Total funds under management (FUM) in the wholesale funds sector fell by $109 billion to $234.5 billion (31.8 per cent) in the 12 months to December 31 last year, according to researcher DEXX&R.
The Pooled Super and Wholesale Trusts League Table, covering more than 100 funds, also revealed a fall in FUM of 2.1 per cent during December last year, from $237 million in November.
Hardest hit sub-sectors over 2008 were property and Australian shares, with respective falls in FUM of $11.2 billion (52.4 per cent) and $37.3 billion (41.7 per cent).
By contrast, FUM in cash funds during the year grew by 17 per cent from $18 billion to $21 billion — reflecting investor “preference for low risk funds”.
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.