An analysis of the performance of the superannuation sector for the year to 30 June 2013 by SuperRatings found the median balanced option (ie, 60-76 per cent invested in growth assets) returned 14.7 per cent.
The result is the third best return for a majority of Australians (of whom 70 per cent have their superannuation invested in a balanced option) since the introduction of compulsory superannuation in 1992.
The solid returns within the sector were driven by the performance of growth-style assets (such as listed equities) both in Australia and across the globe, according to SuperRatings.
The median ‘growth’ option (77-90 per cent growth assets) returned 17.1 per cent over the last year, and the media ‘capital stable’ option (20-40 per cent growth assets) returned 8.3 per cent.
The median international shares options was the best performer, with a 2012/2013 return of 26.1 per cent, followed by the median Australian shares option (21.1 per cent).
Looking at individual funds, the best performing balanced option was StatewideSuper Marketlink Growth, which returned 18.5 per cent over the past year. The REST Core Strategy came in second (18.4 per cent) followed by the Aon Master Trust Balanced Active option (17.9 per cent).
The top performing growth fund for 2012/2013 was the BT Super for Life 1970s Lifestage Fund, which returned 21.6 per cent. The Aon Master Trust Growth Active fund returned 20.9 per cent for the year, and the Super Directions Business – Multi-manager growth fund returned 20.2 per cent.
Over the 10 years to 30 June 2013, balanced funds returned investors 6.9 per cent; growth funds 6.8 per cent; and high growth funds 6.3 per cent.
SuperRatings founder Jeff Bresnahan noted that balanced superannuation options have bounced back by 47 per cent since the global financial crisis lows in February 2009.
“A member who had made the decision to switch into a cash allocation during the depths of the GFC would have missed out on the significant rebound that has occurred since,” said Mr Bresnahan.
