Superannuation funds reported their first monthly loss after seven months of consecutive positive returns, according to SuperRatings.
The monthly SuperRatings returns data for November found the median balanced option lost 0.5 per cent last month and the median growth option losing 0.6 per cent.
Those funds with a capital stable option performed a bit better with smaller losses of 0.2 per cent.
During October, the median balanced option had seen positive gains of 1.3 per cent.
Pension returns also fell over the month, with the median balanced pension option losing 0.5 per cent.
The reason for the losses was attributed to a pullback in Australian shares and listed property sectors with the ASX 200 losing 3.6 per cent during the month.
Kirby Rappell, director of SuperRatings, said: “The estimated decline means a second consecutive double digit calendar return is unlikely however members should be pleased that returns remain strong over the long term with the median balanced option providing an estimated 7.1 per cent per annum over the last 25 years.
“For pension members, the results have been even better with the median balanced pension product is estimated to return 9.5 per cent for the 11 months to 30 November 2025”.
He noted that while the reversal to negative returns was disappointing this month, 2025 is still expected to be above average for annual returns.
Rappell said: “While this month breaks the strong run, 2025 is well on track to be an above average year for member balances, with the 11 months to 30 November 2025 estimated to have returned 8.7 per cent against a median of 7.1 per cent for the full year since 2000.
“While the returns so far are worth celebrating, the reserve bank of Australia held interest rates in the final meeting of 2025 and the trajectory of inflation into 2026 remains somewhat uncertain.”
