The medium growth superannuation fund (61 to 80 per cent growth assets) gained 1.5 per cent over the September quarter thanks to the listed shares market driving growth, according to Chant West.
Chant West’s latest report found that Australian shares provided a 0.8 per cent return for the quarter and international shares four per cent on a hedged basis. However, the appreciation of the Australian dollar to US$0.78 reduced this to 2.5 per cent in unhedged terms.
Chant West director, Warren Chant, said While most of the major listed markets had share prices that moved higher in recent months, Australia had been slower than most in the upward trend. He said the other main laggard was the UK, still beset by Brexit’s uncertain ramifications.
The medium growth fund returned 9.1 per cent over the year to 30 September 2017, 9.7 over five years, and 4.9 per cent over 10 years.
The report also found that industry funds outperformed retail funds in September at one per cent compared to 0.7 per cent.
Superannuation fees have continued their multi-year decline, as fund consolidation and index investing deliver scale efficiencies for members.
Super funds demand fast passage of payday super laws, while small business advocates warn of cash flow pressures and compliance risks.
The superannuation industry could move faster on personalisation, according to MLC, and the fund has identified three core areas where it will be focusing its personalisation efforts over the next 12 months.
The Actuaries Institute has released a framework to help super funds deliver affordable guidance and advice to millions approaching retirement.