Volatility hits super returns
Asset allocation diversity is helping insulate Australian superannuation fund members from current volatility, according to the latest data from SuperRatings.
The data show that superannuation returns continue to ride the volatility roller-coaster and that while super returns moved back into positive territory in July after the negativity of June, they are destined to be below par again in August.
The SuperRatings data pointed to the median balanced fund being up 2.2 per cent in July, representing a turnaround from the two per cent fall in August.
But the ratings house noted that investment markets continued to be extremely volatile with losses in August, to date, already wiping out the July gains.
SuperRatings founder, Jeff Bresnahan said the markets took a welcome upturn in July, with rising local and international shares adding strong returns for most super funds but the relief had been short-lived.
"So far in August we estimate the median Balanced Fund to be down 2.4 per cent, cancelling out the healthy July result," he said.
"Just what the remainder of the month has in store will soon unfold, however, the diversification of most super options is keeping most people insulated against heavier losses in several key asset classes."
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