Australia's top-performing superannuation growth funds delivered more than 10 per cent returns in the 2025-26 financial year, while a few others recorded losses. The Australian Financial Review, The West Australian and Livewire Markets released lists of the best performers. Funds with heavy equity allocations generally outpaced those tilted to property after recent budget tweaks. A member who was down $139,000 reportedly faced an inability to retire and reported debts. The AFR, The West and Livewire Markets released updated fund rankings this month.
Sector analysts say the gap between equity-heavy options and defensive ones stretched sharply across the year. Multiple high-growth products beat their benchmarks, driven by a surge in shares and tech exposure. Meanwhile, property-heavy choices dragged after interest rate concerns and softer asset values. This picture left members wondering whether to stay put or change.
Retirees felt the sting most: one case centred on a member who watched balances drop by hundreds of thousands, leaving them back into the workforce. Financial advisers urge members to check their asset allocation and test their plan against sharp swings. Boards at several funds point to diversification as the core shelter when markets turn.
Regulators continue to push for clearer disclosure on turbulence and costs, and watchers anticipate more rankings imminently. Until conditions improve, savers holding growth funds can brace for both solid gains or deep cuts in the same period.