All investments carry risk. There are a number of risks associated with investing in super that you should consider.

>    The value of the investment option you choose may rise or fall.

      The Fund’s investment performance is not guaranteed, which means a person may lose some of their money.

>    The level of return for each of the Fund’s investment options will vary, and future returns may differ from past returns.

>    Different strategies carry different levels of risks, depending on the assets that make up the strategy.
      Assets with the highest long-term returns may also carry the highest level of short-term risk.
      Further details on ACSuper’s investment options are given in the Investment section.

>    Laws affecting super (such as superannuation laws, taxation and social security) may change at any time.

>    The amount of a person’s future superannuation savings (including contributions and returns) may not be enough to
       provide adequately for the person’s retirement.

It is important to know the facts about risk and return before investing your super.

The level of risk suitable for each person will vary depending on a range of factors including your age, investment time frame, what other investments you have and your own personal risk tolerance. While you may have the time to ride out ups and downs in your return, you may not be comfortable with a higher risk option.

The link between risk and return

Generally, investment in high risk assets will produce higher returns over the long term, with a greater chance of a negative return over the short term.

Each of the four main asset classes – shares, property, fixed interest and cash – has different levels of risk and different potential of returns.