SuperGuide

Simple superannuation and retirement planning information

Superannuation investment strategies

Investment strategies for superannuation funds can be driven by the need to maximise investment returns while ensuring diversification of investments (to spread the risk). Such strategies may also be influenced by special rules that apply to superannuation investments. Standard strategies when investing usually involve developing an investment strategy (including identifying investment objectives), and deciding on the appropriate asset allocation to achieve the optimum returns, while also taking into account the risk tolerance of fund members.

If you’re a member of a large fund then this process is normally done for you and you decide from a selection of investment options, such as Conservative (lower risk), Balanced or Growth (medium risk) and High Growth or All Growth (higher risk) investment options. For more information on investment options click here.

If you don’t choose an investment option for where your super money is invested, your super savings will be invested through the default investment option, which is typically a balanced or growth investment option (see SuperGuide article Superannuation investment: What is the difference between a balanced and growth option?).

If you run a self-managed super fund, then you’re likely to be more hands-on with your fund’s investment strategies, and you will need to be responsible for your fund’s investment strategy, the asset allocation for your investment and any compliance requirements associated with those investment (see SMSF Investment).

Click on the links directly below to access the following topics about Superannuation investment strategies:

Set out below are all SuperGuide articles referring to Superannuation investment strategies.

SMSF investment: Purchasing overseas property

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Q: Since we can now use super to purchase real estate, is this also true for property in the United States? Can you provide me with some guidance on how I could find out the process and correct entities to establish in order to do this? Thanks. A: Before I answer your question, I need to clarify your comment about ... Read more

Markets bear down on super during 2015/2016 year

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Share markets around the world seem to be seesawing between freefalling and bouncing, and for the past few months, Australia’s share market has come down with a serious case of bear market. Okay, perhaps bear market may be a bit strong, until we have a few more months like January and February 2016, but not ... Read more

SMSF Pension Guide: ATO’s top 20 tips

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Note: We have created this valuable guide to assist those readers running SMSF pensions, or for any reader considering starting a SMSF pension. In a recent speech to an accountants’ conference, Kasey MacFarlane, ATO’s Assistant Commissioner SMSF Segment, clearly articulated the key SMSF pension rules, and how SMSF ... Read more

Ten handy uses for the APRA200 performance list

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Note: This article is updated each year to reflect the latest APRA performance data for Australia’s largest 200 super funds. The latest data was released by APRA in January 2014. The next APRA report is expected to be released in the first quarter of 2015. The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has ... Read more

Financial advice revamp: by the Shorten curlies

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On 28 April 2011, the Assistant Treasurer and Minister of Superannuation, Bill Shorten made a brave and revolutionary announcement: he struck at the heart of the financial services industry money-making machine — by banning commissions and volume-based payments. This day has finally arrived and for commentators who ... Read more