Welcome to what we hope really will be a "super" 2014 for AvSuper members.  In addition to our continued good investment performance for this financial year as shown below, we've started 2014 with a New Year's resolution of our own.  In 2014 we want to help more AvSuper members of all ages get "super smart".  It doesn't matter whatever your age or situation, there are ways we can help you make sure that your super is optimised now, no matter how close or far away your retirement might seem.  Stay tuned for more ideas and tips in your inbox over the coming months.

As part of our commitment to making it even easier for you to stay in touch with us and your super savings, we've recently introduced AvChat - an online chat service from our website www.avsuper.com.au.  If you've got a quick question or just need direction to a page on our website, our Member Services Team can now help you even more effectively online without picking up the phone or emailing us. 
 

And our new "call me back" function supports AvChat if you need help but don't have time to call us, or you have a question after business hours - now you can leave us an online message to call you back at the time you request to discuss your query.

I hope you find these new services an even easier way to connect with us and your super savings in 2014!

Following a 17 day shutdown, the US government “re-opened” in mid-October and investor focus immediately shifted to the prospect of the US Federal Reserve (the Fed) tapering its quantitative easing program. Investor confidence was buoyed by steady developed world growth and the confirmation of Fed Chair nominee Janet Yellen. Despite a pick-up in growth during the September quarter, conditions in the Eurozone remained depressed throughout October. In November, the European Central Bank (ECB) cut interest rates, following below target inflation data. Stronger than expected economic data in China during October and November provoked a positive response from investors.

In mid-December, the Fed’s tapering of its quantitative easing program came ahead of market expectations. Investors generally reacted positively due to a combination of improving US economic activity and the Fed’s commitment to maintain low short-term interest rates for an extended period. In Europe, although recent data point toward economic growth, overall conditions warrant further easing in all countries except Germany. Data releases from China met expectations in December.

In Australia, the Cash Rate is unchanged at 2.50%. The broadly positive global growth story was moderated in Australia by slowing mining investment and rising unemployment.

The MSCI World ex-Australia Index (hedged to $A) rose 9.4% over the quarter. The performance of the Australian equity market began to diverge from global equities over the quarter, with the S&P/ASX300 Accumulation Index (3.4%) trailing hedged global equities.
 

The RBA stated that our domestic currency is overvalued and also hinted at possible corrective intervention in currency markets. On the back of stronger investment flows, the US Dollar was stronger against most developed market currencies. The Yen weakened further as the Bank of Japan continued its aggressive monetary easing program. In emerging markets, after a period of relative calm (with the exception of India), Brazil, Indonesia, South Africa and Turkey depreciated as their central bank eased many of their currency market interventions in December.

Investment Returns (net of investment fees and taxes) to 31 December 2013 

Past performance may not be an indicator of future performance.
# Your super will be invested in our Growth (MySuper) option if you don't make an investment choice.
The investment returns for the quarter and the financial year to date detailed above are real investment returns for the period shown, not annualised or 'per annum' returns which may differ from the numbers above.

Contact us
p. 1800 805 088
e. avsinfo@avsuper.com.au
web. www.avsuper.com.au