How we invest

We invest in a range of asset classes

If you have a GESB Super, West State Super or Retirement Income Pension account, you have a market-linked super fund. This means we invest your super, and any contributions you make, into a range of financial assets such as Shares (also known as Equities), Bonds (Fixed Interest), Cash, Property and Infrastructure. These different types of financial assets are known as asset classes.

The performance of these asset classes, as well as any contributions, withdrawals or deductions from your account will influence your account balance.

We invest in assets in Australia and overseas

The funds in your GESB account are invested across various Australian and international assets. When the value of these assets increases and decreases, so do the returns on your super investment.

In financial terms, each of these asset classes have different risk and return characteristics.

• Return is the gain or loss in the value of an asset over a period of time – and can be represented as a positive or negative number
• Risk is the chance that the return will be different than expected

Learn more about each asset class and the risks and returns associated with each.

We put our experience and expertise to work for you

We employ an asset consultant who analyses asset classes and helps to decide on the appropriate mix for each investment option. Together with our internal investment team, our asset consultant bases their recommendations on the medium to long-term outlook for the risk and return of asset type. This process is called asset allocation.

We regularly review the performance of our investment options

We also review our investment portfolios to ensure the asset mix remains in line with our asset allocation ranges. For example, if the value of Australian Shares grows faster than other asset classes, a portfolio might become weighted to Australian Shares. Our ongoing reviews help to keep the percentage of funds held in each asset class within our asset allocation ranges.

You can choose the asset classes your super is invested in

You can see – and even change – your current investment option(s) using your Member Online account.

You don't need to be a financial expert to make a choice. You can choose from our pre-set investment options, or explore our asset-specific options to tailor your investments to your needs.

Your investment options explained

Learn more

• Find out what your super is invested in
• Read about how our investment managers buy and sell assets