Investment Performance Highlights – 5 June 2020
ESSSuper - 05 Jun 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:
Financial markets continued to move into positive territory this week despite rioting in several cities in the United States which spread to parts of Europe. The riots are unlikely to disrupt already disrupted economic activity however new Coronavirus cases from the breakdown of social distancing measures may compel authorities to re-open economies at a slightly slower pace. To date, growth in new Coronavirus cases in the U.S. remains high but appears to be under control, while emerging market economies continue to exhibit rapid growth in new infections.
ASSET CLASS RETURNS
Australian equity markets (S&P / ASX 200) returned 4.1% this week and 4.7% last week. The U.S. equity market (S&P 500 in US dollars) gained 2.3% this week and 3.0% last week. Sovereign bonds (Bloomberg AusBond Composite 0+ Year Index) declined -0.5% this week and closed flat last week.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?
If you're a Defined Benefit member:
- If your super 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 savings.
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 nearing retirement or already retired:
- 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