Superannuation funds had their best-performing year in 2013, with the median superannuation balance option increasing by 15.5 per cent for the calendar year, SuperRatings' estimates have shown.
These are the best results since SuperRatings began tracking this index in 2000.
Despite a poor start, December's late rally saw super funds record an estimated 0.9 per cent gain for the month.
The strong recovery in the second half of December was mainly driven by the performance of listed equity markets.
Both Australian and international equity markets recovered strongly to finish positive for the month.
The S&P/ASX 200 Index closed higher in five out of the last seven trading days to end the year, and finished December up 0.6 per cent.
The fall in the Australian dollar over the month also helped international equity returns for those funds that remain in an unhedged position.
Governor Bullock took a more hawkish stance on Tuesday, raising concerns over Trump’s escalating tariffs, which sent economists in different directions with their predictions.
Equity Trustees has announced the appointment of Jocelyn Furlan to the Superannuation Limited (ETSL) and HTFS Nominees Pty Ltd (HTFS) boards, which have oversight of one of the companies’ fastest growing trustee services.
Following growing criticism of the superannuation industry’s influence on capital markets and its increasing exposure to private assets, as well as regulators’ concerns about potential risks to financial stability, ASFA has released new research pushing back on these narratives.
A US-based infrastructure specialist has welcomed the $93 billion fund as a cornerstone investor.