Newspaper headlines are designed to grab your attention, and when the conversation turns to share markets it’s normal to think about your own super investments.
Despite the recent headlines regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19), and the potential impact on the global economy, it’s important to remember that stock market fluctuations are a normal part of the investment cycle. With this in mind, it’s important to remember that market movements are typically short-term, and super is a long-term investment. Making immediate changes to your super now could affect your super later.
Reports about the Coronavirus first began to make news in late January. Since then the virus has spread internationally and started to impact the movement of people and supplies. This has been reflected in global investment markets, with sharp drops over the past week. We are monitoring these events closely.
At Equip, we put value in protecting members money. Our six diversified options are specifically designed to reduce risk by investing in many different types of assets across a wide range of countries. This can help provide some buffer for your savings against short term volatility.
The past year is a good example of how share portfolios and super options can bounce back. Financial markets – weakened by negative global sentiment over 2018 – staged a remarkable comeback, delivering strong growth for members. Equip's default MySuper option returned 12.3% over one year to 31 January 2020.
While it’s too early to measure the impact on the global economy, it’s likely that there will be reduced growth during the first half of 2020.
Industries such as tourism and education will feel the effect of reduced travel. Industries that rely on Chinese supply chains may also see slowed (and at times stopped) delivery. This can have knock-on effects.
For the moment, the markets remain volatile, and we expect this will continue for the short term.
Investing for the future requires patience and a long-term view. If you’re concerned about your current investment options an Equip financial planner can help you structure your savings in a way that reflects your goals and risk tolerance.
Issued by Togethr Trustees Pty Ltd ABN 64 006 964 049, AFSL 246383 ("Togethr"), the Trustee of Equipsuper ABN 33 813 823 017 ("Equip Super"). The information contained is general advice and information only and does not take into account your personal financial situation or needs. You should consider whether this information is appropriate to your personal circumstances before acting on it and, if necessary, you should seek professional financial advice. Where tax information is included, you should consider obtaining taxation advice. Before making a decision to invest in Equip Super, you should read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) for the product which are available at equipsuper.com.au. Financial advice may be provided to members by Togethr Financial Planning Pty Ltd (ABN 84 124 491 078 AFSL 455010) – a related entity of Togethr. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.