Super funds advanced for the seventh consecutive month in October with the median growth fund returning 1.2% over the month. While we’ve seen some share market jitters in November so far, we estimate that with only six weeks of CY25 remaining, the median growth fund return is still sitting at a solid 7.8%.
View moreAfter a strong January, super funds experienced a small pull-back in February with the median growth fund down 0.9%, as volatility crept back into share markets on the back of weaker US economic data and concerns around the potential impact of Trump’s tariff announcements.
View moreDespite some sharp share market falls in in early August, the median growth fund finished the month in positive territory. Markets rebounded quite quickly as economic data released later in the month was more reassuring, coupled with US Fed Chair stating that the ’time has come’ for interest rate cuts.
View moreAware Super has been named Super Fund of the Year and Pension Fund of the Year at this year’s Chant West Awards. In a rare occurrence, Aware Super took home not just the two major awards, but also Best Fund: Investments and Best Fund: Insurance.
View moreSuper funds were up for the fifth consecutive month in March, with the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) delivering 1.9% over the month. With just one quarter of the 2023/24 financial year remaining, the median growth fund’s financial year return is sitting at an impressive 8.8%, which comes on the back of the better-than-expected return of 9.2% in FY23.
View moreSuper funds were up for the fourth consecutive month in February, with the median growth fund delivering 1.9% over the month. The return over those past four months is a staggering 9%, lifting the return over the first eight months of the 23/24 financial year to 6.7%.
View moreAfter a strong start to the new financial year, super funds encountered a more challenging month in August given the volatility in investment markets. Despite that, the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) was still only down 0.1% over the month. That means the return over the first two months of the current financial year stands at 1.4%.
View moreFresh off a strong FY23 return of 9.2%, super funds had a bright start to the new financial year with the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) returning 1.5% in July. Chant West Senior Investment Research Manager, Mano Mohankumar, says that listed share markets – the main drivers of growth fund performance – had a strong month with the energy sector leading the way.
View moreAgainst a challenging economic backdrop, super funds have posted a commendably strong financial year result with the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) returning 9.2%. That return easily erases the entire 3.3% loss from the previous financial year and represents the 12th positive return in the past 14 years. The FY23 return is also well ahead of the typical long-term return objective of about 6% p.a. Our growth fund category is where the majority of Australians have their super invested.
View moreSuper funds experienced a small pullback in May, with the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) down 0.4% over the month. But with markets up in June so far, and with just over a week of the financial year remaining, we estimate that the median growth fund return for the year so far is sitting at about 8.5%. A final result close to that figure would be a tremendous outcome considering the challenging economic backdrop and would easily erase the entire loss of 3.3% from the 2022 financial year.
View moreSuper funds posted another solid return in April with the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) up 1.2% over the month. That propelled the return for the first ten months of the financial year to 8.1% so, with just two months remaining, it looks likely that funds will finish the year with a healthy return. That 8.1% return, if sustained to the end of June, would more than offset the entire loss of 3.3% from the 2022 financial year, and is well above the typical long-term return objective which is about 6% per annum.
View moreUniSuper has been named Super Fund of the Year for the second year in a row at last night’s 2023 Chant West Super Fund Awards. More than 300 guests from across the industry embraced the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the hard work of the industry over the last 12 months.
View moreSuper funds withstood the market volatility in early March prompted by concerns about the banking sector, and went on to post a solid return for the month. The median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) was up 1.1%, and that took the return for the first nine months of the financial year to 6.9%, more than offsetting the entire loss of 3.3% in FY22.
View moreAfter a strong start to the year, investment markets went into reverse in February on continuing inflation concerns. As a result, the median growth super fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) gave back a little of January’s strong 3% gain, but was able to limit the monthly loss to just 0.5%.
View moreInvestment markets delivered some unusual outcomes in 2022. It is quite rare for bond markets to deliver a negative return over a full year, and rarer still for them to do so at the same time as equity markets, but that was what happened both globally and locally in calendar 2022. Australia’s major super funds were up to the challenge, however, managing to minimise the losses for their members mainly through diversification beyond traditional liquid asset classes.
View moreHaving navigated a testing 2022, super funds kicked off the new year in style with the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) surging an impressive 3% in January. In just one month, funds have regained two-thirds of the last year’s 4.6% loss.
