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Super back in the black as shares rebound

After a disappointing end to 2018, super funds bounced back over the March quarter with the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) gaining 6%. This brought the return over the first nine months of the 2018/19 financial year back into the black at 3.3%.

Chant West Awards help lift super industry standards

The country’s best super and pension funds will be recognised at Chant West’s seventh annual Super Fund Awards on 22 May 2019.

Share surge continues to buoy super funds in February

Super funds have kept up their strong start to 2019, with the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) gaining 2.7% in February on the back of the ongoing rally in share markets. Following on from the 2.5% gain in January, February’s result has brought the return over the first eight months of the financial year to 2.6%.

Super funds off to a flyer in 2019

After a flat 2018, super funds had a strong start to 2019 on the back of rallying share markets. The median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) gained 2.5% in January. Early February has seen the share market rally continue which has driven the median growth fund up a further 2.1% this month so far.

Chant West shortlisted for the prestigious Fintech Business Awards

Chant West has been named as a finalist for the Software Innovator of the Year category at the 2019 Fintech Business Awards.

Super funds survive a late market stumble to eke out a positive return

Super funds weathered a jittery December quarter on world share markets to finish the 2018 calendar year in the black, if only barely. The 0.8% return, while the lowest since 2011, nonetheless extended the run of positive years to seven.

We need to deal with multiple accounts and get rid of poor-performing default funds

Chant West agrees with the main two findings of the Productivity Commission report – there are too many unintended multiple accounts and too many people are defaulted into poor-performing funds. And since these are the main problems, any changes to the system should focus on addressing these two issues.

Super funds eye a flat 2018 return as share market woes persist

Further share market falls in November are weighing on investment returns, with super funds heading towards a flat calendar year result. The median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) retreated 0.6% in November, pulling back the return for the first eleven months of 2018 to 1.8%. Further sharemarket losses over the first half of December have reduced that figure to an estimated 0.5%.

Chant West expects modest super fund return for 2018

October’s share market falls mean that super funds are heading towards a more modest calendar year result than in recent years. The median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) slipped 3% in October, pulling back the return for the first ten months of 2018 to 2.4%. Midway through November that figure has reduced further to an estimated 1.8%. But according to Chant West, this is not a bad result considering the recent falls in markets.

A solid quarter undone by October jitters

Super funds got off to a solid start to the 2018/19 financial year, with the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) returning 2.1% for the September quarter. However, the first half of October has seen a change of fortunes. Share market jitters, triggered by rising US interest rates and the escalating US/China trade war, have driven the median growth fund about 2.3% lower so far this month.

Shares, currency drive super funds forward in August

Following on from a 1.1% return in July, super funds continued their good start to the 2018/19 financial year with the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) posting a further 1% gain in August.

Super funds off to a good start for 2018/19

Fresh off a healthy 9.4% return in 2017/18, super funds have kept up the momentum going into the new financial year. The median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) posted a return of 1.1% in July.

Chant West has its say on Productivity Commission's superannuation recommendations

​Chant West recently submitted its response to the Productivity Commission’s draft report on superannuation. We support the Productivity Commission’s recommendations in general but we have some suggested changes that we believe will lead to better member outcomes.

Super funds have that positive feeling – yet again

UPDATE: When this media release was issued on 19 July 2018, we had data for 57 out of the 61 investment options. Subsequently, we have all 61 and the median return for growth funds has increased to 9.4% for 2017/18.

The 2017/18 financial year turned out to be another excellent one for super funds and their members. The median growth fund finished the year up a very healthy 9.2% – a record-equalling ninth consecutive positive year and well ahead of the funds’ own performance targets. Hostplus took the top spot for the second year in a row, returning 12.5%. Every fund in our growth category easily bettered the rate of inflation, and even the lowest performer delivered a respectable 6.5%. Growth funds have a 61 to 80% allocation to growth assets and are the ones in which most Australians are invested.

Nine straight positive years equals the super record

Super funds are poised to deliver a positive return for a ninth consecutive financial year. The only previous time we had a streak that long was from 1992/93 to 2000/01. With just two business days remaining, early estimates suggest that the median growth fund will post an impressive 9.2% for 2017/18, while some of the better-performing funds may deliver as much as 11.5%. Growth funds are those that have 61 to 80% of their investments in growth assets, and they are the ones in which the majority of Australian workers are invested.

Another good year on the cards for super fund members

With less than two weeks of the financial year remaining, super funds look certain to deliver a ninth straight positive return for their members. The median growth superannuation fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) gained 0.4% in May, taking the return over the eleven months of the financial year to a healthy 8%.

