Australian retirees hit hardest by global financial crisis
"Australians have felt the GFC acutely and for a prolonged period because of the strong links between our pension and superannuation systems and equity markets, which saw more than 50 per cent falls following the crisis," said Graham Heunis, HSBC Australia's head of retail banking and wealth management. "It has resulted in many Australians' retirement plans being disrupted."
According to the survey, almost 80 per cent of Australian retirees reported an income fall upon retiring. More than 40 per cent reported their income falling by half. That was about double the global average and way ahead of other western markets including the US at 16 per cent and Britain at 24 per cent.
Apart from the financial crisis, Australian retirees blamed the drop in income on unexpected events or expenses such as children moving back home or health-related expenses as well as insufficient planning.
About 40 per cent of retirees say they did not prepare adequately or at all for a comfortable retirement. About 60 per cent said that their preparations for retirement turned out to be at least adequate.
HSBC's Future of Retirement: Life After Work? report also shows that one in six working-age Australians believe they will never be in a financial position to fully retire. That is higher than the global average of 12 per cent and on a par with the US and Britain.
Australians are working longer but are also embracing semi-retirement in greater numbers. On average, Australians expect to fully retire at 64 (compared with the global average of 59), which is three years later than when their parents retired.
One-third of Australians aged 55 to 64 are semi-retired.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
According to an HSBC study, Australian retirees were hit hardest because their superannuation funds had large exposure to shares. Equity markets fell by more than 50% after the GFC, and the strong links between Australia’s pension/superannuation systems and equity markets disrupted many retirement plans.
The HSBC survey found almost 80% of Australian retirees reported a fall in income on retiring, and more than 40% said their income fell by half — roughly double the global average and much higher than the US (16%) and Britain (24%).
Retirees cited unexpected life events and expenses — such as adult children moving back home, rising health-related costs — as well as insufficient planning as other major reasons for reduced retirement income.
About 40% of retirees said they did not prepare adequately or at all for a comfortable retirement, while roughly 60% said their preparations turned out to be at least adequate.
Yes. On average Australians expect to fully retire at 64, compared with a global average of 59. Many are working longer and embracing semi-retirement in greater numbers.
The HSBC report found one in six working-age Australians believe they will never be in a financial position to fully retire — higher than the global average of 12% and similar to results in the US and Britain.
Semi-retirement is relatively common: about one-third of Australians aged 55 to 64 are already semi-retired, reflecting a trend toward phased exits from the workforce.
The findings come from HSBC’s report 'Future of Retirement: Life After Work?' and include commentary from Graham Heunis, HSBC Australia’s head of retail banking and wealth management.
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