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AMP Super defies volatility with double-digit returns
AMP has delivered another year of double-digit gains across its flagship superannuation options, with its MySuper members reaping the benefits of a disciplined investment strategy amid lingering geopolitical and market volatility.
For the year to 30 June 2025, members in AMP’s MySuper 1990s, 1980s and 1970s options recorded returns of 12.8 per cent, 12.9 per cent and 12.7 per cent respectively.
The strong performance highlights the fund’s exposure to rebounding equity markets and a timely rotation out of US stocks earlier in the year.
Returns for members in the 1950s and 1960s cohorts - those nearing or in retirement - were 10.1 per cent and 11.2 per cent, reflecting a more conservative asset mix tailored to lower risk tolerances.
AMP’s choice range also performed well, according to the fund, with the Future Directions High Growth delivered 14.1 per cent, while Growth and Balanced options returned 12.7 per cent and 11.0 per cent, respectively.
Chief investment officer Anna Shelley attributed the results to careful portfolio positioning during a year marked by inflation uncertainty, rate speculation and heightened geopolitical risk.
“Our overweight to US shares contributed meaningfully to performance in the first part of the year — and we closed that overweight in early February, anticipating risks around US trade policy,” said Shelley.
“Stock selection in international equities also contributed positively, and we saw modest gains from our Bitcoin allocation.”
Shelley said AMP Super also benefitted from acquiring direct property assets at a discount from distressed sellers, and its carefully calibrated exposures to direct infrastructure.
“In global credit, we allocated to a new manager, further diversifying our income sources,” she said.
Moreover, she explained the team navigated volatile periods, including those around “Liberation Day”, by sticking to strategic targets and adjusting equity exposures with discipline.
“On balance, that saw us modestly increase our equity exposure near the lows,” she said.
“The key discipline in wild markets is to have a plan and stick to it. We did exactly that — and it’s reflected in our returns.”
AMP’s lifestage strategy also continued to deliver on its design, the chief investment officer said, with older members benefiting from increased defensive allocations that cushioned downside risks while preserving long-term growth potential.
Looking forward, Shelley said: “We expect continued short-term volatility, but we remain confident in our disciplined investment approach and our focus on delivering strong long-term outcomes for members.”
AUTHOR
Maja Garaca Djurdjevic
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