ElectricSuper Investment Beliefs

ElectricSuper’s investment approach is driven by the following investment beliefs:

Diversification

Diversification of investments within the portfolio, including lowly correlated assets, will deliver more stable and reliable outcomes. Global diversification will enhance long term performance.

Time Frame

Investments are made and assessed with a long-term focus. A long-term horizon allows tolerance for illiquid assets that can deliver superior returns.

Active Management

Active management of investments can deliver superior returns (after fees) and improved risk management. Active management, rather than buying the index, also assists with managing ESG outcomes.

Asset Allocation

Short- to medium-term tactical positions in asset allocation away from the long-term strategic asset allocation as investment conditions fluctuate, can add to positive relative performance. These positions will consider individual market sector valuations and macro risks.

Risk

The primary risk for ElectricSuper is not achieving its investment objectives over specified time frames. ElectricSuper aims to lower volatility while maintaining an exposure to growth assets. Ongoing monitoring of investment managers is important.

Costs

It is the after fee and tax investment return to ElectricSuper that is important. Fees should represent value for members but this does not always mean the cheapest investment management option is best.

Liquidity

Liquidity of investments in the context of member benefit profiles needs to be carefully monitored and managed.

Scale

Investment scale is important to ensure investment management fees are as low as possible relative to funds invested and to enable ElectricSuper to access a full suite of investment opportunities.

Member life stage

The overall aims of members in accumulation and decumulation phases is considered.

Members in accumulation typically want higher growth through the period they are contributing. They can generally weather greater fluctuations in their returns and balances. As members near retirement age, they may become more concerned about negative performance.

Members in decumulation are typically more conservative, aiming for lower growth with lower risk to allow their retirement savings to last through their life. They are less likely to cope well with large negative fluctuations in their balances.

Balancing the overarching aims of the membership cohorts is considered when making investment decisions.

The investment options available to members in accumulation and decumulation are designed to meet a range of member objectives across accumulation and decumulation phases.

Use of Gearing and Derivatives

The use of gearing and derivatives by fund managers, to increase long term returns, is acceptable provided managers act in accordance with their stated Risk Management Statement and Strategy.

ESG

Sound Environment, Social or Governance (ESG) practices lead to better investment outcomes.