Aggressive Growth Balanced Moderate Cash

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1 Super News Towers Watson Superannuation Fund Welcome to the May 2017 newsletter that keeps you up-to-date with the latest news about what s happening in super and your Fund. Changes to investments Over the past few months, the Trustee, in conjunction with the Fund s investment adviser, has been reviewing the Fund s investments. As a result, the Trustee is making some changes to the Fund s investments, to aim to seek the best returns for each option in the current investment environment. Changes to investment objectives and strategy After a number of years of healthy investment returns, you should be aware that the investment industry believes we are facing a period of lower returns on investments. If you have had money invested in the bank, either in a savings account or a term deposit, you would know that interest rates are currently very low. This has arisen since the Global Financial Crisis in 2008/09 when many countries took action to reduce interest rates in the hope of stimulating business and economic activity to avoid recession. In this issue, we: Advise you of some changes to the Fund s investments; Provide an update on the Fund s investment returns; and Explain the main changes from the Government s superannuation reform which apply from 1 July The Fund s investment adviser has advised the Trustee that it could take a prolonged period (such as ) for cash and bond rates to return to more normal levels. These low returns are expected to flow on to other asset classes. The Trustee, in conjunction with the Fund s investment adviser, has therefore reviewed the Fund s investment objectives, strategy and investment managers. Some changes are being made to ensure the Fund s investments remain appropriate in the current climate and in light of this medium-term outlook. The table below summarises the revised objectives, strategy and volatility levels. New objectives and strategy Return objective measured over moving 10-year periods Return objective measurement period Investment strategy Aggressive Growth Balanced Moderate Cash CPI + 3.5% p.a. CPI + 3% p.a. CPI + CPI + 1.5% p.a. CPI (down 1%) (down 0.5%) (down 0.5%) (down 0.5%) (down 0.5%) (previously seven) To invest totally in return-seeking assets, which includes Australian shares, international shares, emerging market shares, property, hedge funds, multi alternative credit. (previously seven) To invest largely in alternative credit 80%) with the balance in fixed interest investments. Volatility level High (no change) High (previously Medium to high) (previously five) To invest largely in alternative credit 60%) with the balance in fixed interest investments and cash. Medium to high (previously Medium) (previously three) To invest largely in fixed interest investments and cash with the balance 35%) largely in alternative credit. Medium (previously Low to Medium) (previously three) To invest only in secure short-dated bond-type investments, such as bank deposits, bills, mortgages, floating rate notes and short-dated bonds. Very low (no change) 1

2 The revised objectives reflect the expectation that returns from most asset classes are likely to be lower on average over the medium term. There is also a greater likelihood of negative returns for most options. Investment objectives are the specific goals set by the Trustee for each option. They are not intended to be forecasts or guarantees of future investment returns. Investment returns may continue to be positive or negative. Changes to investment managers An additional asset class alternative credit will be added with the aim to increase diversification. At the same time, the proportion of the Fund s assets invested in emerging market shares and multi asset funds will be reduced. The ICG Australia Senior Loan Fund will be appointed to manage the Fund s alternative credit investments. Alternative credit assets are a special type of diversifying investment which invest in private debt. Merlon is no longer being used as an Australian shares investment manager with assets redistributed among the Fund s other Australian shares managers. How do the changes affect the options? The Fund currently invests in three main asset types: Shares both Australian and international shares. Diversifying assets including fund of hedge funds, global listed property and multi asset strategies. Alternative credit is an additional diversifying asset. Fixed interest and cash including Australian fixed interest and inflation-linked bonds and cash. There will be minor changes to the benchmark asset allocations and ranges for the Aggressive, Growth, Balanced and Moderate options. See below and page 3 for a detailed summary of the changes to these options. Full details are in the Fund s Product Disclosure Statement, which is currently being updated, and will soon be available on the website at Changes to asset types Aggressive Growth Balanced Moderate Current New Current New Current New Current New Shares 55% 51% 40% 37.5% 27.5% 25.7% 15% 14% Diversifying assets Fixed interest and cash 1.8% 1% 45% 49% 40% % 20% 21% 1.8% 1% 20% 20% 40% 40% 65% 65% 2 willistowerswatson.com

3 New asset allocations Aggressive Growth Balanced Moderate 2 1.7% 7.5% 2 3.0% 19.8% 2 1.0% Range Asset class Aggressive Growth Balanced Moderate Australian Shares International Shares (unhedged) International Shares (hedged) Emerging Market Shares Fund of Hedge Funds Global Listed Property Multi Asset Funds Alternative Credit Australian Fixed Interest Australian Inflation-linked Bonds Cash Investment returns for the Fund Returns to 31 March 2017 Remember that past performance is not an indicator of future performance % % 9.83% 9 Months 1 year p.a % 7.39% 5.91% 5.72% 7.90% 4.95% 5.73% 3 year p.a % 3.88% % 1.75% 1.25% 0 Aggressive Growth Balanced Moderate Cash Returns are net of tax and investment fees. 3

