Investment Performance Highlights – 21 May 2020

ESSSuper - 21 May 2020

Daniel Selioutine, Head of Investments, takes the opportunity to review market activity and the Fund’s performance in light of recent events.

Financial markets remained stable this week and early indicators of economic activity continued to show very gradual signs of improvement across many developed market economies. Much of Western Europe, the United States and Australia are showing clear upward trends in human mobility from very low levels in March. Several emerging market economies continue to exhibit persistent growth in new Coronavirus infections, adding to the number of cases globally.

Equity market indices have very gradually become more comfortable with current price levels, with recent positive returns being driven by select businesses that are benefiting in the current environment. The risk of new infections that are unable to be contained, and how businesses and consumers adjust to the new normal remain key focus points for markets in the months ahead.

ASSET CLASS RETURNS

Australian equity markets (S&P / ASX 200) returned 3.2% this week and 0.3% last week. The U.S. equity market (S&P 500 in US dollars) gained 3.8% this week and lost -2.2% last week. Sovereign bonds (Bloomberg AusBond Composite 0+ Year Index) lost -0.2 % this week after returning 0.0% last week.

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All investment figures quoted relate to before-tax performance of the relevant industry benchmark. Investment returns cannot be guaranteed as investment markets can be volatile. As a consequence, returns can be positive or negative. Past investment performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

ESSSuper Financial Advisers are authorised representatives of Link Advice Pty Ltd (Link Advice). Link Advice holds a current Australian Financial Services Licence No. 258145 and is responsible for the financial services provided to you. ESSSuper has an arrangement with Link Advice Pty Ltd to provide financial advice to ESSSuper members. ESSSuper pays Link Advice a fee for this service. Neither the Board, nor the Victorian Government, guarantee or endorse any recommendations made by Link Advice, or are responsible for the advice and actions of Link Advice.

Emergency Services Superannuation Board ABN 28 161 296 741 the Trustee of the Emergency Services Superannuation Scheme ABN 85 894 637 037 (ESSSuper). The information contained in this document is of a general nature only. It should not be considered as a substitute for reading the relevant ESSSuper Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) that contains detailed information about ESSSuper products, services and features. Before making a decision about an ESSSuper product, you should consider the appropriateness of the product to your personal objectives, financial situation and needs. It may also be beneficial to seek professional advice from a licensed financial planner or adviser. An ESSSuper PDS is available at www.esssuper.com.au or by calling 1300 650 161. Benefits in ESSSuper’s Accumulation Plan, Income Streams and Beneficiary Account products are not guaranteed or underwritten by the Victorian Government or ESSSuper, and ESSSuper does not come under the jurisdiction of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority.