Dictionary

A fund which aims to deliver returns that are above zero in a variety of market environments. Movements in share and bond markets have minimal impact on returns. This does not mean that absolute return funds will never have a negative return, as there are still risks involved. They’re also known as hedge funds.

When referring to AustralianSuper insurance, an accident is a bodily injury caused solely and directly by accidental, external and visible means, independent of any other cause.

A type of retirement income arrangement under which an individual invests a lump sum and then draws down a regular pension to a value that takes account of expected cash flow needs and life expectancy. Income ceases when all capital has been used up.

Also called a defined contribution fund. It is a fund in which the benefit a member receives is the total of their contributions plus or minus investment returns, less fees and tax.

When referring to AustralianSuper insurance, active employment means: a member is employed and is not restricted by injury, accident or illness from being capable of performing their full and normal duties on a full-time basis (for at least 30 hours per week) even though actual employment can be on a full-time, part-time or casual basis.

An investment management style where the managers use their skills in selecting and trading assets seeking better performance than the index against which they are measured. Managers will vary their strategy depending on current market conditions. The investments are reviewed on a regular basis so that the manager is in a position to benefit from movements in the market or from growth in individual assets. There are two major components of active management: asset allocation and stock selection.

Adjusted taxable income is a special term to test an individual’s eligibility, based on income, for certain Government benefits, such as Family Tax Benefit, and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.

The fee charged by a fund to cover administration costs. AustralianSuper charges a low flat fee of $1.50 per week.

An amount (usually income) after taxes have been subtracted.

An index of companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX), which is used as a benchmark to measure the performance of the Australian sharemarket. Other indices commonly used are the S&P/ASX 200 Index and the S&P/ASX 300 Index. See also S&P/ASX 200 Index and S&P/ ASX 300 Index.

A type of retirement income arrangement under which an individual invests a lump sum and then draws down a regular pension to a value that takes account of expected cash flow needs and life expectancy. Income ceases when all capital has been used up. Also known as an account-based pension.

Unlisted investment vehicles that are ‘alternatives’ to the assets that have been included more traditionally in large institutional investment portfolios. AustralianSuper invests in alternative assets because they can play a valuable role in diversifying the investment portfolios to and so reduce overall portfolio risk and boost long-term returns to members. Alternative assets as an asset class is normally understood to include: Private Equity, Infrastructure, Absolute return funds (or hedge funds).

An arrangement where payments are made to a person at regular intervals in return for the investment of a lump sum. See also: pension; allocated pension; deferred annuity.

The process of combining different types of assets in selected proportions to build a portfolio.

The value of a company's assets that underpin its issued shares. Some companies may have a strong asset backing even if the dividends they pay on shares are relatively low.

The financial resources in which a fund invests on behalf of its members. Among other things, these may include shares, property, cash or bonds.

A portfolio that invests in a group of similar types of assets (eg. Australian shares).

The financial resources in which a fund invests on behalf of its members. Among other things, these may include shares, property, cash or bonds.

Investment managers and superannuation funds both look after 'assets under management'. It refers to the assets in all classes that are managed.

A non-profit, non-political national organisation whose mission is to protect, promote and advance the interests of Australia's superannuation funds, their trustees and their members.

The Australian Taxation Office.

A no cost service that helps reunite Australians with unclaimed super.

• AUSfund website

The Federal Government body responsible for the regulation and monitoring of the insurance and superannuation industries.

In 2006, ARF merged with the Superannuation Trust of Australia and FinSuper to become AustralianSuper – one of the country’s largest superannuation funds.

The Federal Government body responsible for administering and enforcing the Corporations Act and laws to protect consumers in the areas of superannuation, investments, insurance and banking.

An AustralianSuper investment option, which enables AustralianSuper members to invest their account in shares in the S&P/ASX 300 Index plus exchange traded funds (ETFs) and term deposits. The AustralianSuper Member Direct option will replace the S&P/ASX 200 option in September 2011.

The mean, or average price, obtained in the purchase of a large number of shares or units.

An agreement between employers and employees - usually in a particular industry - that has been ratified by Fair Work Australia. The award will set out salary levels and other terms and conditions of employment.

Superannuation entitlements that are determined by a Federal or State industrial award. In some cases these entitlements may provide entitlements to employees, which are above the minimum Superannuation Guarantee requirement of 9% of salary.