4 Investment update After a tumultuous fourth quarter for global markets, the first quarter of 2017 saw the release of positive economic data and a broad improvement in the world economic outlook. However, most of the Fund s investment options have been affected by difficult conditions in investment markets. The Fund continues to be defensively positioned on an expectation of a continued period of low returns and market volatilty. The graph on page 3 shows the Fund s performance for the period to 31 March If you are an Accumulation member, your accounts receive the actual investment returns shown on page 3 for your chosen option which are after allowing for tax and investment fees. If you are a Defined Benefit member, your retirement benefit is generally not affected by investment returns. This benefit is instead linked to your salary. However, any additional accounts that you may have are affected by investment returns, whether positive or negative. As a Defined Benefit member, investment returns (net of tax and investment fees) for your chosen investment option (or the Growth option if you have never made a choice for these accounts) are applied to your additional voluntary contribution and rollover accounts. The majority of members super is invested in the Growth option. As explained in the June 2016 newsletter, and shown in the table below, the Growth option returns have fallen below the median for 1, 3 and 5 year periods when compared to those achieved by other large Balanced superannuation funds. Similar long-term figures are not available for the other investment options as they were only introduced on 1 December months to 31 April 2017 Growth SR50 Balanced (60-76) Median* 7.39% 8.31% 1 year 9.83% 11.15% 3 year 5.91% 7.58% 5 year 7.89% 9.17% New super rules from 1 July 2017 After some revisions, the Federal Government s superannuation reform package was legislated late last year. Many of the reforms, which were first announced in the 2016 Budget, are aimed mainly at higher-income earners. Here is a brief overview of some of the main changes from 1 July Lower limits on contributions The Government has reduced the amount of contributions each year that can receive special tax treatment. If you go over these limits, higher tax applies. Pre-tax contributions Concessional contributions to super such as pre-tax and employer (or notional contributions for Defined Benefit members) made after 1 July 2017 will be limited to $25,000 per year regardless of age. Older members will no longer have access to a higher limit. Members who want to boost their super now can take advantage of the higher limits that apply up to 30 June 2017: $30,000 if you are under age 50 and $35,000 if 50 or older at 30 June After-tax contributions The amount of non-concessional contributions (generally after-tax contributions) to super that receive special tax treatment is also limited each year. This limit will be reduced from $180,000 to $100,000 per year from 1 July Members under age 65 can currently bring forward up to two future years of limits. This accommodates members who want to make larger contributions such as from the sale of an investment property or an inheritance. This arrangement will continue but with lower limits and some extra conditions. Contact the Fund Administrator on if you are thinking of doing this, as complex transitional rules also apply. * Source: SuperRatings Pty Ltd s Survey published for March 2017, This is not financial product advice, independent professional advice must be obtained before making any financial decisions. The most recent returns are on the website at 4 willistowerswatson.com

5 Account-Based Pensions restricted Investment earnings in pension investments are currently not taxed. From 1 July 2017, two new restrictions will apply: A new ceiling of $1.6 million will be put on the amount you can have in total in pension accounts. If your total pension account balances are larger, the excess needs to be moved back into a super account or withdrawn in cash. Investment earnings in a transition to retirement pension account will be taxed. A transition to retirement pension allows you to phase into retirement after your preservation age by accessing some of your super as a pension while you are still working. The change may reduce the tax advantages of this type of pension account. Rules on tax rebate for spouse contributions relaxed Changes from 1 July 2017 mean that more people will be eligible to claim a tax rebate on after-tax contributions they make to their spouse s super fund. Spouse covers married, de facto and same sex partners. Currently, the maximum $540 rebate is available if you contribute $3,000 for a spouse whose income is under $10,800. The rebate reduces gradually and is not payable once your spouse earns $13,800 or more. While the rebate amount is unchanged, the amount your spouse can earn and still be eligible for the rebate is increasing. The full amount will be payable if your spouse earns $37,000 or less and will cut out if they earn $40,000 or more. High-income earners tax the net widens Changes from 1 July 2017 mean that more high-income individuals will pay the higher 30% rate of tax on concessional super contributions. From 1 July 2017, if your adjusted taxable income is over $250,000 (previously $300,000) you will be caught by the higher contributions tax rate. If affected, you will receive an additional tax assessment from the ATO. Discounted financial advice for employees Many of the upcoming tax and super changes are complex. You may be feeling unsure about how they affect you or your retirement plans and what actions to take next. A licensed financial adviser can help to demystify some of the new rules and suggest strategies to adopt based on your personal situation. Employees of Towers Watson Australia Pty Ltd are eligible for discounted financial planning services contact Susan Rio on (03) to make an appointment. Alternatively, you can locate a financial adviser in your area by using the Find a Planner function at or by calling the Financial Planning Association of Australia on Further information If you would like any further information, contact: Fund Administrator Link Super PO Box 1442, Parramatta NSW 2124 Phone Fax (02) TWSFsuper@linksuper.com Website The information in this publication is general information only and does not take into account your particular objectives, financial circumstances or needs. It is not personal or tax advice. Any examples included are for illustration only and are not intended to be recommendations or preferred courses of action. You should consider obtaining professional advice about your personal circumstances before making any financial or investment decision based on the information contained in this document. Please note that past investment performance is not necessarily an indication of future performance. Issued by Towers Watson Superannuation Pty Ltd (ABN , AFSL ), as Trustee of the Towers Watson Superannuation Fund (ABN ). May About Willis Towers Watson Willis Towers Watson (NASDAQ: WLTW) is a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company that helps clients around the world turn risk into a path for growth. With roots dating to 1828, Willis Towers Watson has 39,000 employees in more than 120 countries. We design and deliver solutions that manage risk, optimise benefits, cultivate talent, and expand the power of capital to protect and strengthen institutions and individuals. Our unique perspective allows us to see the critical intersections between talent, assets and ideas the dynamic formula that drives business performance. Together, we unlock potential. Learn more at willistowerswatson.com. 5 willistowerswatson.com