Australian superannuation funds have dipped into negative territory, with the median growth fund returning -0.6 per cent in April, according to a Morningstar survey.
The superannuation funds results ranged from 0.7 to -1.3 per cent but had a more positive result over the longer term with medians at 12.8 per cent over the year, 13 per cent over three years, and nine per cent over the five years to 30 April.
The best-performing growth fund over the year was Legg Mason Growth (16.1 per cent), BT Active Balanced (15.8 per cent), and AMP Balanced Growth (15 per cent).
Among balanced (40-60 per cent growth assets) superfunds the best-performing were BT Balanced Returns (15.2 per cent), AMP Moderately Conservative (11.6 per cent), and AMP Moderate Growth (11.4 per cent).
Global shares were the standout performance among asset classes at 26.7 per cent, followed by Australian listed property at 26.1 per cent, global listed property at 19.4 per cent, and Australian shares at 10.2 per cent.
Legg Mason Growth had the highest allocation to Australian shares at 46 per cent, followed by Legg Mason Balanced (39.5 per cent), and Energy Super SRI Balanced (36 per cent).
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.