10 Most Reliable & Stable Assets that Filipinos Can Invest In

Last Updated – Sep 1, 2023 @ 4:17 am

If there’s anything investors realized in the past decade, it’s to hope for the best but prepare for the worst. COVID-19, the Ukraine-Russia conflict, natural disasters, and other unforeseen events have disrupted financial markets recently, leaving many investors with unexpected heavy losses.

Related: Best Investments in the Philippines

That’s why it’s important to diversify your portfolio with stable and reliable assets that will weather any storm. To help you, we’ve gathered the most reliable and stable assets Filipinos can invest in:

What is an Asset?

An asset is anything that has value and can be owned or controlled to produce a positive economic benefit. Assets help individuals reach their long or short-term financial goals, such as saving for retirement or buying a home.

Types of Assets

Here are the different types of assets:

Current Assets

Current assets can easily be converted to cash and cash equivalents, usually within a year, without losing much of its value.

It is also called liquid assets. Examples include cash, short-term deposits, accounts receivables, and marketable securities.

Fixed Assets

Also called non-current assets, fixed assets are those that cannot be easily converted into cash or cash equivalents. These long-term assets include land, homes, buildings, equipment, patents, and trademarks.

Tangible Assets

These assets are ones that you can physically experience. Meaning, you can either see or feel them. Examples include landre, art, cash, and inventory for your business.

Intangible Assets

These assets are the opposite of the previous one. Some examples include patents, licenses, trademarks, and intellectual property. Despite not being seen on felt, it still holds value.

Operating Assets

These are the assets that are needed in the daily operation of businesses so they can get revenue. Some examples include accounts receivable, inventory, building, cash, equipment, and machinery.

Non-operating Assets

Non-operating assets are not needed by businesses in its day to day operations. It includes vacant lands, interest from fixed deposits, and short-term investments.

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Most Secured Assets to Invest in During Uncertain Times

We’ve gathered the most secure assets that Filipinos can invest in to ensure financial stability and security even in times of economic uncertainty.

Related: Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Filipinos

Government Bonds

These are considered to be one of the most stable assets because they are backed by the full faith and credit of the government that issues them. The risk of default on these bonds is generally very low.

The way this passive investment works is the government borrows money from individuals like you and will pay you the money they owe you, plus interest over the duration of the bond’s term.

Let’s say the Philippine government has a new project that will cost Php20 billion. After the government exercises all measures for funding only to come up short, they can issue multiple bonds totaling the needed amount. Individuals can buy these bonds and after the tenor has passed and the bond has matured, creditors can claim their money with additional interest.

Did you know that you can invest in bonds using only your mobile phone? Here’s an in-depth guide we posted on how to invest in bonds in the Philippines.

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Blue-Chip Stocks

Blue-chip stocks are shares in large, well-established companies with a history of reliable performance. These companies often have a record of steady dividend payments.

Because these stocks belong to companies that have proven their track record for a long time, they can still be profitable no matter what the economic state is.

It’s not unheard of for blue-chip stocks to be household names. Some examples you may be familiar with include:

• Ayala Corporation Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc.
• BDO Unibank, Inc.
• First Gen Corporation
• Jollibee Foods Corporation
• DMCI Holdings, Inc.
• Robinsons Land Corporation
• Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company
• San Miguel Corporation
• PLDT, Inc.
• Security Bank Corporation
• SM Investments Corporation

Also Read: Value Investing Guide for Filipino Investors

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Real Estate

Real estate is one of the most reliable and stable assets in the Philippines. There are many different types of real estate properties that can help you grow your investment such as residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural properties.

Land and properties tend to appreciate in value over time, and rental income can provide a steady stream of passive income.

Take a look at this in-depth guide on how to invest in real estate.

Real Estate Investment Trusts or REITs are another way to invest in real estate without having to purchase physical properties. REITs are companies that own and operate. By investing in REITs, investors can earn dividends from the rental income generated by the properties owned by the company.

REITs provide a low-risk way to invest in real estate without having to put in the same amount of capital as purchasing a physical property. Check out this guide for investing in REITs in the Philippines.

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Gold, Silver, and other Precious Metals

Gold and other precious metals have historically been viewed as a hedge against inflation and a safe haven in times of economic turmoil.

While not as popular as the other assets mentioned, investing in precious metals such as gold and silver is still a reliable way to secure your finances.

