Investment approach

Our aim is to help every member achieve a comfortable and financially secure life in retirement through consistent investment performance that delivers above average returns over the long term. At ESSSuper, we have a range of foundational principles that we adhere to when it comes to making these decisions.

 
The market can be unpredictable. Popular investment options can be just as liable to downturns. That's why we don't get distracted by the big trends, or get lured into popular ventures. We stick to a designated and reliable investment model that might not hit the highest peaks, but aims to better avoid the troughs.

The chart below shows how differently an investment of $100 can perform over a 10 year period (to 30 June 2021). By providing stronger downside protection, our Balanced (previously Growth) investment option avoided large losses during market downturns compared to the Australian share market over the same period.

About this information:

• As the default option for ESSSuper, our Balanced (previously Growth) investment option may be suitable if you're most interested in long term capital growth and can accept short term volatility of capital. Balanced (previously Growth) option returns are depicted net of taxes and investment fees, and no allowance has been made for account keeping fees.
• Australian shares are represented by the S&P/ASX 300 Accumulation Index, which is Australia's leading share market index and contains the top 300 ASX listed companies by float-adjusted market capitalisation. Figures sourced from Factset financial data and analytics (factset.com).

Investment returns cannot be guaranteed as investment markets can be volatile. As a consequence, returns can be positive or negative. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Benefits in ESSSuper's Accumulation Plan, Income Streams and Beneficiary Account products are not guaranteed or underwritten by the Victorian Government or ESSSuper, and ESSSuper does not come under the jurisdiction of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority. ESSSuper comes under the jurisdiction of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
 

We believe the keys to sure and steady investment returns are:

• Extended purchasing power
• Avoiding large losses during market downturns
• Stable investment structure.

Your investment has to go the distance. The average life span has been increasing. Prices are generally increasing. That's why you need your investments to deliver returns above inflation over the long term to have continued purchasing power. Afford it now and afford it then.

Staying on track. Investments can be volatile, so we make choices that aspire to provide steady traction during the investment journey and aim to help members achieve a financially secure life in retirement.

Careful decisions can strengthen your investment. We make calculated and informed decisions, always weighing up the risks and opportunities that target solid growth and maximum strength.

Every expense is wisely allocated. We leave solid, steady investments to do what they do best – grow. Every expense is extremely considered with multiple investments efficiently managed. That's how we intend to keep precious dollars going back into your balance.

We aim to balance the scales in your favour with a careful division of assets. We'll never put all of your eggs into one basket, but we prefer to invest in assets that endeavour to provide the stability to generate long term results. This means the majority of your investment is likely to have a more stable foundation within tangible, real world assets.

Responsible investments that have a conscience. We observe the principles of responsible investing by acknowledging that there are environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, such as climate change, that have the potential to affect the financial performance of our investments.

• Who manages your money All investments are made in accordance with the Board's investment goals, the Borrowing and Investment Powers Act 1987 and the Victorian Treasurer's Prudential Statement investment guidelines.
• Portfolio holdings This page discloses Accumulation Plan investment portfolio holdings at specified dates: 1) the top 10 holdings in each asset class, and 2) the assets each investment option were invested in.
• Responsible investment We also strive to provide transparency on our responsible investment activities through our communications to our members, primarily through our website content and relevant publications.
• Proxy Voting ESSSuper’s current proxy voting report can be found here.

Emergency Services Superannuation Board (ABN 28 161 296 741), the Trustee of the Emergency Services Superannuation Scheme (ABN 85 894 637 037) (ESSSuper).

The information contained on this page is of a general nature only. It should not be considered as a substitute for reading ESSSuper's Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) that contains detailed information about ESSSuper products, services and features. Before making a decision about an ESSSuper product, you should consider the appropriateness of the product to your personal objectives, financial situation and needs. It may also be beneficial to seek professional advice from a licensed financial planner or adviser. An ESSSuper PDS is available at esssuper.com.au/pds or by contacting us.