View moreSuper funds fought an uphill battle over the course of 2022, faced with heavy falls in most of the traditional investment markets – shares, listed property and bonds. Yet in these very testing circumstances they again managed to prove their resilience, with the median growth option (61 to 80% in growth assets) retreating just 4.6% over the year. While fund members might have read the headlines and feared the worst, the end result was only a modest setback after a decade-long sequence of positive calendar year returns.
View moreSuper funds enjoyed another positive month in November as share and bond markets continued to rally from their late September lows. The median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) surged 2.6% over the month, and that follows on from the 3% uplift in October. As a result, funds are heading towards a much better 2022 calendar year result than looked likely just a couple of months ago. Even taking into consideration the pullback in December so far, with less than two weeks remaining we estimate that the median growth fund return is sitting at about -4% for the year to date – a good result under very testing circumstances.
View moreSuper funds had a strong October on the back of rallying global share markets. The median growth fund made an impressive gain of 3% over the month, recouping September’s losses. The equities rebound has continued into November, and we estimate that the median growth fund is up a further 1.1% so far this month. Looking at the four-and-a-half months of the financial year to date, the cumulative gain is sitting at about 3.5%, which effectively erases the entire loss from last financial year.
View moreAfter a strong start to the 2023 financial year, super funds dropped back slightly in August with the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) retreating 0.4%. However, the return over the first two months of the financial year still sits at a healthy 2.6%.
View moreThe 2022 financial year proved to be a torrid one for investment markets. An uneventful first half year quickly turned ugly once the threat of global inflation became a reality. Unusually, listed markets in all the major asset sectors, including bonds, fell. In days gone by that would have meant a substantial fall for growth-type super funds, yet the median fund lost just 3.3% – all because of diversification.
View moreAfter a disappointing end to FY22, super funds kicked off the new financial year in style with the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) surging 3.1% in July. This was mainly on the back of a sharp rebound in share markets, although bonds also made a solid contribution. So in just one month, we’ve seen funds regain almost all of the previous financial year’s 3.3% loss.
View moreThe 2022 financial year was a particularly challenging one for investment markets, yet super funds again proved their ability to limit the damage for their members. Despite heavy falls in all the traditional asset sectors – shares, listed property and bonds, both Australian and international – the median growth option (61 to 80% in growth assets) retreated just 3.3% over the year. That’s a very commendable result in the circumstances. While a negative return is naturally disappointing, we should not forget that this comes on the back of the staggering 18% result in FY21, which was the second highest return since the introduction of compulsory super in 1992.
View moreSuper funds retreated further in May, with the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) recording a 1% decline for the month. While the falls in April and May were minor setbacks, things have worsened significantly since then. Share and bond markets have taken such a beating in the first half of June that, with less than two weeks of the year remaining, we estimate that the median growth fund return is now sitting at about -5% over FY22 to date. However, given the magnitude of recent market fluctuations, the final result could be materially different – either for the worse or the better.
View moreUniSuper has been named Super Fund of the Year at the tenth annual Chant West Super Fund Awards last night in Sydney. More than 250 guests from across the industry embraced the opportunity to celebrate in-person, watching on as TelstraSuper took out the other major award, Pension Fund of the Year.
View moreSuper funds took a step backwards in April, with the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) down 1.2% for the month. That reversed a similar gain in March and pulled the median return over first ten months of the 2021/22 financial year back to 1.2%. With share markets down so far in May we estimate that, with only about six weeks remaining, the financial year return is near break-even, at -0.5%.
View moreChant West today announced the finalists for the 2022 Chant West Super Fund of the Year award. The country’s best super and pension funds will be recognised at the 10th annual Super Fund Awards on 25 May, recognising excellence and showcasing industry best practice across 13 award categories
View moreAfter suffering losses in January and February, super funds bounced back into positive territory in March on the strength of resilient share markets. The median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) was up 1.1% for the month, trimming the decline over the quarter to 2%. So the possibility of a positive 2021/22 result is still very much alive, with the median return sitting at 2.3% over the first nine months of the financial year.
View moreChant West has incorporated responsible investment (RI) classifications into its ratings for super fund investment options, providing investors with detailed RI insights that allow them to make more informed investment decisions.
View moreIncreasingly turbulent investment markets took their toll on super fund performance in February, with the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) slipping 1.1% over the month. Despite the losses in January and now February, the median return over the first eight months of the financial year remains positive at 1.4%.
