Cash is an investment in term deposits or bank bills for short periods of time (less than 12 months). This investment class is potentially one of the most stable, because the returns are among the most predictable. Over the long term it can be expected to earn a lower rate of return.

This legislation was introduced to allow most employees to choose which super fund their compulsory employer contributions (Super Guarantee 'SG' contributions) are paid into.

The Government co-contribution is an initiative to help Australians boost their super. If you are eligible, every $1 you put into your superannuation as an after-tax contribution the Government will contribute up to $1, to a maximum of $1,000 a year (for $1,000 of contributions). The $1,000 maximum co-contribution is available for incomes up to $31,920, reducing by 3.3 cents for each dollar of income up to $61,920. The Australian Tax Office (ATO) is responsible for administering the co-contributions scheme.

Commodities, such as oil, copper, wheat and coal include many of the basic goods we consume or use to manufacture other goods. HESTA invests in commodities through fund manager products.

A super fund which complies with the operational standards specified in the Federal Government's Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (SIS) and Regulations, therefore qualifying for concessional tax treatment.

Interest paid on both the principal amount invested and the interest previously earned.

A fee on each amount contributed to your investment. HESTA does not charge any contribution fees.

Government legislation requires payment of 15% tax on employer contributions and on contributions by self-employed people claiming a tax deduction.

An amount of money placed into a fund. In relation to superannuation funds, contributions may be made by either employers or employees, or both.

The rate of interest paid to super fund members on their account balance, usually expressed as a percentage per annum. The crediting rate in any given year may be different from the earning rate if reserves are held. Negative crediting rates may apply in adverse investment periods.

International investments are vulnerable to changes in the value of the Australian dollar. Currency hedging involves locking in the price for a future purchase or sale of currency to help avoid the effect of these currency fluctuations. While a currency hedge can decrease potential loss, it can also reduce potential profits.