Low returns

Chant West reported that growth superannuation funds returned 0.5% in the year to June 30, 2012, marking a very weak result for that financial year.

Returns fell sharply versus the prior year: growth superannuation funds returned 0.5% in the year to June 30, 2012, compared with 9.2% in the year to June 2011.

The article calls 2012 the worst result since the financial crisis because the 0.5% return was the weakest outcome since 2009, when funds plunged 12.9%.

The research and figures were provided by superannuation fund research group Chant West, and director Warren Chant commented on the results.

Warren Chant said the 2012 financial year was tough because opposing forces shifted market sentiment 'to and fro' and prevented any clear pattern emerging, which made it difficult for funds to navigate the year.

According to the article, it means that different market influences moved sentiment back and forth during the 2012 year, creating unpredictability in returns and preventing a consistent market trend from developing.

The article states that in 2009 growth superannuation funds plunged 12.9%, which is referenced as the low point during the financial crisis.

The article does not claim a long-term trend; it reports that 2012 was a particularly tough year due to shifting market sentiment and notes the 0.5% result was the weakest since the 2009 plunge, without projecting future performance.