According to SuperRatings, Catholic Super and HOSTPLUS were the top returning super funds in 2016, delivering a 10.1% gain for their members, compared to the median Balanced option return of 7.3%.
Catholic Super and HOSTPLUS were followed by Cbus, CareSuper and Sunsuper, all of which provided well above median performance for their members over the year.
After a sharp fall at the start of 2016, super funds delivered convincing returns through the first half, hitting Brexit-related volatility mid-year.
Funds struggled through the three months to October as shares gradually sold off, but enjoyed a late surge in November and December.
The median balanced option returned 7.3% over the 12 months to 31 December 2016, which is just slightly below the 7.6% p.a. average seen over the last seven years.
“Political upsets were the dominating theme of 2016, and this year we will see whether these trends carry over to the European continent,” said SuperRatings Chairman, Jeff Bresnahan.
“There will be no shortage of political events in 2017, and based on last years’ experience we can expect continued bouts of heightened volatility. However, like 2016, we may be surprised at the resilience of super funds and their ability to perform in a range of market conditions.”