View moreAfter delivering a lofty 13.5% return in 2021, super funds had a rough start to the new year with the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) down 2.2% in January. That fall, however, was far less than the fall in local and overseas share markets.
View moreSuper funds had a strong 2021 calendar year with the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) returning an impressive 13.4%. Our growth fund category is where the majority of Australians have their super invested. Hostplus was the top performer for the year with a standout return of 19.1%, while even the worst performer in the category delivered a respectable 10%.
View moreSuper funds are closing in on a double-digit result for the 2021 calendar year. The median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) was up 0.3% in November which drove the return for the first 11 months of the year to 11.7%. Markets are up in December so far and we estimate that, with just two weeks remaining, the calendar year return is now sitting above 12%.
View moreThe publication of APRA’s inaugural performance test results has proved confronting, not only for funds that failed the test but also for their members. Anomalies and mixed messages abound and as the lessons sink in, we’re seeing funds trying to balance the long-term interests of their members with the shorter-term focus on passing the test. While we appreciate the policy intent to remove underperforming funds, there’s some concern about the implementation.
View moreAfter a slight stumble in September, super funds were back in positive territory in October with the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) up 0.6% for the month. With nine positive monthly returns out of 10 so far, growth funds are up 11.2% for the year to date. With just over six weeks remaining, and with share markets up so far in November, the median growth fund has a good chance of finishing 2021 in double digit territory.
View moreSuper funds experienced their first negative month in a year with the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) losing 1% in September as share markets retreated. Despite this setback, growth funds still posted a solid 2% over the September quarter.
View moreSuper funds' strong start to the 2021/22 financial year continued in August with the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) up 1.7% for the month. This was the 11th consecutive positive month and took the cumulative return for the first two months of the financial year to 2.8%.
View moreSuper fund members who stayed the course and maintained their exposure to growth assets through the 2021 financial year have been handsomely rewarded. Listed markets in growth assets – shares and property – rebounded strongly from their COVID-induced lows, and powered growth funds to near record returns.
View moreSuper funds have delivered their strongest financial year result in 24 years, with the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) returning a stunning 18% for FY21. This is the second highest return since the introduction of compulsory superannuation in 1992 – the only better financial year result was 19.4% recorded back in 1996/97. Our growth fund category is where the majority of Australians have their superannuation invested. Mine Super Growth was the top performer for the year with a return of 22.6%, while even the worst performer in the category returned a respectable 13%.
View moreSuper funds continued their relentless rise in May, with the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) returning 1.1% for the month. This brought the return for the first 11 months of the financial year to a stunning 15.7%. And with markets up in June so far we estimate that, with about two weeks of the year remaining, the cumulative return is now sitting at 17.5%.
View moreAustralianSuper has been named Super Fund of the Year at the ninth annual Chant West Super Fund Awards last night in Sydney. More than 300 guests from across the industry embraced the opportunity to celebrate in-person, watching on as UniSuper took out the other major award, Pension Fund of the Year.
View moreFollowing the acquisition of the Galaxy comparator tools from Rice Warner in March this year, Chant West welcomed on-board the Galaxy team this week. The team will continue to be led by Wendy Van, supported by the experienced team who have been working to deliver the comparators to subscribers.
View moreSuper funds have continued their impressive COVID bounce-back, with the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) up 2.2% for the month of April. This brings the return for the first 10 months of the financial year to a remarkable 14.7%. With less than two months of the year remaining, a final result in double-digit territory is looking increasingly likely.
View moreSuper funds have continued their astonishing COVID bounce-back, with the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) up 1.9% for the month of March and 3.1% over the quarter. This brings the return for the first nine months of the financial year to an impressive 12.2%. With share markets up in April so far, there is a realistic chance that growth funds will finish FY21 in double-digit territory, which would have been inconceivable a year ago.
View moreSuper funds have continued their remarkable COVID bounce back, with the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) up 0.9% in February. Since the recovery began at the end of March last year there has only been one negative monthly result, and that was just a slight retreat in September. The cumulative return from end-March 2020 to mid-March 2021 now stands at just under 20%.
View moreAfter delivering a return of 3.6% for the challenging 2020 calendar year – an excellent outcome under the most testing of circumstances – super funds have maintained the positive momentum into 2021. The median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) was up 0.2% in January, and February is looking very positive so far.
