Super fund Equip's diversified options recorded double-digit returns this year, outdoing SuperRatings benchmarks.
Growth plus, which mostly hold shares, recorded a 17.1 per cent return for the year, down from last year's 23.3 per cent return, while the conservative option, which has about 20 per cent exposure to shares, returned 8.3 per cent.
Balanced growth showed net annual returns of 13.4 per cent in the year to 30 June, down from 16 per cent last year. The balanced option showed returns of 10.7 per cent, down from 11.6 per cent last year.
The super fund said the positive returns were mainly due to strong share market returns, adding even fixed interest had a "respectable" gain during the reporting period.
Fixed interest returned about 6 per cent for the year, well ahead of cash, which stood at 2.6 per cent.
Overseas bonds outperformed Australian bonds, returning 7.8 per cent, while Australian bonds returned 6.1 per cent.
The Australian share market increased by 17.3 per cent for the year, as investors preferred companies that could pay dividends, like the big banks.
Overseas shares returned 21.1 per cent, mainly driven by the European market, with the US catching up. However, Asia was behind in the market.
Equip expects continued strong returns from the share market as the domestic cash rate remains on hold for a while longer.
The two funds have announced the signing of a non-binding MOU to explore a potential merger.
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Super fund mergers are rising, but poor planning during successor fund transfers has left members and employers exposed to serious risks.