Asset class performance

An ‘asset class’ is a specific category of assets or investments, such as cash, fixed interest, property, alternative investments, and shares. It is from these asset classes that our investment options are constructed.  To learn more about asset classes go to asset classes explained.

Each asset class carries different levels of risk and different levels of expected returns.  This means performance between asset classes can vary.

If your UniSuper account has an accumulation component (includes Accumulation 1 and 2, Spouse and Defined Benefit Division Accounts and Flexi or Term Allocated Pension Accounts), you are able to invest this component in one or more of UniSuper’s investment options. 

Each option is made up of different combinations and proportions of asset classes.

The following table will help you compare the performance of each asset class over 3 months, 12 months, 3 years and 5 years.  Please note, the asset class returns do not reflect the performance of UniSuper’s single-asset class investment options. To see how UniSuper’s investment options have performed, including the four single-asset class options, go to investment performance.

Note: Figures are current as at 31 March 2012. The value of investments can rise and fall and past performance of an investment option should not be relied upon as an indicator of future performance. Performance is based on asset class benchmark, not UniSuper’s investment in those asset classes and returns are calculated net of assumed investment expenses, but gross of account-based fees and any taxes.