Geopolitical uncertainty dampens September super returns

The median balanced superannuation fund fell 1% over September, as investors felt the impact of ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, mixed vaccination roll outs and heightened concerns around the economic outlook in China, according to SuperRatings.

It was the first modest dip in 12 months with the typical growth option returning an estimated fall of 1.3% for the month and the median capital stable option declining by 0.5%.

SuperRatings executive director, Kirby Rappell, said: “While we have seen a pullback in returns in the month of September, funds have downside protection strategies in place and most members sit in diversified options such as balanced and growth options, with exposure to multiple asset classes which can lessen the bumpiness of the ride from shifting share markets.

“Calendar year returns to the end of September are sitting around 10% for members in the median balanced option reflecting that despite any emerging volatility, super funds seem on track for a strong calendar year return for 2021 and performance that is well in excess of their long-term objectives.”

Accumulation returns to September 2021

	Monthly	1 yr	3 yrs (p.a.)	5 yrs (p.a.)	7 yrs (p.a.)	10 yrs (p.a.)
VIEW ALL View all SR50 Balanced (60-76) Index	-1.0%	17.9%	7.7%	8.4%	7.9%	9.1%
SR50 Capital Stable (20-40) Index	-0.5%	7.6%	4.4%	4.6%	4.8%	5.5%
SR50 Growth (77-90) Index	-1.3%	22.0%	8.9%	9.8%	9.1%	10.3%

Source: SuperRatings estimates

Pension returns also fell in September, with the median balanced pension option dropping 1.2% while the median pension growth option and the median capital stable option falling by 1.5% and 0.7% respectively. However, annual returns remain strong rising 19.4% over the year.

Pension returns to September 2021

Source: SuperRatings estimates