AustralianSuper’s balanced option has returned 12.44 per cent after taxes and fees for the 2016/17 financial year thanks to global equity markets performing well.
The industry superannuation fund said the stronger global economy was supported by solid results from other diversified assets such as infrastructure.
The fund said this was the eighth consecutive year of positive returns since the global financial crisis and the fourth year out of five that the fund had delivered double digit returns for members.
AustralianSuper chief executive and chief investment officer, Mark Delaney, said: “The return to above-average performance reflects the improving global economy particularly in China and the US. Investment markets have been resilient in the face of greater political uncertainty”.
He said the diversified nature of our balanced option had allowed the fund to manage market ups and downs over the long-term.
“It’s the breadth of the asset classes that we invest in and our active management of these investments that helps create sustainable long-term returns for members,” he said.
Delaney noted that $26 billion, around 22 per cent, of the fund’s assets were now managed internally and he expected this to increase in coming years.
“Internal management will help us to reduce costs, give the fund the ability to be more agile in the way we invest and enable us to continue to invest in high quality assets,” he said.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has hit back at critics of the Division 296 super tax changes, saying it shows commentators’ aversion to substantive tax reform.
Australia’s superannuation funds are on track to post another year of strong performance, with the median growth fund returning an estimated 9 per cent for the 2025 financial year, according to research from Chant West.
The UK aims to boost investments via Australia’s super fund sector, unlocking major bilateral business and growth opportunities.
The Future Fund has received government approval to internally manage transactions in Australian infrastructure and property, marking a significant shift in its investment approach after nearly two decades of relying solely on external managers.
But it isn't a balanced fund. Has anyone even looked at the asset allocation? Goodness me!