View moreSome recent comments from Federal government members and Treasury’s budget papers on super questioning the merit of Australia’s super system call for a clear response based on facts, not one based on sentiment or ideology, says Ian Fryer, General Manager of leading super research and ratings agency Chant West.
View moreSuper funds have delivered a positive return for the 2020 calendar year, and in doing so have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of major market disruption. The median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) ended the year up 3.7%, an amazing result given the economic damage wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic. The 3.7% return might be small compared with the bumper 14.7% result for 2019, but nevertheless it represents the ninth consecutive positive calendar year and the 11th in the past 12 years.
View moreSuper funds are closing in on a ‘better than expected’ result for the 2020 calendar year. Share markets surged in November, powering the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) to a return of 4.9% for the month. That drove the cumulative return for the first eleven months of the year to 2.6%. Markets are up slightly in December so far and we estimate that, with two weeks to go, the calendar year return is now sitting at about 3%. A final result in the black, even a small one, would represent an excellent outcome for fund members given the disruption and economic damage caused by COVID-19. And let’s not forget that only a year ago members were enjoying one of the strongest years in the past 20, with growth funds returning 14.7% for calendar 2019.
View moreSuper funds were back in positive territory in October, with the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) up 0.5% for the month. With six positive returns in the past seven months, and with what we’ve seen so far in November, the median growth fund has a good chance of finishing the 2020 calendar year in positive territory.
View moreHaving delivered a better than expected result of -0.6% for the challenging 2019/20 financial year, super funds got off to a bright start to the new financial year with the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) up 1% in July.
View moreSuper funds have successfully navigated the coronavirus-induced financial crisis to deliver a result that should come as a pleasant surprise for their members. The median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) finished the 2019/20 financial year with a loss of just 0.5%. In fact, nearly half the funds in our growth category managed to generate a positive return, albeit a small one, despite the worst economic conditions since the GFC
View moreBarring an extraordinary final day, super funds are set to post a small negative return for the 2019/20 financial year – the first in 11 years. With one business day remaining, Chant West’s early estimate is that the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) will return -1.3%. While a negative result is never welcome, containing the loss to such a small number must be considered a good outcome considering the chaos the world has been thrown into by COVID-19.
View moreSuper funds rose for the second consecutive month in May, with the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) up 2.2% as share markets continued to rally. With markets also up in June so far, we estimate that the financial year return is sitting at zero mid-way through the month so, remarkably, a positive year remains a real possibility. A final result that is flat or close to flat would be an excellent outcome considering the chaos the world has been thrown into by COVID-19.
View moreAfter losing 12% over February and March as investors reacted to the potential economic impact of COVID-19, super funds had some respite in April. The median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) bounced back 3.1% on the back of rallying share markets. However, this still leaves the return for the ten months of the financial year to date in the red at -3.3%.
View moreThe rapid spread of COVID-19 and its potential impact on the global economy drove a worldwide sell-off in share markets in March. This resulted in the median growth superannuation fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) falling 9% for the month and 10.1% for the quarter. The return for the first nine months of the financial year also turned negative at -6.3%.
View moreInvestor concerns over the spread of COVID-19 prompted a widespread sell-off in share and property markets, resulting in the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) falling 3.1% in February. Since then, the virus has spread at an exponential rate. Major share markets reversed from bull to bear phase in an unprecedented three weeks, and we estimate that the median growth fund is down a further 10.5% over March to date. However, with markets whipsawing from session to session and even within a day's trading session, this figure is fluctuating every day.
View moreZenith Investment Partners has announced today that it has entered into an agreement to purchase the Chant West superannuation and consultancy business from ASX listed company Chant West Holding Ltd, (ASX: CWL).
View moreAfter a stellar 2019 when the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth funds) returned 14.7%, super funds kicked off the new year with an impressive start, returning 1.9% in January. This was on the back of a strong month for Australian shares, local and overseas bonds and the depreciation of the Australian dollar. The momentum has continued into February, too, and we estimate that the median growth fund is up a further 1.5% this month so far.
View moreSuper funds put in an outstanding performance in 2019, with the median growth fund up 14.7%. This was the best calendar year return since 2013 and the seventh best in the entire 27½ year history of compulsory superannuation. UniSuper Balanced took out top spot with a lofty return of 18.4%. Even the worst performer in our growth category returned a healthy 10.5%, which was nearly 9% above the rate of inflation. Growth funds are those that have a 61 to 80% allocation to growth assets and are the ones in which the majority of Australians are invested.
