Mercer Super Trust’s performance on the money

The investment returns of your super are crucial if you want to maximise the impact of your hard-earned income and set yourself up financially for retirement.

The average annual return of your superannuation’s funds’ investments is one of the most important financial numbers in your life. Yet its importance is often downplayed or misunderstood by super fund members, with many not understanding the compounding effect that investment returns can play on their super balance over the years.

Your super funds performance matters

Even a slight variation in your superannuation fund’s long-term performance can significantly affect your super balance over the course of your career and, for better or worse, shape how you live in retirement.

Our global team of over 1,300 investment experts monitor investment markets on a daily basis and adjust investment strategies where necessary, continuously working behind the scenes to help your super grow and protect it where necessary.

These skilled investment managers also proactively look for opportunities within the changing landscape, to help deliver strong investment returns - ensuring that your money is given the best opportunity to grow. 

Mercer Super delivers for members

We are pleased to report that the Mercer Super Trust Corporate Superannuation Division is delivering well above average superannuation returns for members.

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Strong performance

More than 87% cent of our SmartPath® members continue to enjoy better than median returns over 1, 3, 5 and 7-year timeframes1. 

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Investment expertise

A global team of over 1,300 investment experts who seek out the best investment opportunities in Australia and around the world.

Mercer Super Trust Quarterly Investment Reports

Just one example of our strong returns is our performance in the 2020-21 financial year. The median return across super funds of all default (MySuper) investment options was 17.9%. By comparison, our MySuper investment option, Mercer SmartPath®, generated returns of approximately 22% for the majority of our members – a considerable outperformance compared with other super funds.2

Read our latest investment reports below. To view older reports please log in to Member Online and visit the Documents page. 

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Investment update: January to March 2022

Investment markets faced a challenging start but above median returns persist for more than 87% of our members over short and longer term.*

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Russia-Ukraine crisis

We are extremely saddened to learn about the current Russia-Ukraine crisis and the likely devastating humanitarian impact. In this update we explore what it could mean for your super.

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Investment update: October to December 2021

Mercer Super finished 2021 on a high, helping to deliver another year of strong positive returns.

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  • Previous Investment updates

    April to June 2021

    July to September 2021

  • Performance Test

    Other good news has emerged with regard to the Australian Government’s Your Future, Your Super reforms, which came into effect on July 1, 2021. Under the changes, the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority must conduct an annual performance test for MySuper products in a move that is intended to hold super funds to account for underperformance through greater transparency and increased consequences. Mercer Super successfully passed the Your Future Your Super test, which focused on the 7-year performance of funds to June 30, 2021.

    Of course, it’s important to note that past performance is not an indicator of future performance. What strong long-term investment returns may reflect, however, is a superannuation fund’s experience and commitment to great financial outcomes for its members.

How to compare superannuation funds’ performance

Tracking the performance of your super fund can help you understand how your portfolio is gaining or losing value. Most funds also provide monthly, quarterly and annual reports that outline investment returns.

You may also like to compare the superannuation performance of different funds to help determine which one is right for you.

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  • Compare like for like

    When assessing superannuation funds’ performance, you should make sure you’re comparing like for like funds in order to make a fair judgment.

    That means comparing super funds of the same type, as well as those that have a similar risk profile.

  • Review your account net benefit

    One number to check in relation to your super is your account’s net benefit - the investment return you get after administration fees, investment fees, insurance premiums and taxes are removed.

    This is often the figure that goes towards the account balance that you see.

  • Consider long-term returns

    On the contrary, it’s important to note that superannuation is a long-term investment and it’s the returns that you get over a period of years and decades that really count.

  • Talk to a licensed financial adviser

    If you are considering changing super funds, we recommend that you speak with a licensed financial adviser who can take your personal circumstances and financial goals into consideration. 

1. Measured by the median of all default funds as reported in the SuperRatings Fund Crediting Rate Survey September 2021 - Default Options.
2. The SmartPath born 1974-1978 cohort (being representative of over 75% of our members) is performing in the top quartile of the SuperRatings Fund Crediting Rate Survey September 2021 - Default Options over 1, 3, 5 and 7 years.

Disclaimer: This content has been prepared and sent on behalf of Mercer Superannuation (Australia) Limited (‘Mercer Super’), ABN 79 004 717 533, Australian Financial Services Licence #235906, the trustee of the Mercer Super Trust ABN 19 905 422 981. Any advice contained in this content is of a general nature only, and does not take into account the personal needs and circumstances of any particular individual. Prior to acting on any information contained in this content, you need to take into account your own financial circumstances. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement, Product Guide, Insurance Guide, and Financial Services Guide before making a decision about the product, or seek professional advice from a licensed, or appropriately authorised financial adviser if you are unsure of what action to take. 'MERCER' is a registered trademark of Mercer (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 32 005 315 917. Copyright 2022 Mercer LLC. All rights reserved.