Pension fund performance: Monthly returns to April 2025
Pension funds rebounded in April despite extreme market volatility, putting them on track for another positive financial year.
Articles by Barbara Drury
Super fund performance: Monthly returns to April 2025
Super funds overcame Trump’s tariff turmoil in April to finish in positive territory, reaffirming the importance of sitting tight and ignoring the short-term market “noise”.
Super fund performance reckoner: Monthly returns for 5 investment categories
In our reckoner below you can view the median monthly investment returns for 5 superannuation investment options going back to January 2016.
Super fund mergers: What does it mean for members?
If your fund is involved in a merger, don’t panic. You could end up better off, but you do need to make sure your new fund is still a good fit.
My retirement planning diary (Part 2): My super fund-amentals
After deciding I would retire this year, volatile global markets have forced me to review my plans. In part 2 of this series, I review my super investments and my approach to risk.
How much does financial advice cost?
Many Australians who admit they need financial advice are reluctant to get it due to the perceived cost, but are they right? We look at what’s available and what it costs.
Super pensions: Trends in payment frequency, flexibility, fees and more
Despite calls for more innovative pension products, most super funds are tinkering around the edges of their retirement offerings.
My retirement planning diary (Part 1): Donald you shrunk my retirement!
After deciding I would retire this year, the current market turmoil has put a Trump-sized hole in my plans. If you’re in the same boat, come along for the ride as I review my situation over the coming months.
Choosing a super fund: Does size really matter?
Size can be an advantage when it comes to economies of scale and investment clout, but big is not always better.
Mind over matter: The psychology of retirement planning
Understanding how common behaviours and cognitive biases can short-change your retirement is the first step to taking control of your financial future.
Super strategies after losing your spouse in retirement: What are the rules?
Inheriting your spouse’s super in retirement needs careful planning to ensure you make the most of the tax-free pension phase without exceeding your limit.
Australian income tax brackets and rates (2024-25 and previous years)
Now that the stage 3 tax cuts are law, most Australians will receive a tax cut in 2024-25. Until then, existing income tax rates and thresholds apply.
Age Pension rates (March 2025 to September 2025)
Age Pension rates increased on 20 March 2025. This article also explains how the Age Pension works, and includes the latest Age Pension rates for residents, non-residents, and the transitional Age Pension.
Pension fund performance to December 2024
Pension fund returns exceeded minimum withdrawal rates for most retirees in 2024, providing a buffer against volatile times ahead.
How much super do I need to retire?
The good news is you probably don’t need anywhere near the $1 million often touted to retire in the style to which you have become accustomed. Here’s how to set your savings target.
SMSF returns are competitive with large funds
While lagging the performance of large super funds some years, SMSFs have outperformed them over the longer term.
Common ‘myth-conceptions’ about retirement income
Given the complexity of super and how it interacts with the Age Pension, it’s not surprising that misunderstandings abound. So let’s bust a few myths.
Which are Australia’s largest super funds?
We’ve done the digging to help you make the most of what your super fund has to offer.Australia’s biggest super funds are getting even bigger, thanks to a spate of mergers and organic growth.
