Information Centre

Every scheme member would like to obtain different information about their MPF for better MPF management, as the MPF is their valuable retirement reserve. However, with the sea of MPF information out there, which specific information is the most useful for MPF management? 

Relevant information is more valuable for reference 

We encourage all scheme members to refer to the “information pyramid” below to understand the three layers of MPF information.

 The bottom layer of the information pyramid is generalized information and figures, such as the overall return rate of the MPF System and the average returns of different fund types. This is the information that is frequently cited and talked about by the media and commentators. Given market volatility, however, short-term performance and data have little reference value for individual scheme members to plan for their retirement or investment. In addition, the overall investment return of the MPF System is an average figure reflecting the collective investment decisions made by over four million MPF scheme members. It has no direct correlation with the investment returns of individual scheme members.

The second layer of information comprises details on funds, such as their performance, which can be found in Fund Fact Sheets, information provided by individual MPF schemes and funds, and on the MPFA’s MPF Fund Platform. This layer of information can help scheme members better understand the investment objectives, risk levels, fund expense ratios, performance in different timespans, and so forth, of individual funds. These are very useful references for scheme members for building up a personalized investment portfolio. When selecting MPF funds, the Layer 2 information better fits the needs of scheme members. 

The most direct and valuable reference for scheme members when reviewing their MPF portfolios is the personalized data at the top of the “information pyramid”. Information at this layer can be found in the Annual Benefit Statement (ABS) issued by trustees every year. It records the latest status of the scheme member’s investment portfolio and provides a summary of the contributions and investments over the previous year, including account inflows and outflows, the account balance and the investment return. It is like a unique "annual health check-up report" for MPF investment for each scheme member.

When managing their MPF, scheme members should adopt a long-term investment approach and not blindly follow the trends or try to time the market. When choosing MPF funds, they should consider the investment objectives and risks of different choices, measure the returns and risks based on the principle of "value for money", and regularly review them as they age, ensuring that the investment portfolio is diversified and meets their needs.