Top 10 performing super funds of the past decade revealed
The Daily Telegraph – 27 October 2026
Balanced options, which most Aussies are invested in, naturally delivered lower average annual returns compared to high growth options, with average annual returns of 7.7 per cent over the last decade.
They are defined by SuperRatings as those with growth asset exposure between 60 and 76 per cent.
Balanced options invest in a mix of growth and defensive assets, aiming for steady returns over time, compared to high growth options which aim for higher, long-term returns but can rise and fall more in the short-term.
SuperRatings manager of superannuation research and insights, Joshua Lowen, said super funds had delivered well for Aussies over the past decade.
“While the average level of inflation has sat around 2.9 per cent each year, fund’s Balanced options, which most Australians are invested in, have delivered approximately 7.7 per cent meaning they have delivered real value that members will benefit from once they retire,” he told news.com.au.
Mr Lowen said super returns could change quickly as they often relied on share markets.
“With most of us having years, or even decades, until retirement it’s important to focus on how well your super fund does in a range of different environments,” he said.
“While one-year returns might be impacted by a specific event or investment position, over longer timeframes these specific events have less influence on outcomes; however, it remains important to remember that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.”
Mr Lowen said he sees the coming years as being more challenging as persistent inflation and the ongoing war in the Middle East weighs on growth expectations.
“So far, the promise of AI has supported returns, however we are increasingly seeing questions around how the expectation productivity gains from AI will translate into corporate profits,” he said.
“Following four years of strong returns we have seen a slower start to this financial year and members should be prepared for more subdued outcomes over coming years.”
