AMP Balanced Growth was 2015's best performing superannuation multisector growth fund, returning 7.2 per cent, according to Morningstar.
The research house's superannuation survey found the median fund return was 5.1 per cent for the calendar year.
AMP Balanced Growth was followed by Austsafe (seven per cent), REI Super and AMP Capital Balanced (both at 6.6 per cent), and AustralianSuper Conservative Balanced (6.3 per cent).
However, the median result was below the previous three calendar year medians of 8.5 per cent (2014), 17.9 per cent (2013), and 12.8 per cent (2012). The last negative year for growth super funds was 2011 at -2.1 per cent).
The best performing balanced (40 to 60 per cent growth assets) super funds were Optimum (5.3 per cent), and AustralianSuper and AMP Capital Moderately Conservative (both at 5.2 per cent).
Australian listed property was the best performing growth asset class (14.3 per cent), followed by global equities (11.8 per cent), global listed property (6.4 per cent), and Australian shares (2.8 per cent).
The fund has appointed Fotine Kotsilas as its new chief risk officer, continuing a series of executive changes aimed at driving growth, but NGS Super’s CEO has assured the fund won’t pursue growth for growth’s sake.
AMP Super has taken a strategic stake in Atmos Renewables, funding major battery and wind farm projects to boost Australia’s clean energy transition.
The regulator has commenced a targeted review to address regulatory hurdles that may be discouraging superannuation funds from investing in property assets.
Rest’s FUM growth coincides with the arrival of Michael Clancy as the fund’s new CIO and the appointment of two senior executives.