The median balanced option rose an estimated 0.7% in October and 11.2% year to date, suggesting superannuation funds are likely to record another year of healthy returns for members, according to SuperRatings.
The research house said the median growth option rose by a similar amount in October while the median capital stable option was flat.
SuperRatings executive director, Kirby Rappell, said: “2021 has been a strong year for superannuation, with returns nearly three and a half times those of calendar year 2020 and almost double the yearly average for the past 20 years”.
Meanwhile, pension returns were also positive in October, with the median balanced pension option returning an estimated 0.7% over the month and 11.7% over the calendar year.
The median pension growth option returned an estimated 0.8% and the median capital stable option gained an estimated 0.1% through the month.
Rappell also warned members on the impact of the Government’s new super stapling legislation, which went into force at the beginning of November, if they did not engage with their accounts.
“While this legislation will cut down on members having multiple super accounts, it is really important that members check which fund they are stapled to, to see if its performance stacks up and fees are competitive, as this could have a significant impact on their final retirement account balance,” Rappell said.
As the Australian financial landscape faces increasing scrutiny from regulators, superannuation fund leaders are doubling down on their support for private markets, arguing these investments are not just necessary but critical for long-term financial stability.
Australian Retirement Trust (ART) is leaning on its private asset allocation to help shield members from ongoing market volatility, as its chief economist stresses the importance of long-term thinking and diversification.
AustralianSuper is poised to cement its leadership in the superannuation landscape over the next five years, with fresh research forecasting a sharp shift in the sector’s power dynamics.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has warned that significant liquidity pressures could arise in the superannuation sector if multiple risks materialise at once, potentially amplifying shocks in the financial system.