The Times Australia
Small Business News

.

Equip & Catholic Super beat coronavirus downturn

  • Written by Media Release


Equip and Catholic Super have defied the worst market downturn since the Global Financial Crisis, delivering positive returns to members invested in the joint trustee’s flagship balanced options.

In a financial year end that saw COVID-19 market jitters push most super funds into negative territory, Equip’s Balanced Growth option captured a 1.7% return and Catholic Super’s Balanced option +0.52%. Both funds’ returns are above 8% p.a. over 10 years – proving once again that long term gets the returns.

Anna Shelley, Chief Investment Officer, said that the funds deployed a number of strategies to protect members’ retirement savings as COVID-19 disrupted financial markets.

Global markets fell significantly and very quickly as the coronavirus pandemic hit back in March. Despite the initial panic, markets have significantly rebounded since then,” she said.

As markets bottomed through March, the funds bought $1 billion of equities and, after markets had recovered substantially, $1 billion of equities was steadily ‘sold off’. Many small, conservative actions were implemented to protect and add to our members’ retirement savings.

Put another way, while markets are still a bit lower than their record February highs, they’re back to late 2019 numbers.

Equip and Catholic Super’s investment team is closely watching the markets and resetting strategies as conditions change during the pandemic, positioning members’ retirement savings for long-term growth as markets and economies reset and recover for life after the crisis.

Both funds are known for their track record of delivering for members, particularly in tough times, so we are very pleased to achieve these results, supporting our members’ retirement outcomes. Our long term results show that investments require time in the market. The key is consistently strong results over many years.”

Scott Cameron, Equip and Catholic Super Chief Executive Officer, said managing both risk and opportunities to grow members’ wealth is essential, particularly at a time when consumers are seeking to chase returns.

Both funds have a long-term growth plan to deliver competitive fees and performance. The results for the 12 months to June and a longer 10 year period show that the funds are growing members’ retirement savings during both difficult and more optimistic times,” he said.

Property Times

Duke of Dural to Get Rooftop Bar as New Owners Invest in Venue Upgrade

The Duke of Dural, in Sydney’s north-west, is set for a major uplift under new ownership, following its acquisition by hospitality group Good Beer Company this week. Led by respected private hotelier John Azar, the Good Beer Company has a proven t...

Top Tips for Finding the Ideal Block to Build Your Home

There’s something deeply personal and exciting about building your own home. You’re not just choosing paint colours or furniture, you’re creating a space that reflects your lifestyle, your dreams, and your future. However, before you start sketchin...

The Home Buying Process Explained Step by Step

Buying a home is a thrilling milestone, but it can also feel like navigating a maze without a map. With paperwork, finances, and decisions at every turn, understanding the home-buying process is crucial for success. Whether you're a first-time buye...

Thinking of Selling Your Home? Here’s What You Need to Know

Selling a home is more than just putting up a “For Sale” sign. It’s a strategic process that involves preparation, pricing, and negotiation - all aimed at getting the best value for your property. Let’s go through the most important steps to take b...

Food & Dining

Onsite Caterer vs a Full Service Venue: 9 important things to explore

Choosing between an external catering company and an all-inclusive venue is a major decision that affects cost, flexibility, food quality, and the overall event experience. Venues with in-house catering offer convenience and streamlined coordinatio...

Meal Prep as Self-Care? The One Small Habit That Could Improve Your Mood, Focus & Confidence

What if the secret to feeling calmer, more focused, and emotionally resilient wasn’t found in a supplement or self-help book — but in your fridge? That’s the surprising link uncovered by leading dietitians Anna Debenham and Alex Parker from The Biti...

Cult Favourite, TokyoTaco, Opens Beachfront at Mooloolaba this June

FREE Tokyo Tacos to Celebrate!  Cult favourite Japanese-Mexican restaurant TokyoTaco is opening a beachfront venue at the Mooloolaba Esplanade on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast this June.  The doors of the new venue will open on 18 June and to cel...

International lager claims crown as Australia’s most preferred beer

Launching its inaugural ‘Brand Map of Australia’, Tracksuit reveals Corona as the nation’s most preferred beer  Sydney, Thursday, 29 May 2025 - From iconic mass-produced lagers to innovative craft brews, beer is woven into the fabric of Australi...

Business Times

Agentforce for Financial Services: Merging AI and Human Expertise…

In this rapidly evolving world of financial services, deploying customer experiences that are personalized and intelligen...

Samsara Eco and lululemon announce 10 year partnership

lululemon and Samsara Eco Announce 10-Year Plan to Advance Recycled Material Portfolio Plan will see lululemon source a...

Barelli Bathrooms announces celebrity interior designer Kellie Ri…

Barelli Bathrooms, a leading name in contemporary bathroom accessories and design, is proud to announce its new national ...

The Times Features

Duke of Dural to Get Rooftop Bar as New Owners Invest in Venue Upgrade

The Duke of Dural, in Sydney’s north-west, is set for a major uplift under new ownership, following its acquisition by hospitality group Good Beer Company this week. Led by resp...

Prefab’s Second Life: Why Australia’s Backyard Boom Needs a Circular Makeover

The humble granny flat is being reimagined not just as a fix for housing shortages, but as a cornerstone of circular, factory-built architecture. But are our systems ready to s...

Melbourne’s Burglary Boom: Break-Ins Surge Nearly 25%

Victorian homeowners are being warned to act now, as rising break-ins and falling arrest rates paint a worrying picture for suburban safety. Melbourne residents are facing an ...

Exploring the Curriculum at a Modern Junior School in Melbourne

Key Highlights The curriculum at junior schools emphasises whole-person development, catering to children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. It ensures early year...

Distressed by all the bad news? Here’s how to stay informed but still look after yourself

If you’re feeling like the news is particularly bad at the moment, you’re not alone. But many of us can’t look away – and don’t want to. Engaging with news can help us make ...

The Role of Your GP in Creating a Chronic Disease Management Plan That Works

Living with a long-term condition, whether that is diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, means making hundreds of small decisions every day. You plan your diet against m...