Market volatility and how it is affecting your super

In recent weeks, investment markets around the world have continued to experience significant volatility as investors try to assess the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – an event that no-one anticipated for 2020. If your super is invested in the Australian and/or international share markets, it’s likely you would have been affected by this.

How much of your super is invested in shares is also important. For example, if you’re invested in a high growth strategy, or are in a lifestage fund and not looking to retire any time soon, it’s likely you’ll have more of your super invested in shares. If you’re invested in a lifestage fund and are closer to retiring, or have selected defensive strategies, your exposure to the share market and any risks associated with it may be lower than a high growth strategy.

What this means for you

Our message at this time is to stay calm and don’t panic. Super is a long-term investment, so while investment markets can be unpredictable over the shorter term, they typically recover over the longer term. If you’re approaching or are in retirement, it’s still important to stay focused on your long-term investment strategy and consider all your options before making any significant changes.

Below, you’ll find some insights about the market and what is happening right now. This may help you learn about the impact markets may have on your super.

Common Questions and Answers

What does it mean for my super?

The value of your super can change daily depending on how your super is invested. The value and performance of each investment option is linked to the underlying asset classes (types of investments e.g. shares, property, fixed interest etc) it invests in and these fluctuate in line with the performance of these assets and the market.

As your super may be invested in the Australian and/or international share markets, you may have experienced a fall in your super balance.

What does it mean for my investments?

Depending on where your super is invested and whether it’s in a high growth strategy, your super is typically invested into one or more asset classes (typically Australian and international shares, property, bonds and cash). You may have experienced a fluctuation in your investment value which reflects the performance of the assets your super is invested in. Long term growth assets such as shares and property tend to fluctuate and are more volatile in the short term, but over the long term generally produce higher returns than other asset classes.

What should I do?

Super is a long-term investment. Changing your asset allocation as a reaction to short term market fluctuations is an important decision and depends on a number of factors including your age, life stage and risk appetite. You should seek advice before changing your long term investment strategy.

The article was prepared by BT - Part of Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 233714 (Westpac), and is current as at 02 March 2020. This article provides an overview or summary only and it should not be considered a comprehensive statement on any matter or relied upon as such. This information does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and so you should consider its appropriateness, having regard to these factors before acting on it. Superannuation is a means of saving for retirement, which is, in part, compulsory. The government has placed restrictions on when you can access your investments held in superannuation. The Government has set caps on the amount of money that you can add to your superannuation each year and over your lifetime on both a concessional and non-concessional tax basis. There will be tax consequences if you breach these caps. For more detail, speak with a financial adviser or registered tax agent or visit the ATO website.

Source: BT