View moreAgainst the expectations of many experts, super funds are closing in on a bumper result for the 2019 calendar year. After another strong month in November there is a strong likelihood of an annual return well into the double digits. The median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) was up 1.9% for the month, pushing the return for the first eleven months of the year to 14.4%. Markets have been relatively flat so far in December so we estimate that, with two weeks to go, the calendar year return is still sitting close to 14.5% – a very impressive result.
View moreThe two main weaknesses of our superannuation system are the proliferation of multiple member accounts and the defaulting of members into underperforming funds. These are both problems that have been highlighted by the Productivity Commission, and they need to be fixed in order to make the system more efficient and deliver improved retirement outcomes. Identifying underperforming funds is the focus of this article and is also the focus of APRA’s newly launched ‘Heatmap’. APRA’s methodology is broadly similar to ours and we comment later on what it could mean for our industry.
View moreSuper funds got a lift from positive global share markets in October, and now have a good chance of finishing the calendar year in double digit territory. The median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) was up 0.4% for the month, pushing the return for the first ten months of 2019 to an impressive 12.8%. Midway through November, that figure has increased further to an estimated 14.3%.
View moreAfter a positive start to the new financial year, super funds were down slightly in August with the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) returning -0.5%. This came on the back of a 1.4% advance in July, so the net effect is still a gain of 0.9% over the first two months of the financial year.
View moreChant West and Conexus Financial will come together from 2020 to host a joint annual super fund awards, replacing their individual awards. The partnership recognises calls from the super industry in recent years for less awards. The co-branded Chant West & Conexus Financial awards will comprise the well-respected data, technology and methodology of Chant West at an event hosted and promoted by Conexus Financial.
View moreHaving just delivered a 10th consecutive positive financial year return, super funds have had a mixed start to 2019/20 with markets responding to the escalating tariff feud between the US and China. The median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) was up 1.4% in July. However, with markets down in the first half of August those gains have been reversed and the median fund is in the red for the new financial year so far.
View moreThe 2019 financial year was an unusual one for investment markets. All the main sectors produced positive results, there were no ‘must have’ assets that would guarantee above-average returns, and so fund performance was clustered far closer than usual. Yet some familiar names still found their way to the top of the year’s performance tables. What is the secret of their success?
View moreSuper funds have delivered a record-breaking 10th consecutive positive financial year return, with the median growth fund up 7% in the year to 30 June 2019. QSuper and UniSuper tied for top spot for the year, returning a very impressive 9.9%. Even the worst performer in our growth category returned 4.3%. Growth funds are those that have a 61 to 80% allocation to growth assets and are the ones in which most Australians are invested.
View moreSuper funds are poised to deliver a positive return for a record-breaking 10th consecutive financial year. With just two business days remaining, Chant West's early estimate is that the median growth fund will post a return of 7.1% for 2018/19. 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.
View moreWith less than two weeks of the financial year remaining, super funds are on the brink of a record-breaking 10th consecutive positive return for members. While the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) was down 0.7% in May, the return over the first 11 months of the financial year was 4.6% and June has been positive so far.
View moreSuper fund returns were up for the fourth consecutive month in April, with the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) riding the ongoing rally in share markets for a gain of 1.7%. Coming on the back of the 6.1% return for the March quarter, the return over the first 10 months of the financial year is now firmly in positive territory at 5.2%.
View moreChant West’s annual Super Fund Awards night is fast approaching, and in recent months we have been busy re-evaluating our ratings of funds across a range of criteria. The most important of these criteria remains investments, because how funds invest has the greatest bearing on the eventual outcomes of their members. For that reason, investments carries a weighting of 40% in our overall rating scores.
View moreAfter 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%.
View moreSuper 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%.
View moreAfter 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.
View moreSuper 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.
View moreChant 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.
View moreFurther 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%.
View more1 January 2019 marked the fifth anniversary of MySuper, the Government’s mechanism for directing default superannuation contributions into funds that offered ‘a simple, cost-effective, balanced product’ and met minimum standards. There were early fears that the focus on costs would result in a ‘race to the bottom’, with performance sacrificed in the competitive drive to reduce fees but largely this has not happened. What has been more pronounced is the use of lifecycle strategies which we expect will grow.
