Investment Performance Highlights – 1 May 2020
ESSSuper - 30 Apr 2020
Daniel Selioutine, Head of Investments, takes the opportunity to review market activity and the Fund’s performance in light of recent events.
Market UPDATE:
Market volatility remained stable this week, which led to relatively calm trading conditions across most asset classes. While Coronavirus data continues to show signs of improvement across many developed market economies, the recent recovery in many equity market indices appears to be greater than the improvement in underlying economic activity. Financial markets appear to be gaining comfort from unprecedented levels of government and central bank support, with equity markets pricing in a relatively rapid resumption of economic activity in the second half of 2020.
ASSET CLASS RETURNS
Australian equity markets (S&P / ASX 200) returned 2.9% this week after declining -4.5% last week. The U.S. equity market (S&P 500 in US dollars) gained 3.6% this week after losing -1.3% last week. Sovereign bonds (Bloomberg AusBond Composite 0+ Year Index) were flat this week after gaining 0.1% last week.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?
If you're a Defined Benefit member:
- If your superannuation is invested in the Emergency Services Superannuation Defined Benefit Fund or the State Superannuation Defined Benefit Fund, then your entitlements are guaranteed by the Victorian State Government. Recent equity market declines will not impact your ESSSuper retirement benefit.
If you are an Accumulation Plan or Income Stream member:
- It is important to remember that superannuation is a long-term investment, which includes peaks and troughs along the way. Over the longer term, our Accumulation Plan and Income Stream Investment Options have continued to meet their return objectives. Historically, periods of negative returns are usually followed by longer periods of strong returns.
If you're a retiree or nearing retirement:
- There are things to consider if you’re thinking about switching your investment options. Switching Investment Options to lower risk Options may inadvertently lock-in investment losses and miss out on the potential for higher returns by being out of the market when it recovers. Market downturns, whatever their trigger may be, are inevitable and temporary. Every crisis, downturn, and recession comes to an end. And it is very likely that this crisis will be no different.
We're here to help
Our aim is to help every member achieve a comfortable and financially secure life in retirement through investment options that meet their retirement objectives over the long-term. We have a range of foundational principles that we adhere to when it comes to making these decisions. To learn more about how our investment approach works, click here.
Before you make any change to your super investment strategy, we encourage you to speak to an ESSSuper financial adviser, to book an appointment please call us on 1300 650 161 or email us at info@esssuper.com.au