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Super balances rise as funds deliver steady returns
Super balances have continued to rise in August, with research showing Australian funds have maintained strong momentum, delivering steady gains for members.
The latest data from SuperRatings has estimated that the median balanced option returned 1.3 per cent to members in August, with a 10.6 per cent gain over the past year.
Kirby Rappell, director of SuperRatings, commented: “In contrast to the volatility we saw at the beginning of August last year, returns have seen a smoother performance over the first two months of FY26.”
The SuperRatings median growth option rose by 1.5 per cent in August and 12 per cent over the past year, while the median capital stable option delivered 0.8 per cent for the month and 6.8 per cent annually.
Meanwhile, pension returns also performed well, with the median balanced pension option increasing by 1.4 per cent in August and 11.8 per cent annually.
The median growth pension options gained 1.7 per cent for the month and 13.2 per cent over the year, while the capital stable pension option returned 0.9 per cent in August and 7.5 per cent p.a.
Looking ahead, SuperRatings said short-term performance will likely be influenced more by inflation trends and central bank decisions in Australia and the US than by tariffs.
“We have now had five consecutive months of positive monthly returns for super, building Australians’ retirement savings,” Rappell said.
“While the longer-term impacts of US tariffs, high valuations and the trajectory of inflation need careful monitoring, members should be comforted by the track record of Australian funds delivering strong returns for members over the long term.”
This comes as the latest Quarterly Superannuation Industry Publication from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) revealed that total member assets across the superannuation industry reached $2.68 trillion as at 30 June 2025.
These assets were spread across 895 products and 23.3 million member accounts.
Of the products available, 52 are MySuper, 730 were Choice, and 113 were defined benefit. MySuper products held $1.13 trillion in assets, while Choice products accounted for $1.44 trillion and defined benefit products $141 billion.
By membership, MySuper dominated with 14.9 million accounts, compared with 7.7 million in Choice products and 700,000 in defined benefit products.
Choice offerings were the most diverse segment, covering 421 accumulation products, 109 transition-to-retirement products, and 200 retirement products.
AUTHOR
Adrian Suljanovic
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