This report examines the Australian superannuation default fund landscape following the introduction of MySuper. The two main products are outlined – single strategy ‘balanced’ and lifecycle – including their underlying asset allocation and glide path strategies.

Australians pay far too much for superannuation. They pay about $20 billion in fees and expenses in total. Fund customers pay $1300 on average, every year. These payments to the superannuation industry can and should be reduced by at least half, saving Australians at least $10 billion a year. It is the largest single opportunity...

This paper presents evidence that suggests a significant proportion of Australians believe that ethical and environmental considerations should be taken into account by the trustees of their superannuation funds. The lack of engagement with superannuation companies may stem from those companies ignoring ethical and environmental dimensions in communications with their customers.

Up to a quarter of the retirement savings of some Australian workers are being eroded by excessive fees, according to this study. Fees and commissions on superannuation cost the country more than $14 billion per year. The case for a universal default superannuation fund reveals how a shake-up of the superannuation system could lead to...