With the median balanced super fund delivering a return of 13.4 per cent in 2021, SuperRatings has estimated that member returns for the year would likely exceed $400 billion.
The firm noted that positive returns had been delivered in 11 out of the 12 months of 2021 with a continued recovery during the second half of the year.
SuperRatings executive director Kirby Rappell said, “2021 was certainly an eventful year for Australia’s superannuation members, with a number of changes taking place, as well as a lot more ups and downs across investment markets.”
The return for 2021 ranks as the sixth highest since 2000 according to SuperRatings, and only three years of negative returns have been seen over the past 22 years which has delivered an annualised return of about 6.6 per cent per annum.
Hostplus Balanced ranked as the top balanced option over the past 12 months with a return of 19.1 per cent, followed by Qantas Super Gateway Growth (18.5 per cent), Sunsuper for Life Balanced (16.5 per cent), Christian Super MyEthicalSuper (16.0 per cent) and TelstraSuper Corp Plus Balanced (15.9 per cent).
“Overall, it has been a big year for super. If we look at the long term, funds continue to perform well against objectives, but it is likely to be a rockier year ahead,” Mr Rappell said.
“For consumers, it remains important to set your strategy, stick to it for the long term and future you will likely thank you.”
Over the past 10 years, Hostplus Balanced also ranked as the top balanced option with a return of 10.7 per cent p.a., closely followed by AustralianSuper Balanced (10.6 per cent p.a.) and UniSuper Accum (1) Balanced (10.6 per cent p.a.).
SuperRatings also published rankings of super funds according to their volatility-adjusted returns. QSuper Balanced topped the table with a return of 7.6 per cent p.a. over the past seven years.
Following the introduction of super stapling late last year, which sees individuals stapled to their super fund when changing jobs, Mr Rappell said that Australians should take the opportunity to review their existing funds.
“As you settle into 2022, now is a good time to do a health check on your fund and be sure to look at returns as well as fees and insurance,” said Mr Rappell.
“While all super funds have good years and those that are more challenging, strong long-term performance remains the main game for members.”
