January
Big super to keep pushing companies on climate
New climate disclosure laws mean even retail super funds will engage with companies on climate this year. Poor workplace safety and governance is also a concern.
Super admits its size is a risk but says ‘what is the alternative?’
The managers of Australia’s $4.1 trillion retirement savings pool say they are best placed to invest in banks and private lending despite warnings from the RBA and IMF.
Top super investors dash pre-election rate cut hopes
But they say investors should be optimistic about inflation easing despite later cuts and risks associated with Donald Trump taking the White House.
Where big super investors are hunting for returns in 2025
The investment bosses of the $4.1 trillion sector say US stocks will keep driving returns, but standout sharemarket performances will likely temper.
January 2024
Super funds step up private lending in challenge to banks
Fund CIOs say increased regulatory scrutiny on bank capital means more borrowers are tapping them for project finance and leveraged buyouts, as well as direct lending.
Office property write-downs are done, super investors say
Super funds’ belief they will not have to slash real estate valuations further comes despite economists’ expectations of further write-downs.
Cbus splits from industry super rivals over performance tests
The Wayne Swan-chaired industry fund urged Treasurer Jim Chalmers to stick to the current regime even as its rivals heavily lobby Canberra for change.
Local unlisted investments stage comeback for big super
The investment chiefs of the $3.5 trillion super sector say domestic opportunities had “significantly broadened” because of high interest rates, reversing historic orthodoxy that they had outgrown local markets.
‘Idiosyncratic headwinds’ to cap returns at 7-9pc, say super fund CIOs
A raft of elections around the world will also challenge investors, say asset managers as they focus on stable and resilient earnings amid market volatility.
Super fund CIOs aren’t over the wall of worry
The executives who manage more than $1.5 trillion in retirement savings are not swinging for the bleachers. They’re still worried about inflation, interest rates and a potential recession.
Super fund CIOs go defensive amid fears rates stay high
Investment chiefs who collectively manage more than $1.5 trillion in retirement savings are ramping up their exposure to unlisted assets, private credit and cash.
October 2023
Super funds confident of outperforming inflation despite higher rates
Fund CEOs say they can still meet their ambitious objectives for returns, and might even find new investment opportunities as previously expensive asset classes cheapen.
See which super funds rate the worst for retirement
Regulators have criticised the super industry for largely ignoring a new obligation to help members prepare for retirement.
Super fund CEOs put ASX on notice over workplace conditions
Industry super funds are using their $3.5 trillion asset pool to influence companies on decent work conditions, secure contracts and banning sexual harassment.
April 2023
Expect single-digit returns, say super fund investment bosses
The investment chiefs of some of Australia’s biggest super funds say they are only expecting single-digit returns from the domestic share market over the next decade.
‘Very challenged’: Why this fund has much less property than rivals
The $274 billion AustralianSuper has a “relatively small allocation in [its] portfolio” to property compared with rivals including Cbus, Rest Super and Australian Retirement Trust.