The continuing volatility of global share markets is going to be an ongoing concern for super fund members, particularly for those edging retirement, according to Dixon Advisory.
Head of advice, Nerida Cole, said while it’s important to not make “knee jerk reactions” to volatility, members should still look at how their investments are holding up against the environment, and decide which investments they want going forward.
Cole said despite initial positive signals that a ceasefire had been agreed upon between China and the US, global markets have continued to be wary.
“Although the 90-day tariff ceasefire sounds good, the reality of China and the US working through these very complex negotiations within that time frame has hit home and the share markets have had a very tough week,” she said.
Cole said the US’ concerns were broader than trade tariffs, and Australians and their super funds would continue to be affected by volatility next year as the remaining “big picture issues” are yet to be resolved.
“There is still some way to go before a more meaningful and lasting agreement on trade issues can be achieved,” she said. “Recent concerns over the rate of the US interest rate rises have also hit the Australian share market and investors are watching the Federal Reserve very closely.”
Jim Chalmers has defended changes to the Future Fund’s mandate, referring to himself as a “big supporter” of the sovereign wealth fund, amid fierce opposition from the Coalition, which has pledged to reverse any changes if it wins next year’s election.
In a new review of the country’s largest fund, a research house says it’s well placed to deliver attractive returns despite challenges.
Chant West analysis suggests super could be well placed to deliver a double-digit result by the end of the calendar year.
Specific valuation decisions made by the $88 billion fund at the beginning of the pandemic were “not adequate for the deteriorating market conditions”, according to the prudential regulator.