These metals have been considered valuable for centuries, and they tend to hold their value even during economic downturns.

Investing in these metals can be done by purchasing jewelry, bullion or coins, or through mutual funds that specialize in precious metals. Some investors also choose to invest in mining companies that extract these metals.

Read this guide to know how to invest in gold in the Philippines.

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Foreign Currencies

Investing in foreign currencies can be a great way to diversify your portfolio and potentially earn a profit.

However, it’s important to do your research and understand the risks involved since there’s a huge learning curve, especially for beginners.

One way to invest in foreign currencies is through the forex market, where currencies are bought and sold based on their exchange rates. T

his market is highly volatile, and investors need to keep up with economic and political news that may impact exchange rates.

But on the flip side, the forex market can also provide high returns for those who are knowledgeable and skilled in trading.

The US dollar and the Euro are two of the most commonly held foreign currencies. Both are widely accepted and are considered to be stable currencies in the forex market.

Other currencies that are commonly held include the Japanese yen, the British pound, the Swiss franc, the Singaporean dollar, and the Canadian dollar.

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Cash or Cash Equivalents

While not necessarily an investment in the traditional sense, holding cash or cash equivalents such as savings accounts, time deposit accounts, and money market funds can provide a level of security for investors.

These assets are highly liquid, meaning they can be easily converted to cash without much loss in value.

One of the advantages of holding cash or cash equivalents is that they provide a stable source of funds for emergencies, unexpected expenses, or short-term financial goals.

They also provide a sense of security for investors who may be uncomfortable with the risks involved in other investments.

However, it’s important to note that holding cash or cash equivalents over the long term may not provide the same returns as other investments.

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Utilities and Consumer Staples Stocks

Utility and consumer staples stocks are often considered safe investments. These companies produce goods that people need regardless of the economic state, such as food, beverages, and household products.

These companies also tend to have stable earnings and are less affected by economic downturns.

While these companies may not see the same high growth as tech or emerging stocks, they tend to be more stable and reliable during economic downturns.

After all, people still need to use electricity and buy groceries even in tough times.

Some examples of utility companies include Meralco, Metro Pacific Investments Corp., and Manila Water Company, while consumer staples companies include Universal Robina Corporation and Nestle Philippines.

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Investment Grade Corporate Bonds

Investment-grade corporate bonds are another relatively safe investment option. These bonds are issued by companies with good credit ratings and a low risk of default.

They offer higher yields than government bonds, while still being considered a relatively low-risk investment.

Investors can purchase these bonds directly from the issuing company or through a broker. The interest payments on these bonds are fixed and paid out regularly, providing a steady stream of income for the investor.

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Dividend-Paying Stocks

Dividend-paying stocks distribute a portion of their earnings to shareholders in the form of regular dividend payments.

These stocks provide investors with a steady stream of income, making them a popular choice for those looking for a reliable passive investment.

Dividend payments can be used to supplement retirement income or reinvested to grow the investor’s portfolio over time.

Companies that offer dividend-paying stocks are more likely to be established and financially stable, making them a lower-risk investment option.

If you are curious about dividend investing, this in-depth guide can help you.

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Mutual Funds, Index Funds, or ETFs

Mutual funds, index funds, and ETFs are investment options that allow investors to diversify their portfolios and invest in a variety of assets without having to purchase individual stocks or bonds.

Mutual funds are a type of investment vehicle containing a portfolio of assets which may include stocks, bonds, and other securities. The goal of a mutual fund is to provide investors with diversification and professional management.

Meanwhile, index funds are a type of mutual fund that tracks a specific stock market index, such as the S&P 500. These funds aim to invest in the companies that make up that specific index

Finally, ETFs are companies that enable investors to pool their money in a fund that invests in bonds, stocks, and other assets in exchange for interest.

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Important Cryptocurrencies

While cryptocurrencies can provide high returns, they are also known for their volatility. This is why it’s only viable to invest in the most established and important cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Bitcoin is the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, with a market cap of over $521.12 billion. It operates on a decentralized network, meaning it is not controlled by any government or financial institution.

Ethereum is another popular cryptocurrency, with a market cap of over $224.95 billion. Unlike Bitcoin, Ethereum is more than just a cryptocurrency. It is a decentralized platform that allows developers to build and deploy decentralized applications.

