ASB Investor Updates
20 August 2021 / Published in Your MoneyInvesting for your future doesn't have to cost the planet. The ASB KiwiSaver Scheme Positive Impact Fund is one of the top performing funds in its category*
We are proud that the ASB KiwiSaver Scheme Positive Impact Fund was one of the top three performing Balanced KiwiSaver funds for the one-year period ending 30 June 2021 while making a positive difference to the world.
It was also the top performing Balanced fund for the past three months, ending 30 June 2021.
Back in 2019, we created the ASB KiwiSaver Scheme Positive Impact Fund to provide Kiwis with an alternative option for investing their KiwiSaver savings that also aligns with their values. The fund has a preference for investments that are helping to build a better future, such as affordable housing, clean energy infrastructure and climate change projects and avoids investing in industries such as tobacco, armaments, and fossil fuels.
ASB's investments are reducing exposure to fossil fuel production
We are continuously reviewing the way we invest to ensure we are meeting the expectations of our customers. That's why we have made changes to our investment exclusions to exclude investment in fossil fuel production.
This will see us exclude investments in companies with their primary business activity in the production of thermal coal, oil, or gas, and/or companies who derive at least 10% of their revenue from the production of thermal coal, oil and/or gas.
We expect this change to be largely complete by 31 August 2021.
Find out more about how we invest responsibly.
Did you receive your annual Government contribution into your KiwiSaver account this year? How to check, and what you can do next.
If you're eligible and contributed to your KiwiSaver account from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021 you should have received the Annual Government Contribution which could have been up to $521.43. Log on to your ASB FastNet Classic internet banking, go to your KiwiSaver account and click on the "money in" section to view.
There are number of reasons as to why you may not have received the full Government contribution, have a look at our webpage which will provide an overview of everything you need to know.
If you, or someone you know missed out on receiving the entire or partial amount, starting to contribute earlier in the year is one of the best ways to make sure you are on track when it gets to June next year. If you've also got children or grandchildren who are over 18, it may pay to check they are set up to contribute and meet the required amount too.
Global expertise and a faster approach to managing your investments
We have recently brought on board BlackRock Investment Management (Australia) Limited, a subsidiary of the world's largest asset management firm, BlackRock Inc., to manage our investments but what does it mean for investors?
Until now, BlackRock has been an "underlying investment manager", but we are expanding the scope of their role. A key difference is BlackRock will make decisions on the two things we believe are most important for your returns: asset allocation and currency decisions.
The most important thing to understand is that this new approach will allow us to be more responsive to the market. Previously we have reviewed our asset allocation and currency positions every quarter, but under the new partnership, BlackRock will look to adjust in real time, in response to changes in the market. This responsiveness will hopefully have a big impact on our long-term investment performance.
To find out more about our partnership with BlackRock listen to our latest ASB Investment Podcast episode, available on Spotify or Apple Podcasts or visit the ASB website.
BlackRock Investment Management (Australia) Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. BlackRock, Inc is based in the US and is a leading global provider of investment management services with over US$9.5 trillion in assets under management as at 30 June 2021.
Returns are a reflection of past performance and are not a guarantee or indication of future performance because returns fluctuate (move up and down). Returns can be negative and you may receive back less than the total amount of your contributions.
Interests in the ASB KiwiSaver Scheme (Scheme) are issued by ASB Group Investments Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of ASB Bank Limited (ASB). ASB provides administration and distribution services for the Scheme. No person guarantees interests in the Scheme. Interests in the Scheme are not deposits or other liabilities of ASB. They are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of income and principal invested. For more information see the ASB KiwiSaver Scheme Product Disclosure Statement available from this website and the register of offers of financial products at disclose-register.companiesoffice.govt.nz (search for ASB KiwiSaver Scheme).
