Super fund average returns

For most working Australians, superannuation is likely to be their main financial asset outside the family home. That means most of us have a vested interest in financial markets and how super funds are performing.

It’s important to track how super funds are performing in general so that you can assess how well your own super fund is performing.

SuperGuide provides regular updates on the performance of the superannuation sector, for periods of one month up to 15 years. We have articles comparing the main super investment options, grouped according to the weighting of growth assets (shares and property), and asset classes.

Our Investment Performance Reckoners allow you to compare the performance of different investment options and asset classes over the past decade or more.

If you are a member of a retail MySuper default product, you are probably invested in a lifecycle product, so we cover these separately.

Don’t get too anxious about any monthly, quarterly or even annual losses though. It’s important to keep in mind that super is a long-term investment – your money could be locked away for 40 years or more, until you retire or reach a condition of release.

While short-term ups and downs might grab headlines, it’s long-term returns that count, although as you near retirement you may want keep a closer eye on the short-term performance.

See also our Investment performance reckoners.