Article list

Super funds face a high bar in 2020

Super members have every reason to be optimistic about 2020, but when it comes to a repeat of 2019’s double-digit returns, it would be wise to temper expectations. According to estimates from leading research house SuperRatings, 2019 was the best year for superannuation funds since 2013, with the median balanced option returning 13.8%. Despite a […]

16 Jan 2020

APRA heatmaps should be put on ice

From SuperRatings

The question no-one wants to ask is – Why are APRA collecting, interpreting and then publishing information in the public domain? The answer is simple – They shouldn’t be! Instead of regulating, APRA are now trying to play the shame game through their just released heatmaps. But there is a real risk that some of […]

12 Dec 2019

Super funds rebuild momentum in December quarter

From SuperRatings

Super funds are off to a positive start in the December quarter, regaining momentum following a rocky September and paving the way for double-digit returns for the 2019 calendar year. While markets have come under pressure in recent months, super funds have once again proved they are up to the task of navigating the significant […]

14 Nov 2019

Timing of negative super returns can determine fate of retirees

From SuperRatings

A combination of factors has created fertile ground for market volatility, resulting in a bumpy ride for super members, who have experienced six negative monthly returns over the past year. According to SuperRatings, the median balanced option return for August was an estimated -0.5%, with the negative result driven by a fall in Australian and […]

10 Sep 2019

Don’t be fazed by short-term super drawdowns

From SuperRatings

Recent market turmoil is a timely reminder to super members not to allow short-term market movements to impact their investment decisions, according to leading research house SuperRatings. As investors deal with a renewed bout of volatility and growing uncertainty surrounding the economic outlook, recent data show that members are often better off riding the wave […]

23 Aug 2019

Super’s trillion dollar decade, but members must be wary of risks

From SuperRatings

Super funds have had a convincing finish to what was a bumpy 2019 financial year, with an improvement in sentiment and a rallying share market in June helping funds over the line with solid returns. A promising 2.0% gain in the September 2018 quarter seemed to vanish before members’ eyes as funds suffered a 4.7% […]

18 Jul 2019

Super funds look to move past forgettable financial year

From SuperRatings

A world-beating performance from Australian shares has been overshadowed by the re-emergence of geopolitical uncertainty and a wave of risk aversion in global markets, leading to softer performance for super funds in the final stretch of the financial year. According to estimates from leading superannuation research house SuperRatings, the typical balanced option return was -0.7% […]

18 Jun 2019

Superannuation facing grim financial year as markets flatten

From SuperRatings

Despite a recovery in the March quarter, superannuation funds are heading for a disappointing 2018-19 financial year, with global growth challenges and a loss of market momentum meaning funds will struggle to make up for sharp losses in the December quarter. According to estimates from leading superannuation research house SuperRatings, balanced option returns were largely […]

18 Apr 2019

The cost of ‘sustainable’ super may not match performance

From SuperRatings

Super members searching for a ‘sustainable’ investment fund are exposed to the same challenges as those in more traditional funds with the sector delivering a wide range of performance outcomes and charging a range of fees, according to new research on the sector by superannuation research house SuperRatings. The SuperRatings research reveals that the median […]

27 Mar 2019

Super funds fully recovered from sell-off

From SuperRatings

Super funds have emerged from the recent market downturn in top shape, recovering from a string of losses suffered in late 2018 as investors regained confidence and share markets were bolstered by a generally positive earnings season. February’s median Balanced option return of 2.6% was the highest monthly return since July 2016, while the median […]

22 Mar 2019