2017 super returns double 10-year average

In a statement, the research house said a “late rally” in Australian equities helped bolster returns despite poor performance from global shares.

“Investors will certainly be starting out 2018 on the front foot, despite some of the challenges we have seen throughout the past 12 months,” said SuperRatings chief executive Kirby Rappell.

Mr Rappell said 2017 had been a “frustrating” year for investors, but a falling Australian dollar and support from US market momentum had both helped returns hit the estimated 10.5 per cent – almost double the 5.6 per cent average seen over the last decade.

This figure would also mark the sixth consecutive year of positive returns, the statement added.