Superannuation fund members need to stop worrying over their current account balances and maintain a bigger picture view as the investment is designed as a long-term solution, according to research house SuperRatings.
The advice from SuperRatings comes as members check their account balances to see the effect the sell-off had on their retirement savings and it warned against making decisions based on an emotional reaction to the current environment.
Kirby Rappell, SuperRatings executive director, said super members far away from retirement need to stay invested.
“Knee-jerk changes to your portfolio could have a negative effect on your retirement,” Rappell said.
“Switching to cash will lock in losses and mean you miss out on the upside when the market eventually recovers.
“We suggest members talk to their fund or financial adviser to help ensure any decision is aligned with a long-term strategy.”
The firm reminded investors that for those in the 20 to 40 age bracket, you still had another 30 to 50 years before retirement, and older investors closer to retirement should be in conservative options to mitigate losses in market downturns.
According to estimates from SuperRatings, the median balanced option fell 8.9% in March and was down 10% for the quarter.
The median growth option, which was generally more exposed to shares, fell 12.5% in March and 14.1% over the quarter; the median capital stable option fell only 4.1% in March and 3.8% for the quarter.
For pension returns, the median balanced option fell 10.2% over the quarter, while the median growth option fell 14.4% and the median capital stable option fell 3.8%.
The Future Fund’s CIO Ben Samild has announced his resignation, with his deputy to assume the role of interim CIO.
The fund has unveiled reforms to streamline death benefit payments, cut processing times, and reduce complexity.
A ratings firm has placed more prominence on governance in its fund ratings, highlighting that it’s not just about how much money a fund makes today, but whether the people running it are trustworthy, disciplined, and able to deliver for members in the future.
AMP has reached an agreement in principle to settle a landmark class action over fees charged to members of its superannuation funds, with $120 million earmarked for affected members.