Published: 22 Jan 2018
The performance gap between industry and bank-owned retail superannuation funds continues to widen, new independent figures show.
According to the latest SuperRatings data, the median not-for-profit industry fund lead over bank owned retail balanced options has steadily increased – 2.6 per cent over seven years; 2.7 per cent over five; 3 per cent over three; and, 3.1 per cent over one year.
Industry Super Australia public affairs director Matt Linden attributed their consistent outperformance to specific industry fund characteristics.
“Industry super funds have long-term, nation-building investment strategies; deliver all profits back to their members; and are governed equally by employer and worker representatives,” said Linden.
“It’s important that all Australians watch how their super funds are performing, as persistent shortfalls could result in having to work longer or retire with less,” he said.
“These new figures show that at least the retirement savings of industry super fund members are in good hands,” he said.
The SuperRatings results for the period ending 31 December 2017 are below.
Comparison of investment performance of SR50 Balanced Index options to December 2017
| Balanced option median | 1 Year % | 3 Year % | 5 Year % | 7 Year % | 10 Year % |
| Industry Super Funds | 11.7 | 8.6 | 10.2 | 8.9 | 5.5 |
| Bank-Owned Super Funds | 8.6 | 5.6 | 7.5 | 6.3 | 3.5 |
| Outperformance | 3.1 | 3.0 | 2.7 | 2.6 | 2.0 |
| Source: ISA analysis of SuperRatings Fund Crediting Rate Survey, SR50 Balanced Index, December 2017. Difference per annum in median balanced option returns | |||||
Matt Linden is available for interview. Media contact John Hill 0412 197 079.
Industry Super Australia Pty Ltd ABN 72 158 563 270, Corporate Authorised Representative No. 426006 of Industry Fund Services Ltd ABN 54 007 016 195 AFSL 232514. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Consider your own objectives, financial situation and needs before making a decision about superannuation because they are not taken into account in this information.
*The above material, whilst correct at the time of publication may include references or statements which are no longer current.