4 days ago
How will tariff increases affect your superannuation?
This is branded content for NGS Super.
Global tariffs have been one of the big topics dominating news headlines lately, but what does it all mean for you? In this column, NGS Super's Chief Investment Officer, Ben Squires, breaks down what's happening, the potential effect on superannuation, and how NGS Super is responding.
US President Donald Trump has implemented various policies impacting the global economy, including tariffs on products imported into the US. Australia isn't exempt from the new tariffs, including on our steel and aluminium.
The impact is small, less than one per cent of our exports go to the US, however, Australia can't completely escape the consequences - the effects are being felt globally, with trade slowing down, and share markets fluctuating.
At NGS, our priority remains protecting and growing members' wealth with a diversified portfolio that can navigate different market environments, such as heightened volatility and equity downturns. By diversifying across asset classes, NGS does not rely solely on share markets for returns.
While equities remain a core driver of growth, we actively manage risk through defensive strategies. Our international share portfolio declined only three per cent since February 19 to May 13, 2025, compared to a four per cent drop in the S&P 500 over the same period.
To mitigate downside risk, we have a multi-asset strategy that balances equities with defensive exposures including precious metals, government bonds, hedging strategies, alternative assets and diversifiers.
In recent years, we've seen strong returns from markets, and a market pullback isn't entirely unexpected.
While the Diversified MySuper option posted a negative 1.5 per cent return for March and share markets fell into correction territory of around a 10 per cent fall in the start of April, the Diversified MySuper option has recovered, delivering a Financial Year To Date return of 8.84 per cent, as at May 13, 2025.
Despite the sharp declines in equity markets during February, March and into April, the US S&P 500 index made a strong recovery following the announcement of a 90-day pause on tariffs.
Even though this was welcomed news, there is much uncertainty on the path of tariff negotiations, and this presents more downside risk for share markets until these matters are fully resolved. We therefore continue to maintain a balanced view on risk.
If you'd like to review your investment strategy, it's a good idea to speak to a financial planner.
Seeking advice is a way to plan for your future, mitigate risks and make the most of your saving opportunities. Education is integral to the planning process - staying informed will help you feel more confident about your super and your retirement. You can speak to one of NGS's Super Specialists - it's complimentary, and they can answer general questions about super, investments, insurance or transition to retirement.
To learn more or book your free chat with an NGS Super Specialist call NGS Super on 1300 133 177 or go online to
This is general information only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this information, or making an investment decision, consider whether it is appropriate to you and read NGS's Product Disclosure Statements and Target Market Determinations. Also consider obtaining financial, taxation and/or legal advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Financial products are issued by NGS Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 003 491 487 RSE Licence L0000567 and AFSL 233 154. Market projections and predictions are based on current assumptions and are subject to change. These are not guarantees of future results. Information current as at May 13.
This is branded content for NGS Super.
Global tariffs have been one of the big topics dominating news headlines lately, but what does it all mean for you? In this column, NGS Super's Chief Investment Officer, Ben Squires, breaks down what's happening, the potential effect on superannuation, and how NGS Super is responding.
US President Donald Trump has implemented various policies impacting the global economy, including tariffs on products imported into the US. Australia isn't exempt from the new tariffs, including on our steel and aluminium.
The impact is small, less than one per cent of our exports go to the US, however, Australia can't completely escape the consequences - the effects are being felt globally, with trade slowing down, and share markets fluctuating.
At NGS, our priority remains protecting and growing members' wealth with a diversified portfolio that can navigate different market environments, such as heightened volatility and equity downturns. By diversifying across asset classes, NGS does not rely solely on share markets for returns.
While equities remain a core driver of growth, we actively manage risk through defensive strategies. Our international share portfolio declined only three per cent since February 19 to May 13, 2025, compared to a four per cent drop in the S&P 500 over the same period.
To mitigate downside risk, we have a multi-asset strategy that balances equities with defensive exposures including precious metals, government bonds, hedging strategies, alternative assets and diversifiers.
In recent years, we've seen strong returns from markets, and a market pullback isn't entirely unexpected.
