The sector average for Australian equity superannuation funds was 2.21% during 2020 compared to global equity super funds that returned 5.4%, according to data.
The S&P/ASX 200 index slipped 0.8 per cent to 6,663 at the close of trade, in line with a risk-off sentiment across broader Asia amid worries over rising global coronavirus cases.
HESTA
HESTA today announced Michael Sommers has been appointed as the new General Manager Portfolio Construction & Risk, joining the Fund’s redefined investment leadership structure.
Chief Investment Officer (CIO) Sonya Sawtell-Rickson said the appointment will enhance the delivery of the $56-billion Fund’s investment strategy to keep delivering strong, long-term returns.
“Strengthening our portfolio construction and risk management is key to our overall investment strategy that aims to continue delivering competitive, long-term investment performance for our 870,000-plus members,” Ms Sawtell-Rickson said.
“With over 20 years’ experience in financial services, Michael has a proven track record in portfolio construction, derivative and alternatives strategies and risk management that will complement the skills and capabilities of our existing Investment team talent. I’m thrilled to welcome him to the team.”
The Hyperion fund had consistently been one of the best-performing funds of 2020 thanks to allocations to companies winning market shares from weaker competitors as the pandemic had been a catalyst for market leadership disruption.
Meanwhile, APSEC had a long-bias strategy and invested in Australian-listed securities and derivatives.
Best-performing fund versus ASX 200 and Australian equity sector over one year to 30 November 2020
At the bottom end of the spectrum, there were 146 funds which reported losses, which represented 65% of the sector. However, only seven of these funds reported double-digit losses with the worst-performing fund being Invesco Australian Equity Efficient Income which lost 19.9%.