Large market fluctuations can feel like a roller coaster. And over the last the week we've seen global investment markets rise and fall as the Coronavirus has impacted trade, travel, and daily life.
Feeling anxious about your superannuation during these uncertain times is normal, but it's important to keep an eye on the future.
Superannuation is a long-term investment, and short-term market volatility is a part of the journey. Historically, markets have rebounded following other public health crises such as SARS or swine flu. Even the Global Financial Crisis in 2008 saw the markets recover and deliver record returns in subsequent years.
In the meantime, Catholic Super's diversified investment options are designed to smooth out the rough edges and help protect your savings during volatile periods. That means your money is spread across a variety of investment asset classes and portfolios - everything from property, infrastructure and overseas shares to bonds and cash.
That approach helped us deliver 13.6% returns to members in our Mysuper Balanced Option over the 12 months to January 31, 2020. Based on current unit prices, that means the average member's balance is approximately back to what it may have been in June 2019.
The daily news cycle can feel overwhelming, but I urge all our members to look beyond the current market volatility and remember the following:
- Superannuation is a long-term investment
- We have a financial planning team that can help you get choose the right investment mix for your future goals
- Our service centre is available to take your calls and answer any additional questions you may have.
Anna Shelley
Chief Investment Officer