Lifecycling on the path towards personally-tailored portfolios

Chant West announces award winners

Sunsuper has taken out three of the 12 Chant West Super Fund Awards including the top award – Super Fund of the Year 2018.

Super funds on pace for ninth straight positive year

After a flat March quarter, super funds had a strong April with the median growth superannuation fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) up 1.7%. This brings the return over the first ten months of the financial year to a healthy 7.4%.

A flat quarter, as diversification smooths out the bumps

Despite two consecutive months of sliding share markets, the median growth superannuation fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) managed to avoid a loss over the March quarter, posting a zero return. The return for the first three quarters of the financial year remains at a solid 5.5%.

Slight setback in February, but FY18 returns still healthy

After experiencing sharp losses in early February on the back of sliding share markets, the median growth superannuation fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) recovered to finish the month barely in the red, down just 0.2%. Despite the slight setback, the return over the first eight months of the financial year remains at a healthy 6.5%.

Chant West awards to recognise member outcomes

Chant West’s sixth annual Super Fund Awards will recognise the best super and pension funds in Australia. The focus of this year’s awards will be on member outcomes, taking the lead from APRA’s new outcomes assessment model.

Super's roller-coaster start to 2018

After a strong 2017, super funds initially got off to a good start in 2018, with the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) returning 0.8% in January. This brought the return over the seven months of the financial year to date to a healthy 6.7%. Early February has seen a change of fortunes, however, and sliding share markets have led the median growth fund about 1.1% lower so far this month.

Chant West Blog

This week's market volatility reinforces super as a long-term investment and the importance of diversification.

A stellar year for super funds

Against most if not all expectations, 2017 turned out to be a stellar year for super funds. The median growth fund ended up 10.8% – the sixth consecutive positive annual return and well ahead of the funds' own performance targets. AustralianSuper took the top spot with 13.6%, and even the worst performing fund in our growth category delivered a respectable 7.6%. Growth funds have a 61 to 80% allocation to growth assets and are the ones in which most Australians are invested.

Surprise! 2017 shaping as a vintage year

Australia's major super funds look certain to deliver a sixth consecutive positive calendar year return – and quite possibly in the double digits.  A gain of 1.3% in November has pushed the median growth fund (61 to 80% growth assets) to a cumulative return of 10% for the first 11 months of 2017, so a positive December would make for a vintage year.

Daring to dream of a double digit return for 2017

A surge in October has left super funds in sight of a double digit return for the 2017 calendar year. Following a steady September quarter, strong share markets drove returns higher in October with the median growth fund (61 to 80% growth assets) gaining 2.3% for the month. This brings the return over the first ten months of the year to a very healthy 8.6%.

Superannuation fees just got supersized, but nothing for members to worry about

Chant West's latest fees survey highlights the extent to which the regulator's new disclosure regime will instantly make super look more expensive. Super funds now face a massive test to convince their members – and the wider public – that the increases in their publicly-disclosed fees are more perception than reality.

World markets drive funds to a steady quarter

Super funds have continued their steady start to the new financial year.  Listed share markets, which are the main drivers of growth fund performance, had a positive September quarter and as a result the median growth fund (61 to 80% growth assets) gained 1.5% over the quarter.

A slow but steady start to FY18

After eking out a 0.1% return in July, super funds were in positive territory again in August with the median growth fund (61 to 80% growth assets) rising 0.6%.  This brings the cumulative return for the first two months of the 2017/18 financial year to 0.7%.

Super funds mark time in July as share markets cool

After a strong 2016/17 financial year, super funds were flat over the first month of the new year with the median growth fund (61 to 80% growth assets) providing a zero return in July.

Optimistic share markets drive funds to eighth consecutive gain

Super funds have delivered a positive return for the eighth consecutive financial year, with the median growth fund up 10.7% for 2016/17. Among the major funds, double digit returns were common. Hostplus took the top spot with 13.2%, and even the worst performing fund in our growth category delivered a respectable 7.4%. Growth funds are those that have a 61 to 80% allocation to growth assets and are the ones in which most Australians are invested.

Eighth positive year, and over 100% gain since GFC

Super funds are poised to deliver a positive return for the eighth consecutive financial year, capping off a remarkable 110% rebound since the end of the Global Financial Crisis.  With just two business days remaining, early estimates suggest that the median growth fund will post a very healthy return of 10.5% for 2016/17, while some of the better-performing funds may deliver as much as 12.5%.  Growth funds are those that have 61 to 80% of their investments in growth assets, and they are the ones in which the majority of Australian workers are invested.

