Volatility returned to global markets during the first quarter of 2018 and the strong performance of global share markets ended abruptly.
The fourth quarter of 2017 saw global markets continue to rise despite a local change in the government and continued offshore geopolitical uncertainty.
Growth-oriented KiwiSaver funds continued their rich form, with strong returns across the board during the third quarter of 2017.
In general, it was a solid quarter for KiwiSaver funds, with all options producing positive results.
The first quarter of 2017, saw global sharemarkets continued to rise. KiwiSaver Schemes with a bias to shares out-performed, as cash and fixed interest posted only meagre single digit results.
Volatility returned to markets in the final quarter of 2016, following the results from the US election.
In general, it was a solid quarter for KiwiSaver funds, with all options producing positive results.
Global markets rose modestly despite volatility around the UK's Brexit referendum and concerns about slower global growth.
The volatility in equity markets to start the year meant KiwiSaver funds with a bias to defensive assets outperformed their growth-minded peers during the March quarter.
While volatility continued to be felt across asset classes and geographies during the quarter, positive market returns resulted in strong performance across the KiwiSaver landscape.
Negative returns were felt across most KiwiSaver funds, although conservative funds found reprieve in positive cash and fixed interest markets.
The depreciating New Zealand dollar was a key driver of performance for New Zealand investors during the quarter.
The strength in markets meant KiwiSaver investors across all providers and risk profiles were rewarded.
Investors across all KiwiSaver categories were rewarded in 2014, as both income and growth assets performed positively. However, the recent market strength is unlikely to be sustained in the future.
Morningstar has released its quarterly KiwiSaver Performance Survey, designed to help New Zealand investors assess the performance of their KiwiSaver superannuation options.
The best-performing sectors came from outside New Zealand in the second quarter of 2014, again illustrating the importance of a well-diversified portfolio.
The NZX posted a very strong three-month result, allowing the KiwiSaver providers with large domestic equity exposure to outperform the pack.
Morningstar has released its quarterly KiwiSaver Performance Survey, designed to help New Zealand investors assess the performance of their KiwiSaver superannuation options.
Many KiwiSaver options benefited from the New Zealand share market's strong run during the September quarter, as growth assets again largely outshone their income counterparts.
Large fixed-interest exposures felt the impact of the sharp increase in bond yields, while the NZ dollar's fall enhanced the return of global equities.
Morningstar has released its quarterly KiwiSaver Performance Survey, designed to help New Zealand investors assess the performance of their KiwiSaver superannuation options.
2012 was a banner year for growth assets, and KiwiSaver schemes with strong tilts to shares and listed property did particularly well.