How we invest
Get to know the different investment options available to you and how each can help you achieve your retirement goals. The first step is to understand what these options are, how the options are managed, and what type of investor is best suited to invest in which option.
GoalTracker (MySuper) investment option
What is the GoalTracker (MySuper) option?
The GoalTracker (MySuper) investment option invests your super based on your age.
How is this option managed?
This investment option is delivered through a diversified portfolio invested across a range of asset classes. When you’re younger, your investment strategy will have a higher allocation to growth assets to help grow your super balance. As you approach retirement, it will increase your allocation to defensive assets to help protect your savings.
Who is best suited to invest in this option?
We know that many people aren’t investment experts. They just want the peace of mind of knowing their investment strategy is in the hands of someone they can trust.
That’s why we offer the GoalTracker investment option – which goes beyond the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to take your age into account. This is also the default MySuper approved investment option for members who don’t make an investment choice.
Diversified options
What are diversified options?
A spectrum of options that range from lower risk (and lower expected return) through to higher risk (and higher expected return) investments. Each option includes a mix of different investment types, including shares, property, bonds, cash, and alternative assets, such as infrastructure and commodities.
How are these options managed?
Each diversified option is managed to get the best possible level of return for a given level of risk. For example, higher risk options are managed to deliver higher long-term returns, yet from time to time, there may be years that bring negative returns. Importantly, the investment strategy for each option is managed in line with its diversification mix, so as an investor, you always know that your investment strategy will be in line with your risk appetite.
Who is best suited to invest in these options?
Investors who know their risk/return profile. This generally comes down to your goals for retirement, your attitude to risk, and the timeframe you are investing for.
Responsible options
What are responsible options?
These investment options are focused on investment opportunities with low carbon impact, and/or environmental, social and governance (ESG) characteristics. There are both Australian and Global responsible options available.
How are these options managed?
These options are designed to support responsible investing goals such as the management of climate change risk through decarbonisation. They also exclude companies involved in tobacco, nuclear weapons, cluster munitions, anti-personnel mines, and uranium.
Who is best suited to invest in these options?
Investors who prefer their super investments to reflect their core values, while still aiming to deliver competitive returns. Both options only provide exposure to a single investment type, so they may be added to a diversified or outcome-oriented option for added diversification.
» Low Carbon Australian Shares
Sector options
What are sector options?
Options providing exposure to a single investment type like shares, bonds, property, infrastructure and cash. Australian and global asset class options are also available.
How are these options managed?
Each option is actively managed by a specialist portfolio manager, aiming to outperform the relevant benchmark over the long term. Each option is carefully risk-controlled, so that returns broadly reflect what investors have come to expect from the asset class/investment type within the option.
Who is best suited to invest in these options?
Advanced investors who want to build a customised portfolio. While these options provide diversified exposure within each investment type, they are not diversified across investment types.
» Global Fixed Income – $A Hedged
» Listed International Property Securities – $A Hedged
Third party options
What are third party options?
These options are a set of low-cost investment options, providing basic passive exposure to a target asset class.
How are these options managed?
These options are passively managed. This means they try to replicate the make-up of the target index, such as the S&P/ASX 300 for Australian Shares, or the MSCI World for Global Shares. There is no portfolio manager actively managing the holdings or trying to outperform the benchmark index.
Who is best suited to invest in these options?
Investors who prefer low-cost exposure, or do not believe that active management can add value over time for these investment types.
» Third-Party Indexed Australian Shares
» Third-Party Indexed Global Shares
» Third-Party Indexed Global Shares – $A Hedged
Choosing the right strategy
Everyone thinks a little differently about how to invest their super. Some people may prefer an option that invests their super for them. Others are suited to a high-growth fund, or a more conservative option, and others need a balance between these two.
Your investment strategy can impact your balance by the time you retire, so it’s important you get it right. Your strategy should align with your personal circumstances, and suit your goals, investment timeframe, and attitude towards risk and return.
When it comes to choosing the right investment options for your needs, getting some professional guidance can help. With Nationwide Super you can access an expert Super Adviser simply by calling us on 1800 025 241. We can put you directly in touch over the phone for help with investment options, insurance or other financial advice.
Making an investment choice
Selecting your investment options is easy – simply complete the relevant section of the application form when joining Nationwide Super.
You can then switch your investments anytime online. Using your online MemberAccess account, you can change the investment strategy for your current balance and future transactions – and it takes less than 2 minutes!
You can also complete and return an Investment Choice form, or refer to our PDS and Guides for more information about your investment options.
Note: Buy/sell spreads may apply. Click here for the current buy/sell spreads for our investment options.