Super funds power on towards the FY17 finish line

With just two weeks of the financial year remaining, super funds are on track to post a remarkably strong annual performance.  The median growth fund (61 to 80% growth assets) gained another 0.5% in May, taking the return over the eleven months of the financial year to 10.4%.  And with a positive start to June, a double digit return is looking increasingly possible.

Double digit super returns a live possibility for FY17

Super funds were again in positive territory in April with the median growth fund (61 to 80% growth assets) up 1.5%.  This was the eighth month of positive performance out of the past ten, and the cumulative return for the financial year to date now stands at an impressive 10.1%.

Another solid quarter for super funds as economic outlook improves

Super funds had a solid March quarter, with the median growth fund (61 to 80% growth assets) up 2.5%. The previous two quarters were also positive, at 3.1% for the September quarter and 2.5% for the December quarter, so the cumulative return for the first nine months of the 2016/17 financial year is now a healthy 8.5%.

Super funds march towards 8th consecutive financial year gain

After a flat January, super funds had a better month in February with the median growth fund (61 to 80% growth assets) up 1.2%.  This brings the return over the first eight months of the 2017 financial year to a healthy 6.8%.

Super funds survive a late market stumble to eke out a positive return

Super funds weathered a jittery December quarter on world share markets to finish the 2018 calendar year in the black, if only barely. The 0.8% return, while the lowest since 2011, nonetheless extended the run of positive years to seven.

Chant West awards to recognise the value of advice

On May 24, Chant West will present its fifth annual awards at a black-tie function at the Ivy Ballroom, Sydney. The awards recognise the cream of Australia's superannuation and pension funds.

Super funds take a breather after heady end to 2016

After a strong finish to 2016, super funds were relatively flat in January with the median growth fund (61 to 80% growth assets) down 0.1%. Nevertheless, the return over the seven months of the financial year to date remains healthy at 5.6%.

Late share surge powers super funds to another positive year

A strong finish to 2016 from Australian and global share markets ensured that super funds delivered a healthy return for the year and a fifth consecutive positive annual return.  The median growth fund returned 7.7% in 2016, and every fund in the growth category delivered a positive result.  Returns ranged between 4.2% and 10.1%, with Catholic Super and Hostplus tied for top spot.  Growth funds are those that have a 61 to 80% allocation to growth assets and are the ones in which most Australians are invested.

'Trump effect' propels funds towards a positive 2016

After averaging 11% per annum over the past four years, super funds look set to deliver a fifth consecutive positive calendar year return. A gain of 1.1% in November propelled the median growth fund (61 to 80% growth assets) to a cumulative 5% for the first 11 months of 2016. And with share markets continuing to rise in December, the median return for the year currently stands at an estimated 6.3%.

Super funds give ground in October, but positive year in sight

Following a solid September quarter, super funds retreated in October in the lead-up to the US election, with the median growth fund (61 to 80% growth assets) down 0.7% for the month. This brought the return for the first ten months of 2016 to 4.1% so, with only six weeks of the year remaining, there is a good chance that funds will deliver a fifth consecutive calendar year return.

A solid quarter to start FY17, but markets nervous ahead of US interest rate and election decisions

After a tumultuous finish to 2015/16, super funds have got off to a good start in the new financial year.  Over the September quarter, the median growth fund (61 to 80% allocation to growth assets) gained a solid 3.1%.

Super funds nudge ahead in August

After surging in July, super funds delivered a more modest gain in August with the median growth fund (61 to 80% allocation to growth assets) rising 0.3%.  This brings the cumulative return for the first two months of the 2016/17 financial year to 3%.

Super funds off to a strong start in FY17

After a tumultuous finish to 2015/16, super funds got off to a strong start in the new financial year with the median growth fund (61 to 80% allocation to growth assets) gaining 2.7% in July.

Diversified investments help funds post seventh straight gain

Australia's major super funds weathered a late Brexit scare to post their seventh consecutive positive financial year return. The median growth fund returned 3% in 2015/16, while the top-performing fund – QSuper – delivered 7.6%. All funds in the Growth category posted positive returns for the year. Growth funds are those that have 61 to 80% of their investments in growth assets and are the ones in which the majority of Australians are invested.

Super funds set to post gains despite Brexit vote tremors

As the UK’s decision to leave the European Union reverberates through financial markets, super funds are still poised to finish in positive territory for the 2015/16 financial year.  With just hours remaining, early estimates suggest that the median growth fund will post a small positive return of about 2.5%, while some of the better-performed funds may deliver up to 6%.  Growth funds have 61 to 80% of their investments in growth assets, and are the ones in which the majority of Australians are invested.

