Eight major Australian superannuation funds have managed to achieve what was unthinkable just over seven years ago. Members of these funds have seen their money more than double since the depths of the GFC, without even making a contribution.
SuperRatings’ Chairman, Jeff Bresnahan, says of the achievement “We really do have to commend the majority of Australia’s super funds on what they have achieved since the Global Financial Crisis. At a time when scaremongering was rife, and Australians had seen their superannuation accounts go backwards to the tune of around 25%, most funds held firm and pushed the benefits of their diversified Balanced options. Since then, not only is the median Balanced option up by a staggering 86%, but an elite group of funds have managed to accumulate returns that have compounded to over 100%”.
The following funds have achieved this outstanding result since 1 March 2009:
| Period | Accumulated Return Since 1 March 2009 | Equivalent Annualised Return |
| Telstra Super Corporate Plus – Balanced | 106.8% | 10.5% |
| GESB Super – Balanced Growth Plan | 103.1% | 10.3% |
| AustSafe Super – Balanced | 102.8% | 10.2% |
| Plum – Pre-mixed Moderate | 101.9% | 10.2% |
| CareSuper – Balanced | 101.0% | 10.1% |
| REST – Core Strategy | 100.7% | 10.1% |
| Rei Super – Trustee Super Balanced | 100.6% | 10.1% |
| UniSuper Accumulation – Balanced | 100.6% | 10.1% |
However, it hasn’t all been plain sailing for funds. Once the numbers are measured from the onset of the GFC, rather than from the end, only a few funds have managed to be in the top group of funds over both periods. These funds, being REST, CareSuper and UniSuper, have clearly demonstrated their ability to manage money during periods of both boom and bust.
SuperRatings notes that the potential for a negative return over the 2015/16 financial year remains a distinct possibility, with the upcoming vote on whether Britain exits the European Union likely to have a substantial impact on global markets. “With the Brexit vote occurring only one week prior to 30 June, members may need to brace themselves for further market turmoil before the end of the financial year,” said Mr Bresnahan.
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