While increased volatility and a late rally were hallmarks of the double digit returns for FY25, super funds have had a smooth start to the new financial year, with leading superannuation research house SuperRatings estimating that the median balanced option returned 1.5% to members over July.
“Markets continue to tolerate increased volatility with both Australian and international share markets starting the new financial year with a positive return” commented Kirby Rappell, Director of SuperRatings. “Following the turmoil of the initial tariff announcements, markets continue to be taking news in their stride at present.”
The median growth option grew by an estimated 1.8% in July, while the median capital stable option, rose by a more modest 0.7%.
Accumulation returns to 31 July 2025
| Monthly | FYTD | 1 yr | 3 yrs (p.a.) | 5 yrs (p.a) | 7 yrs (p.a.) | 10 yrs (p.a.) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SR Balanced (60-76) Index | 1.5% | 1.5% | 9.7% | 8.9% | 8.6% | 7.0% | 7.0% |
| SR Capital Stable (20-40) Index | 0.7% | 0.7% | 6.6% | 5.5% | 4.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| SR Growth (77-90) Index | 1.8% | 1.8% | 10.7% | 10.3% | 10.0% | 8.1% | 8.1% |
Pension returns followed a similar pattern, with the median balanced pension option increasing by an estimated 1.6%. The median capital stable pension option is estimated to rise 0.8% over the month while the median growth pension option is estimated to rise 2.0% for the same period.
Pension returns to 31 July 2025
| Monthly | FYTD | 1 yr | 3 yrs (p.a.) | 5 yrs (p.a) | 7 yrs (p.a.) | 10 yrs (p.a.) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SRP Balanced (60-76) Index | 1.6% | 1.6% | 10.7% | 9.9% | 9.4% | 7.8% | 7.8% |
| SRP Capital Stable (20-40) Index | 0.8% | 0.8% | 7.3% | 6.1% | 5.0% | 4.7% | 4.9% |
| SRP Growth (77-90) Index | 2.0% | 2.0% | 11.9% | 11.3% | 11.0% | 8.9% | 8.8% |
With inflation in Australia now within the target range, there is a strong expectation that the Reserve Bank of Australia will reduce interest rates this week, however with the decision to hold in July shocking markets the timing of future shifts in rates remains uncertain.
“Strong July returns were a nice way to start the year; however, we remain cautious of the outlook for FY26 given the current strength of valuations and lingering global uncertainties which have the possibility to drive changes in Australia’s superannuation returns” continued Mr Rappell. “We encourage members to remain focused on the long term, with many of us having years or even decades before we start drawing on our super. Super returns have had a stellar run and, for the median Balanced option we are tracking, returns remain at just over 7% per annum since the start of the superannuation guarantee in 1992.”
Release ends
We welcome media enquiries regarding our research or information held in our database. We are also able to provide commentary and customised tables or charts for your use.
For more information contact:
Kirby Rappell
Director of SuperRatings
Tel: 1300 826 395
Mob: +61 408 250 725
Kirby.Rappell@superratings.com.au
Require further information? Simply visit www.superratings.com.au.
