Superannuation funds had a stellar 2013 with median growth funds returning 18 per cent over the calendar year, the highest since 1993.
The highest quarterly return was recorded in September at 5.1 per cent, while June held the lowest quarterly result at 2.3 per cent. The first quarter produced a solid 4.7 per cent, Morningstar Australian Superannuation Survey revealed.
Two negative medians were recorded over the year, with March at -0.3 per cent and June at 0.8 per cent.
Longer-term annualised returns were 9.2 per cent (three years), 9.6 per cent (five years), and 7.0 per cent (10 years to 31 December, 2013).
The survey, published today in interim form, looked at both commercial for-profit and industry superannuation options.
Growth assets were a mixed bag in December, with Australian listed property at -1.3 per cent, global listed property at 0.2 per cent, Australian shares at 0.8 per cent and international shares at 4.4 per cent.
The research house has offered a silver lining after super fund returns saw the end of a five-month streak last month.
A survey of almost 6,000 fund members has identified weakening retirement confidence, particularly among those under 55 years of age, signalling an opportunity for super funds to better engage with members on their retirement journey.
The funds have confirmed the signing of a successor fund transfer deed, moving closer to creating a new $29 billion entity.
A number of measures, including super on Paid Parental Leave, funding to recover unpaid super, and frameworks to encourage investment in the energy transition, have been welcomed by the superannuation industry.
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