Australia's top-performing superannuation growth funds posted more than 10 per cent returns in the 2025-26 financial year, while a few others notched losses. The Australian Financial Review, The West Australian and Livewire Markets published roundups of the best performers. Funds with high equity allocations generally outpaced those weighted to property after post-budget shifts. A member who lost $139,000 allegedly faced an difficulty retiring and claimed debts. The AFR, The West Australian and Livewire Markets issued updated fund rankings recently.
Sector analysts say the gap between growth-oriented options and conservative ones widened sharply across the year. Several high-growth products beat their benchmarks, powered by a surge in listed equities and tech exposure. Meanwhile, property-heavy options lagged after interest rate worries and softer asset prices. This outlook has left savers asking whether to hold course or switch.
Retirees felt the sting most: one case revolved around a member who watched balances drop by hundreds of thousands, forcing them to keep working. Wealth counsellors urge savers to check their investment mix and stress-test assumptions against rough patches. Trustees at major funds note diversification as the core saving when markets tank.
Regulators keep to push for clearer reporting on risk and costs, and analysts expect more league tables soon. Until conditions shift, members holding growth funds can expect both big wins or heavy losses in the a single period.