While the Diversified MySuper option posted a negative 1.5 per cent return for March and share markets fell into correction territory of around a 10 per cent fall in the start of April, the Diversified MySuper option has recovered, delivering a Financial Year To Date return of 8.84 per cent, as at May 13, 2025.
Despite the sharp declines in equity markets during February, March and into April, the US S&P 500 index made a strong recovery following the announcement of a 90-day pause on tariffs.
Even though this was welcomed news, there is much uncertainty on the path of tariff negotiations, and this presents more downside risk for share markets until these matters are fully resolved. We therefore continue to maintain a balanced view on risk.
If you'd like to review your investment strategy, it's a good idea to speak to a financial planner.
Seeking advice is a way to plan for your future, mitigate risks and make the most of your saving opportunities. Education is integral to the planning process - staying informed will help you feel more confident about your super and your retirement. You can speak to one of NGS's Super Specialists - it's complimentary, and they can answer general questions about super, investments, insurance or transition to retirement.
To learn more or book your free chat with an NGS Super Specialist call NGS Super on 1300 133 177 or go online to
This is general information only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this information, or making an investment decision, consider whether it is appropriate to you and read NGS's Product Disclosure Statements and Target Market Determinations. Also consider obtaining financial, taxation and/or legal advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Financial products are issued by NGS Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 003 491 487 RSE Licence L0000567 and AFSL 233 154. Market projections and predictions are based on current assumptions and are subject to change. These are not guarantees of future results. Information current as at May 13.
This is branded content for NGS Super.
Global tariffs have been one of the big topics dominating news headlines lately, but what does it all mean for you? In this column, NGS Super's Chief Investment Officer, Ben Squires, breaks down what's happening, the potential effect on superannuation, and how NGS Super is responding.
US President Donald Trump has implemented various policies impacting the global economy, including tariffs on products imported into the US. Australia isn't exempt from the new tariffs, including on our steel and aluminium.
The impact is small, less than one per cent of our exports go to the US, however, Australia can't completely escape the consequences - the effects are being felt globally, with trade slowing down, and share markets fluctuating.
At NGS, our priority remains protecting and growing members' wealth with a diversified portfolio that can navigate different market environments, such as heightened volatility and equity downturns. By diversifying across asset classes, NGS does not rely solely on share markets for returns.
While equities remain a core driver of growth, we actively manage risk through defensive strategies. Our international share portfolio declined only three per cent since February 19 to May 13, 2025, compared to a four per cent drop in the S&P 500 over the same period.
To mitigate downside risk, we have a multi-asset strategy that balances equities with defensive exposures including precious metals, government bonds, hedging strategies, alternative assets and diversifiers.
In recent years, we've seen strong returns from markets, and a market pullback isn't entirely unexpected.
While the Diversified MySuper option posted a negative 1.5 per cent return for March and share markets fell into correction territory of around a 10 per cent fall in the start of April, the Diversified MySuper option has recovered, delivering a Financial Year To Date return of 8.84 per cent, as at May 13, 2025.
Despite the sharp declines in equity markets during February, March and into April, the US S&P 500 index made a strong recovery following the announcement of a 90-day pause on tariffs.
Even though this was welcomed news, there is much uncertainty on the path of tariff negotiations, and this presents more downside risk for share markets until these matters are fully resolved. We therefore continue to maintain a balanced view on risk.
If you'd like to review your investment strategy, it's a good idea to speak to a financial planner.
Seeking advice is a way to plan for your future, mitigate risks and make the most of your saving opportunities. Education is integral to the planning process - staying informed will help you feel more confident about your super and your retirement. You can speak to one of NGS's Super Specialists - it's complimentary, and they can answer general questions about super, investments, insurance or transition to retirement.
To learn more or book your free chat with an NGS Super Specialist call NGS Super on 1300 133 177 or go online to
This is general information only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this information, or making an investment decision, consider whether it is appropriate to you and read NGS's Product Disclosure Statements and Target Market Determinations. Also consider obtaining financial, taxation and/or legal advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Financial products are issued by NGS Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 003 491 487 RSE Licence L0000567 and AFSL 233 154. Market projections and predictions are based on current assumptions and are subject to change. These are not guarantees of future results. Information current as at May 13.