Stablecoins like USDT/USDC can also be considered a type of cryptocurrency but with the added stability of being pegged to a stable asset like the US dollar. These can provide a less volatile option for those interested in cryptocurrency investing.

Related: Best Income-Generating Assets to Invest in

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How to Classify Assets

Here are some ways you can classify assets.

Liquidity

Liquidity refers to the ease with which an asset can be converted into cash without incurring significant losses in value.

Cash and cash equivalents are the most liquid assets, as they can be readily used for purchases or emergencies. Other highly liquid assets include short-term government bonds and highly traded stocks.

Less liquid assets include real estate, art, and collectibles, as they may take longer to sell and their value can fluctuate depending on market demand.

Function or usage

Assets can also be classified according to their function or usage. For example, operating assets (as stated in the previous sector) are those used in the day-to-day operations of a business, such as machinery, equipment, and inventory.

On the other hand, non-operating assets are assets that are not directly used in the company’s operations, such as investments in other companies or real estate holdings.

While these assets may generate income for the company, they are not essential to its day-to-day operations.

Tangibility

Tangibility is another way to classify assets. Tangible assets are physical assets that can be touched and seen, such as real estate, machinery, and inventory.

These assets are often used in the day-to-day operations of a business and can be easily valued and sold.

On the other hand, intangible assets are assets that do not have a physical form, such as patents, trademarks, and goodwill. These assets can provide value to a business but can be more difficult to value and sell.

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Asset Valuation: How to Determine the Value of an Asset

Asset valuation refers to the process of determining the value of an asset, which is important for making investment decisions and financial reporting. There are various methods for valuing different types of assets.

Depreciation Method

To use this method to compute the value of an asset, here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Calculate the historical cost of the asset, which includes the expenses you need to cover to make it functional such as repairs.
2. Next, calculate the depreciation by subtracting the resale value from the original cost.

For example, you purchased a house and lot for P20 million. Then, you spend an additional P500,000 on repairs and renovation. This brings its total cost to P20.5 million.

After five years, imagine the area where your property has had a couple of crime cases, which brought down the property value a little bit to P18 million.

The depreciation of the house and lot is the original price minus the current market value or P20 million – P18 million, which is P2 million.

Therefore, the asset’s value is the overall historical cost minus the depreciation, which is P20.5 million – P2 million. Therefore, the value is P18.5 million.

Standard cost method

This uses estimated costs in place of the actual costs to have more efficiency and time-appropriate valuations. Here’s how you can compute this:

1. Determine the cost of the produce
2. Multiple it by the number of units

For instance, you have a business that makes three different phone cases which costs P680 P700, and P750 to produce, respectively.

Instead of calculating your inventory through different costs, you can use a standard per-item cost of P720. So if you have 1,000 phone cases in your inventory, the value is P1,000 x 720 or P720,000.

Market value method

This method uses the fair market value of assets. It entails researching buy and sell transactions for similar assets. To compute the market value, follow this method:

1. First, determine comparable assets. You can research other companies that have similar assets as yours.
2. Then, gather the needed financial information using financial reports.
3. Finally, compare the data.

For example, imagine you want to purchase a beachfront property in the province. The asking price is P20 million for a 1,000-square-meter property. Through the market value method, you ask for the land price of different beachfront properties in nearby areas and provinces.

Based on your research, you make a brand new offer of P17,000 per square meter instead of P20,000 per square meter. The seller accepts.

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FAQs

Still got questions about assets in the Philippines? We’ll answer them below.

How are assets valued?

Assets can be valued through the depreciation method, standard cost method, and market value method.

What does it mean when an asset depreciates?

When an asset depreciates, it means that its value has decreased over time due to wear and tear, obsolescence, or other factors.

What is asset allocation?

Asset allocation refers to the process of dividing an investment portfolio among different asset categories, such as stocks, bonds, and cash.

The goal of asset allocation is to balance risk and reward by diversifying investments across different types of assets. This can help to reduce the overall risk of an investment portfolio.

What is an asset class?

An asset class is a group of investments that have similar characteristics and behave alike in the market. Examples of asset classes include stocks, bonds, real estate, and commodities.

Diversifying an investment portfolio across multiple asset classes can help to reduce risk and potentially increase returns.

How can assets generate income?

