
3101 (Vanguard Developed Europe): https://www.vanguard.com.hk/portal/m...UITY##overview [I would however say that this one is optional]
2819: (ABF Hong Kong Bond Index): ABF Hong Kong Bond Index Fund
Its really up to you how to split between equities and bonds but I would reckon the majority of your portfolio should be in 3140.
The above gives you a diversified portfolio of developed (USA and Europe, if need be) and developing (China) markets. In addition you get the bond anchor of HK government debt. This isn't a fully worldwide portfolio but I think it works for someone starting out and has less than USD50k / HKD400k to start of with.
For both 2800 and 2819 you can invest via various bank's monthly stock investment plans, meaning you can invest around HKD1k a month per ETF. It seems that 3140 and 3101 are not included in many monthly stock plans, but their barrier of entry is quite low at around HKD2k minimum per trade.
2800 is very liquid and 3140 and 3101's liquidity is improving. 2819 is not quite liquid, but is the only decent bond ETF I could find listed on the HKSE and 2819 is made up mainly of HK government debt.
Remember the above is trying to keep things simple for someone just starting out to build a portfolio.