We examine the asset allocation, returns and expenses of superannuation funds whose assets are mainly invested in default investment options. A majority of these funds fail to earn returns commensurate with their asset allocation policy. It appears that much of the variation in returns between these funds is a result of engaging in significant active management of assets. Our results indicate that the returns from active management of retail funds are negatively related to expenses, whereas the relationship is positive for industry funds. We also find strong evidence of economies of scale existing in superannuation funds across different size categories."> We examine the asset allocation, returns and expenses of superannuation funds whose assets are mainly invested in default investment options. A majority of these funds fail to earn returns commensurate with their asset allocation policy. It appears that much of the variation in returns between these funds is a result of engaging in significant active management of assets. Our results indicate that the returns from active management of retail funds are negatively related to expenses, whereas the relationship is positive for industry funds. We also find strong evidence of economies of scale existing in superannuation funds across different size categories."> We examine the asset allocation, returns and expenses of superannuation funds whose assets are mainly invested in default investment options. A majority">
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Asset Allocation Policy, Returns and Expenses of Superannuation Funds: Recent Evidence Based on Default Options

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  • Anup Basu
  • Stephanie Andrews
Abstract
type="main" xml:lang="en"> We examine the asset allocation, returns and expenses of superannuation funds whose assets are mainly invested in default investment options. A majority of these funds fail to earn returns commensurate with their asset allocation policy. It appears that much of the variation in returns between these funds is a result of engaging in significant active management of assets. Our results indicate that the returns from active management of retail funds are negatively related to expenses, whereas the relationship is positive for industry funds. We also find strong evidence of economies of scale existing in superannuation funds across different size categories.

Suggested Citation

  • Anup Basu & Stephanie Andrews, 2014. "Asset Allocation Policy, Returns and Expenses of Superannuation Funds: Recent Evidence Based on Default Options," Australian Economic Review, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, vol. 47(1), pages 63-77, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ausecr:v:47:y:2014:i:1:p:63-77
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    Cited by:

    1. Adam Butt & M. Scott Donald & F. Douglas Foster & Susan Thorp & Geoffrey J. Warren & Tom Smith, 2017. "Design of MySuper default funds: influences and outcomes," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 57(1), pages 47-85, March.
    2. Panha Heng & Scott J. Niblock & Jennifer L. Harrison, 2015. "Retirement policy: a review of the role, characteristics, and contribution of the Australian superannuation system," Asian-Pacific Economic Literature, The Crawford School, The Australian National University, vol. 29(2), pages 1-17, November.

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