Financial year 22/23 Investment Update with CEO Bill Watson

Your Fund continued to deliver strong returns in 2023, despite market uncertainty.

We achieved positive returns for all investment options and outperformed several larger funds.

Our Balanced option was a top 10 performer over the last three years, according to rankings from superannuation ratings agency SuperRatings to 30 June 2023¹.

Investment option	Investment returns from 1 July 2022 – 30 June 2023
Balanced (default)	9.44%
Shares Plus	12.96%
Growth	11.49%
Conservative Balanced	6.76%
Cash	2.74%

Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

How we invested your super

Our asset allocation to private equity, property, fixed interest and floating rate debt contributed to our positive results.

Our investment managers delivered strong returns in Australian equities and international infrastructure.

We had less money invested in property and international fixed interest, which reduced the effect of underperformance in these asset classes.

Strong performance in uncertain times

Concerns at the start of the financial year about a global recession eased as inflation moderated and the end of interest rate rises came into sight, contributing to returns in Australian and international equities.

Remember that short-term volatility is a normal part of the investment cycle. And your super is a long-term investment. The average 10-year return for our Balanced option to 30 June 2023 is 7.83%, showing consistently robust performance.

Looking ahead

Markets are now less worried about inflation because it is slowing.

We could see growth in the cash and corporate credit asset classes. If interest rates fall, government bonds could also generate positive returns.

Property asset classes are stressed worldwide, and equity markets may not grow as much next year, and there will be ongoing uncertainty around the Russia-Ukraine war.

We will continue to actively review our investment strategy and manager performance.

We’re here to help

For questions about your investments, call 1300 360 988 (weekdays 8am to 6pm, AEDT) or book an appointment with our Financial Advice team.

Advice about your investment choice is covered by your membership, so there’s no additional cost².

 

¹SuperRatings Top 10 Returns – Balanced (60-76) 3 year return period as of 30 June 2023

²First Super Financial Planners are authorised representatives of Industry Fund Services Limited (ABN 54 007 016 195, AFSL 232514).

Disclaimer

Issued by First Super Pty Limited (ABN 42 053 498 472, AFSL 223988) as Trustee of First Super (ABN 56 286 625 181). Past returns are not an indicator of future returns. This article contains general advice which has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether the advice is appropriate for you and read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making any investment decisions. To obtain a copy of the PDS or Target Market Determination, please contact First Super on 1300 360 988 or visit firstsuper.com.au/pds.

Performance figures are correct as of 11 September 2023. Copyright First Super Pty Ltd.