View moreOctober’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.
View moreSuper 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.
View moreNot- for-profit funds have outperformed retail funds over the medium and long term. But have they done so by taking on more risk by significant investments in unlisted property and infrastructure? This article will explore this contentious issue that has been drawing lots of attention in recent months.
View moreChant 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.
View moreThe 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.
View moreSuper 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.
View moreWith 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%.
View moreLifecycle products represent an important innovation in superannuation. They allow disengaged MySuper members to invest more like advised members, with an asset allocation that changes to suit their current stage in life. While there are flaws in some of the early models, these products will evolve and ultimately result in better member outcomes.
View moreAfter 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%.
View moreDespite 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%.
View moreAfter 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%.
View moreAs super funds evolve we need to be clear about what really makes a difference to member outcomes, in other words the benefits that fund members ultimately receive. We have recently updated our ratings methodology to reflect some important developments, especially those that affect how funds invest.
View moreAfter 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.
View moreAgainst 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.
View moreAustralia'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.
View moreSuper funds have defied the gloomy expectations of a year ago and put in another impressive performance in calendar 2017. At a time when most other forms of saving were offering 3% returns or less – barely above the rate of inflation – the median growth fund returned a remarkable 10.8%.
View moreA 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%.
View moreChant 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.
View moreSuper 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.
View moreAfter 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%.
View moreOn 1 July, compulsory superannuation turned 25. It's an anniversary that Australian workers have good reason to celebrate, because the vision and foresight of the then Labor government and trades union leadership has developed into a world class system that has served fund members exceptionally well. The industry should be underlining that message by presenting a united endorsement of the positives, rather than undermining confidence through the public airing of internal disagreements.
View moreSuper 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
View moreSuper 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.
View moreOn 1 July, compulsory superannuation turned 25. It’s an anniversary that Australian workers have good reason to celebrate, because the vision and foresight of the then Labor government and trades union leadership has developed into a world class system that has served fund members exceptionally well. The industry should be underlining that message by presenting a united endorsement of the positives, rather than undermining confidence through the public airing of internal disagreements.
View moreWith 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.
View moreSuper 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%.
View moreSuper 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%.
View moreSuper 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.
View moreAfter 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%.
View moreA 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.
View moreFollowing 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.
View moreAfter 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%.
View moreAfter 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%.
View moreAustralia'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.
View moreAs 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.
View moreSuper 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.
View moreChant West’s annual Awards night will be held later this month, and investment excellence will feature heavily. While there are other qualities that the best funds need to exhibit, investment is the single most important and it carries the highest weighting (35%) in our fund rating process.
View moreSuperannuation in Australia is fiercely competitive – far more so than the Government and some commentators give it credit for. One enduring rivalry is that between industry funds and retail funds, particularly regarding their investment performance. Unfortunately, while industry funds have delivered superior long-term investment performance, their lobby group, Industry Super Australia (ISA), exaggerates the quantum of this outperformance to the detriment of the industry and consumers.
View moreAfter 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%.
View moreSuper 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%.
View moreSuper 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%.
View moreIf, like most people, you can choose the super fund your employer contributes to, you need to be able to compare one fund with another. At the very least, it's important to be able to compare the fund you're in now with any alternatives you may want to consider. So how do you compare super funds? To do the job thoroughly, it's a 7 step process.
View moreChant 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.
View moreSuper 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.
View moreAfter 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.
View moreAfter 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%.
View moreFollowing 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.
View moreThe ultimate purpose of superannuation is to provide an income in retirement, but often that fundamental point is lost. That's hardly surprising, considering that most of the public discussion focuses exclusively on lump sums. To the average member, some of the numbers bandied about sound more like Lotto prizes than real life targets, so no wonder they switch off and fail to engage. One way to change the focus is through online calculators that generate income projections. These are becoming more common, but to be really useful they need to be more comprehensive and more consistent in their design, assumptions and outcomes.
View moreInvestment is the single most important aspect of superannuation, so it is only natural that it carries the highest weighting (35%) in our fund rating process. While we take performance numbers into account, there are other factors that we consider far more important in determining whether funds are likely to deliver the best outcomes for their members over time.
View moreA 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.
