Colonial First State

On 5 August 2024, the Japanese stock market plunged and seemingly caused a significant ripple effect across global markets including Australia. So how are your super and investments affected during times like these? It’s a good time to remember that while markets go up and down in the short term, in the long run markets bounce back. Here’s what you need to know and what it means for you. https://lnkd.in/grQQFdQh

Dramatic movements in global financial markets saw investors in a panic and commentators predicting a US recession. Our Chief Investment Officer, Jonathan Armitage cuts through the doom and gloom, and calls this for what it is – an overreaction. #MarketUpdate #Economy

We have signed a five-year agreement with Microsoft that will underpin our use of cloud and generative AI technologies to deliver enhanced services for our members and the financial advisers we work with.   As an early adopter of Microsoft’s generative AI technologies, including Copilot for Microsoft 365 and Azure OpenAI Service, this agreement also signals an expansion of Copilot across the CFS team.   “AI and cloud technologies are pivotal in our mission to help Australians achieve financial freedom,” said Jeroen Buwalda, Group Executive of Transformation, Technology and Operations at CFS.   Learn how we’re using these tools to drive innovation in the wealth management industry https://lnkd.in/ghXSyh6e

CoreData Group's latest retirement confidence index reveals CFS is one of the top ranking funds for members' retirement confidence and preparedness, as reported by Hannah Wootton in The Australian Financial Review. https://lnkd.in/gJrCR7Md

High-growth lifecycle funds were among the top performers for super savers in the past year, with the best of the lot – one of CFS’s lifecycle strategies – coming in 6% higher than the default option at AustralianSuper https://lnkd.in/gutDPDch

CFS takes 1st and 2nd place in the top performing MySuper Lifecycle options for FY24. New analysis from superannuation research house SuperRatings reveals that the Essential Super growth option (MySuper Lifestage 1975-79) was the best performing MySuper Lifecycle option in FY24, delivering a 14.4% return. This was followed by another CFS fund, the FirstChoice Employer Super growth option (MySuper Lifestage 1975-79), achieving second place in the same category with a 14.3% return. We were also recognised for strong performance in SuperRatings’ analysis of the top fifty Balanced options for FY24, with the CFS Enhanced Index Balanced Fund achieving third place with an 11.4% return. “CFS is gaining significant momentum as a leading superannuation provider, achieving double-digit returns for MySuper members for two years in a row,” said Kelly Power, CEO of Superannuation. “Strong performance is what our members want to see, and we are proud to be in a position where we can continue delivering exceptional investment performance for them,” Ms Power said.

Our team headed down to NAIDOC in the City at Town Hall for a day of markets, dance, culture and live performance.   The theme for 2024 was ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud’, calling for a reclamation of narratives to amplify Indigenous voices and pursue justice and equality. You can learn about the theme in this article https://lnkd.in/g9kZmcP3   We were grateful for the opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge the rich history, culture and accomplishments of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. To read about our vision for reconciliation, click here https://lnkd.in/g-iMwx-7

What key drivers were responsible for strong local and overseas investment performance in FY23-24? Jonathan Armitage, Chief Investment Officer, and Al Clark, Head of Investments, reveal these factors, as well as the changing dynamics of markets.   https://lnkd.in/gtByy3DW #CFSMarketInsights #Economy

CFS delivered outstanding investment results for super members for the year ending 30 June 2024! Headline returns include: ✅ 14.3% Growth - Lifestage 1975-79 (FirstChoice Employer Super) ✅ 12.1% Balanced - Lifestage 1965-69 (FirstChoice Employer Super) ✅ 12.2% CFS Enhanced Index Growth (FirstChoice Wholesale Personal Super)* ✅ 11.2% CFS Enhanced Index Balanced (FirstChoice Wholesale Personal Super)* What's behind CFS’s performance? ⭐ The strong investment performance reflects the disciplined, diversified approach the CFS Investment team takes to managing volatile market conditions. "The strength of global share markets has been the core driver of investment returns over the last 12 months. Any options that invested in the global share market have performed relatively well over the past year,” our Chief Investment Officer Jonathan Armitage said. “CFS is also in the unique position of holding no legacy unlisted assets. In an environment of higher interest rates, this has allowed us to deliver another year of solid returns for members.” Read more on how we’re continuing to build momentum for our members here https://lnkd.in/gB9r8Dq7

There’s only 4 days left to apply for our Graduate program with applications ending July 9th. In our 12-month graduate program you’ll be welcomed into a transforming organisation that is deeply committed to your development and future. Our program is designed to nurture our next generation of leaders. As a graduate, you'll be part of a dynamic group of individuals ready to solve complex problems across four distinct rotations, each carefully designed to ensure the strongest foundation for your future career. You will start in your home business domain and journey through two other rotations and finally, a short stint in our customer service centre. We are looking for graduates in Product, Investments, Technology, Finance, Transformation and Law. Apply now https://lnkd.in/gPAXMwwy