In my previous career as a teacher, I was very happy to have access to an industry super fund. The fees were low and performance on a par with commercial funds. A recent report compiled by SuperRatings confirms my satisfaction with industry funds. The report suggests that industry funds (on average) could provide $115,000 more in retirement dollars (measured in today's dollars) to members compared to retail master trusts. (based on a 40 year working life) This is not to be sneezed at.
We have clients who continue to use industry funds especially if this gives them access to low cost insurance products that they require. However we think investors can do better with a more sophisticated approach that tailors a super fund to the exact needs of the client without hitting them with high fees. However theories and strategies are just that unless they are backed up with actual results for the investors. Following are the historical results to 31st May 2007 of our investment philosophy in action. The results take into account fees and are based on a $50,000 portfolio.
|
|
1 Year |
3 Years |
5 Years |
|
SuperRatings SR50 Balanced Index # |
17.07% |
15.39% |
10.90% |
|
60% Growth Assets Portfolio |
19.25% |
14.89% |
11.14% |
|
65% Growth Assets Portfolio |
20.46% |
15.75% |
11.60% |
|
70% Growth Assets Portfolio |
21.68% |
16.60% |
12.07% |
|
75% Growth Assets Portfolio |
22.89% |
17.45% |
12.53% |
# SuperRatings' SR50 Balanced Index? is the median of the 50 largest balanced investment options with exposure to growth style assets of between 60% and 76%. Over 80% of Australians in our major super funds are invested in their fund's default investment option which in most cases is the balanced investment option.
These results suggest our approach is worth consideration. Please check out our "Building Portfolios" webpage for more details.
Regards,
Scott Keefer
