Socially-responsible super funds are paying off for members with funds taking this approach offering the best rewards in the balanced sector.
The best-performing balanced super fund over one year to 30 September, 2021, was ANZ Smart Choice Super Legg Mason Diversified which returned 18.9%.
Australian Ethical Balanced Accumulation and Australian Catholic Super Socially Responsible Option were also in the top five and both focused on investing responsibly. They had returns of 18.8% and 18.6% respectively.
The Mixed Asset Balanced sector had returned 12.8% over the same period within the Australian superannuation universe.
Performance of balanced super funds versus sector over one year to 30 September 2021
Looking over three years, the best-performing balanced super fund on a total return basis was Australian Catholic Super Socially Responsible Option which returned 33.7% followed by Australian Ethical Balanced Accumulation which returned 33.4% and Australian Catholic Super MySuper Balanced Option which had returns of 31.6%.
This compared to returns of 18.3% by the Mixed Asset Balanced sector of 18.3%.
Performance of balanced super funds versus sector over three years to 30 September 2021
The two funds have announced the signing of a non-binding MOU to explore a potential merger.
The board must shift its focus from managing inflation to stimulating the economy with the trimmed mean inflation figure edging closer to the 2.5 per cent target, economists have said.
ASIC chair Joe Longo says superannuation trustees must do more to protect members from misconduct and high-risk schemes.
Super fund mergers are rising, but poor planning during successor fund transfers has left members and employers exposed to serious risks.