Assets can generate income in a variety of ways, depending on their type. For example, real estate can generate rental income, while stocks can generate dividends or capital gains.

Similarly, a business can generate income through the sale of its products or services, or through the licensing of its intellectual property.

Regardless of the type of asset, the key is to manage it effectively and optimize its potential for generating income over time.

This requires careful financial planning, investment analysis, and risk management, as well as a deep understanding of the market conditions and trends that affect asset values and returns.

What is the difference between a physical asset and an intangible asset?

While physical assets can be seen and touched, intangible assets are typically represented by legal documents or other forms of documentation.

Both types of assets can be valuable and generate income, but they may require different types of management.

What is the difference between liquid and illiquid assets?

Liquid assets are those that can be easily converted into cash without significant loss of value, such as stocks or bonds.

Illiquid assets, on the other hand, cannot be easily converted into cash without a significant loss of value. Some examples include real estate or art.

Liquid assets are generally easier to manage and more flexible, while illiquid assets require more long-term planning and may have more complex valuation methods.

What is asset management?

Asset management refers to the professional management of assets with the goal of maximizing their value and income potential. This can involve a range of activities, including investment analysis, portfolio diversification, risk management, financial planning, and performance tracking.

Asset management professionals work with a variety of clients, including individuals, corporations, governments, and non-profit organizations, to help them achieve their financial goals and objectives.

Effective asset management requires a deep understanding of the relevant market conditions, as well as a commitment to ongoing education and professional development in order to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices.

How can assets affect my net worth?

Assets can have a significant impact on your net worth, which is the difference between your total assets and your total liabilities.

The more assets you have, the higher your net worth will be, which can be an important factor in achieving financial security and meeting your long-term financial goals.

How can diversification of assets reduce risk?

Diversification of assets can reduce risk by spreading investments across different asset classes and types. This means that if one investment performs poorly, the impact on the overall portfolio is minimized because other investments can compensate for the loss.

For example, if a portfolio is heavily weighted towards stocks and there is a market crash, the value of the portfolio could plummet.

However, if the portfolio is diversified with a mix of stocks, bonds, and other assets, the impact of the market crash on the overall portfolio would be less severe. By diversifying investments, investors can potentially reduce risk while still achieving their desired returns.

What does it mean to ‘leverage’ assets?

To ‘leverage’ assets means to use them to borrow funds for investment purposes.

This can increase the potential returns on an investment by enabling the investor to use more money than they would otherwise have available.

What is considered safe or ‘haven’ assets?

These assets are those that are typically perceived as low-risk investments and are often sought out by investors during times of economic uncertainty or market volatility.

Examples of safe assets include government bonds, gold, and other precious metals, as well as cash and cash equivalents.

How does the process of buying and selling assets work?

The process of buying and selling assets typically involves a series of steps, depending on the type of asset and the market in which it is traded.

For example, buying and selling stocks involves placing orders through a broker or online trading platform, while buying and selling real estate typically involves working with a real estate agent and going through a contract negotiation and closing process.

The key is to understand the relevant market conditions, research the asset thoroughly, and make informed decisions based on your investment objectives and risk tolerance.

Additionally, it’s important to consider transaction costs, such as brokerage fees and taxes, as these can impact the overall return on your investment.

What are the tax implications of owning and selling assets?

In the Philippines, there is a 6% capital gains tax based on the higher amount between fair market value and gross selling price.

How does inflation impact the value of assets?

Inflation can impact the value of assets by reducing their purchasing power over time.

When inflation increases, the value of money decreases, which means that the same amount of money can buy less than it could previously.

What is the role of assets in retirement planning?

Assets play a crucial role in retirement planning by providing a source of income and financial security during retirement years.

The goal of retirement planning is to accumulate assets over time that can generate income and cover expenses throughout retirement.

By effectively managing assets and planning for retirement, individuals can achieve financial independence and enjoy a comfortable retirement lifestyle.

What is the role of assets in personal finance and investing?

Assets play a significant role in personal finance and investing by enabling individuals to achieve their financial goals and objectives.

This can involve a range of strategies, including saving and investing in stocks, bonds, real estate, and other assets. By effectively managing assets, individuals can potentially increase their net worth, generate income, and build long-term wealth.

Additionally, assets can provide a hedge against inflation and market volatility, as well as a source of financial security during times of economic uncertainty.