How UniSuper shaped up against the competition
As of 2021, all super funds will be required to annually assess the outcomes provided to their members (an outcomes assessment). We proactively conducted a trial outcomes assessment based on data from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) for the 2018-19 financial year and we’re very proud to share our strong results.
Our results
Our comparison analysis to other MySuper options, based on APRA data, showed UniSuper’s Balanced (MySuper) default investment option1 had one of the lowest fees and costs for a member account balance of $50,000 compared to other single diversified MySuper options with the same account balance (Chart 1).
Our analysis also impressively placed our MySuper investment option consistently in the top five performing funds (Chart 2).
We were one of only a handful of funds in Australia that performed strongly on returns and low fees across different time periods.
These outcomes align strongly with our enduring focus on delivering better retirement outcomes for members.
Fees and costs: how we compared
APRA data showed UniSuper’s products invested in the MySuper investment option were some of the lowest cost products available in the industry for a member account balance of $50,000, with significantly lower administration and investment fees than most other super funds (compared to the same account balance).
Table 1: UniSuper fees and costs, compared to broader industry
Fees for single diversified products, 30 June 2019.
| UniSuper's ranking | 5 (out of 62) |
|---|---|
| UniSuper's fees | $375 |
| 1st quartile fees | $490 |
| Median fees | $555 |
| 3rd quartile fees | $664 |
Chart 1: Fees and costs, single diversified MySuper options, $50k
Investment returns: how we compared
APRA data showed our MySuper investment option was consistently in the top five performing funds or better across 1, 3 and 5 years for the period ending 30 June 2019.
Table 2: UniSuper investment returns across 1, 3 and 5 years, compared to broader industry
| 1 year | 3 year | 5 year | |
|---|---|---|---|
| UniSuper's rank | 3 (out of 62) | 5 (out of 61) | 3 (out of 59) |
| UniSuper's return (% p.a.) | 9.66 | 9.76 | 9.14 |
| 1st quartile return (% p.a.) | 7.5 | 9.2 | 8.0 |
| Median return (% p.a.) | 6.8 | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| 3rd quartile return (% p.a.) | 6.1 | 8.1 | 7.0 |
Chart 2: 1-year return, single diversified MySuper Options
Since this data was collated, the world – and markets – have been rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, our MySuper investment option delivered a positive return of 0.9% in the year to 30 June 2020, despite economic uncertainty and market volatility. We will publish the results of our 2019-20 financial year outcomes assessment in early 2021.
Other factors
As a UniSuper member, you also enjoy the following advantages:
- We're proud to be a profit-for-members fund. We don't pay our advisers commissions, and we don't pay shareholders dividends.
- Affordable and appropriate insurance cover. Because we insure a lot of members at once, we’re able to negotiate premiums at bulk rates.
- A great range of resources to help you manage your super, including education and advice services.
- With over $80b of funds under management, you benefit from the scale of one of the largest super funds in Australia.
- Competitive investment performance. Our team of highly experienced in-house asset class management specialists led by Chief Investment Officer, John Pearce, ensures you benefit from some of the country's leading investment expertise.
1Accumulation 2, Accumulation 1 and Personal Account products invested in the Balanced (MySuper) default investment option. This does not apply to the Defined Benefit Division.
If you have any questions, please call 1800 331 685 or contact us.
Chart image descriptions
Chart 1: Fees and costs, single diversified MySuper options, $50k
This bar chart shows UniSuper as ranked 5th for the lowest annual administration and investment fees charged to a member account balance of $50,000 of Australian super funds. Our administration and investment fees are $375. Findings represent the administration and investment fees charged to a member account balance of $50,000 for the year.
Chart 2: 1-year return, single diversified MySuper Options
This bar chart shows UniSuper ranked third out of single diversified MySuper options for 1-year investment returns at 30 June 2019. Findings represent the net return for a member account balance of $50,000 for the year, after fees and taxes. Past performance is not an indicator of future performance.