A strong May keeps funds in the black

Super funds have posted a third consecutive positive month, with the median growth fund (61 to 80% allocation to growth assets) gaining 2.3% in May.  That takes the return for the first eleven months of the financial year to 4.0%, raising the prospect of a small positive annual return come the end of June.

Super funds edge closer to another positive year

After a disappointing start to the year, super funds have posted a second consecutive positive month and are edging closer to a positive financial year result. Following a rise of 1.8% in March, the median growth fund (61 to 80% allocation to growth assets) gained another 1.4% in April. That takes the return over the ten months of the financial year to date to 1.7%.

A negative March quarter for super funds, but still an even bet on a positive FY16

Super funds were in the red over the March 2016 quarter with the median growth fund (61 to 80% allocation to growth assets) retreating 1.1%. That means the return over the nine months of the financial year to date is only marginally positive at 0.1%.

Super funds down in February – but it could have been much worse

Super funds lost further ground after a tumultuous February, but a mid-month turnaround in share markets limited the damage. The median growth fund (61 to 80% allocation to growth assets) ended up retreating just 0.4%, bringing the return over the eight months of the financial year to date to -1.6%.

Super Fund Awards Finalists Announced

The finalists for the Chant West 2016 Super Fund Awards have been announced. The awards span 12 categories, including Super and Pension Funds of the Year.

AIA Australia & Pillar Administration major sponsors of Chant West Awards event

Chant West is delighted to announce that AIA Australia & Pillar Administration have agreed to be the major sponsors of its 2016 Super Fund Awards evening to be held on Wednesday, 4 May, at the Ivy Ballroom in Sydney.

Super funds avoid full brunt of share market turmoil

Super funds are off to a disappointing start in 2016 on the back of sharp falls in share markets worldwide. The median growth fund (61 to 80% allocation to growth assets) retreated 2.3% in January, and has continued to slide further into the red in February.

Chant West awards to recognise the cream of the crop

On May 4, Chant West will present its fourth annual awards at a black-tie function at the Ivy Ballroom, Sydney. The awards recognise the cream of Australia's superannuation and pension funds.

Super funds defy tepid share markets to post respectable returns

After averaging 12.7% per annum over the three previous years, super funds delivered a fourth consecutive calendar return in 2015 with the median growth fund returning a more modest but respectable 5.8%. The top-performing fund for the year was MTAA, which returned 9.5%. Even the worst-performing fund in the growth category produced a positive return of 1.8% which is still slightly ahead of inflation for the year. Growth funds are those that have 61 to 80% of their investments in growth assets and are the ones in which the majority of Australians are invested.

Super funds limp towards the line, but still in the black for 2015

After averaging 12.7% per annum over the past three years, super funds look set to deliver a fourth consecutive positive calendar year return – but a much smaller one this year.  Following a loss of 0.3% in November, the median growth fund (61 to 80% growth assets) was up 5.7% for the first 11 months of 2015.  And while the first half of December has been negative, the median return for the year still stands at an estimated 5%.

Markets oscillate, but funds still on track for a positive 2015

Following an up and down September quarter, super funds bounced back strongly in October with the median growth fund (61 to 80% growth assets) up 3.2% for the month. This brought the return for the first ten months of the calendar year to 6.1%, so with only six weeks of 2015 remaining there is a good chance that funds will deliver a fourth consecutive calendar year return.

Diversification cushions the blow in disappointing quarter for super funds

A weak September capped off a disappointing quarter for super funds, with the median growth fund (61 to 80% growth assets) down 1.7% for the first three months of the financial year. However the good news for fund members is that, while listed shares – the main drivers of performance – tumbled more than 6.5%, the broad spread of assets that their funds hold provided a strong measure of protection.

Super funds up in July but the outlook is not so rosy

Super funds got off to a good start for the 2015/16 financial year, with the median growth fund (61 to 80% growth assets) gaining 2.3% for the month of July. This is on the back of an impressive 9.8% return for the year ended 30 June, which was the sixth consecutive positive financial year.

China jitters drag super funds lower in August

Super funds suffered significant losses in August, with the median growth fund (61 to 80% growth assets) down 2.9% on the back of growing concerns over slowing economic growth in China. The poor performance in August more than outweighed the gains in July, so the overall return for the first two months of the 2015/16 financial year was negative, at -0.6%.

Chant West Awards Celebrate Excellence in Super

The winners of the Chant West 2015 Super Fund Awards were announced at a gala event in Sydney on 6 May, attended by more than 300 guests in attendance including industry luminaries and VIPs.

Chant West awards to recognise the cream of the crop

On May 4, Chant West will present its fourth annual awards at a black-tie function at the Ivy Ballroom, Sydney. The awards recognise the cream of Australia's superannuation and pension funds.