View moreA year into the MySuper era, there is no evidence emerging that the latest batch of low fee, passively managed super funds are delivering any additional value for their members. One year is too short a period to form a judgement, of course, but over the medium and longer term the better performing funds have been those that have focused on maximising their net returns, not on minimising their fees.
View moreSuper 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.
View moreSuper 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%.
View moreIn the Financial System Inquiry's Interim Report (July 2014), it made considerable reference to the Grattan Institute's report on fees in the Australian superannuation system (Super Sting: April 2014). The Grattan report claims that Australians pay too much for superannuation when compared with other countries, and it recommends we hold a fee-based tender to select one or more funds to be the default fund for compulsory employer contributions for a period of time. This is similar to the approach used in the Chilean pension market.
View moreInsurance through super is a valuable benefit, but also a significant cost to members. At a time when claims are escalating and premiums are rising, it’s more important than ever to know whether a fund's insurance represents good value. Now, thanks to ground-breaking analysis by Chant West, there's a simple way to do just that.
View moreAs the need for ESG practices and regulation grows across the Australian financial services industry, Dugald Higgins, Head of Responsible Investment and Sustainability with the broader Zenith group, of which Chant West is a part, shares his insights and commentary as the ESG landscapes evolves. With continued growth and change anticipated within the ESG space, Dug breaks down what this means for investors, advisers, and businesses.
Head of Responsible Investment, Dug Higgins, explores the confusion surrounding ESG and sustainability labelling, the risks of greenwashing, and why clarity is essential. He unpacks current industry challenges and outlines how the government’s proposed labelling framework could improve transparency for investors, advisers, and fund managers alike.
View moreThe landscape of responsible investing is shifting. While ESG remains an essential tool for assessing investment risks and opportunities, we’ve seen pushback from some corners of the market. Whether it’s a reaction to perceived overreach or concerns about greenwashing, the reality is that ESG is evolving—not disappearing.
View moreCan defence investments align with ESG principles? With defence-focused ETFs managing $A26 billion globally, many from UN-backed responsible investment signatories, this question sparks debate. Explore the complexities of ESG in defence, ethical dilemmas, and how advisers can navigate this challenging landscape. Dive into the nuances shaping today's investment decisions.
View moreDiscover the evolving landscape of greenwashing in the funds management industry. Learn about recent penalties, civil litigation, and the crucial lessons for product issuers to minimise risks. Understand the implications of the Active Super case and the introduction of "greenruling."
View moreAs Australia moves towards mandatory climate reporting, understanding the complexities of emissions becomes paramount. From assessing Scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions to exploring carbon intensity across market segments, investors and advisers must grasp the nuances for informed decision-making. Head of RI & Sustainability, Dug Higgins, delves into the intricacies of emissions data, its implications for investment strategies, and the evolving landscape of sustainability in finance.
View moreThe rise in consumers demanding greater sustainability in products, business practices and investments is a welcome change. Increasingly however, businesses are being caught between a rock and a hard place between growing regulations on sustainability disclosure on one hand and regulators poised to crack down on greenwashing on the other.
View moreThe real estate sector produces nearly 40% of the global carbon emissions. This means that huge changes lie ahead for commercial property and by extension, property funds. So what should financial advisers be thinking about before committing to property syndicates?
View moreThe concept of greenwashing needs no introduction, but what are the variations of greenwashing and how do we spot them? Dug inspects the nuances to greenwashing and how ASIC and the ACCC are increasing their investigations to protect Australian investors.
View moreAsk any group of people about ESG and you are likely to unleash a torrent of answers. Much of this comprises a revolving argument on whether or not ESG is ‘good’, creates value, or is actually about sustainability. And like most debates, the position depends largely on where you stand and which direction you are facing.
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AdvDipRurBusMgt, BBus & AAICD
Dugald is Head of Responsible Investment & Sustainability for the broader Group. He has overall responsibility for the development and incorporation of key services across Zenith's investment research, consulting, and corporate divisions regarding responsible investment practices and the Group's own activities as a corporate citizen. He is also Chair of Zenith's Responsible Investment Committee.
Dugald has spent more than 20 years in the investment research industry and has expertise across a wide range of asset classes and investment structures. Before joining Zenith, Dugald held a range of senior fund research roles with Property Investment Research and Adviser Edge, focusing on real estate and natural resources.
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