Median balanced superannuation funds will have an annual return of about 15% by the end of the year and this is a result not seen since 2013, according to SuperRatings.
According to SuperRatings, funds had “done a good job” of managing uncertainty brought by global risks and challenging economic conditions.
It said over the past five years the median balanced options returned an estimated 7.9% per annum, compared to 8.7% per annum for growth and 4.9% per annum for capital stable.
The median balanced pension option over 2019 returned an estimate 16.3% year-to-date to the end of November, compared to 19.6% for growth and 9.6% for capital stable.
SuperRatings executive director, Kirby Rappell, said: “It’s been a nervous year for investors, so it’s great to see that super can deliver some much-needed stability and solid returns during this period. There might not be a lot of positive economic news at the moment, but at least super is one story we can all draw some hope from.
“We expect to see an increase in fund mergers in 2020, but it’s important that regulatory responses don’t move us towards a one-size-fits-all approach, which could be detrimental to member outcomes."
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.