According to the latest figures from Chant West, the median growth fund in Australia – which holds 61 to 80 per cent of its portfolio in growth assets – took advantage of strong growth in equities market in September after a not-so-great August.

While acknowledging the improvement, Chant West’s senior investment research manager, Mano Mohankumar, downplayed optimism for continued growth, predicting that markets will remain volatile while global uncertainty remains.

“Notwithstanding the healthy overall result over the September quarter, the volatility we encountered in August isn’t going away. We expect challenging times ahead as the global economy continues to be dogged by uncertainty,” Mr Mohankumar said.

However, despite global uncertainty and low rates domestically, the research manager does not believe investors in superannuation need to worry.

“Australians should take comfort that their superannuation is mostly invested in well-diversified portfolios with their investments spread across a wide range of asset sectors,” Mr Mohankumar continued.

“With lessons learnt from the GFC, the typical growth fund is well prepared for market volatility.”

“The typical growth fund also has more resilience built in than it did a decade ago, so it is better prepared in the event that investment markets falter,” the research manager noted. 

Long-term performance

Reminding investors that superannuation is a long-term asset, Mr Mohankumar did highlight how strong superannuation returns have been over the last six years.

“The healthy returns since the end of the GFC in early 2009 have seen the longer-term performance tracking well above that CPI plus 3.5 per cent target for the past six years,” he concluded. 

About the author

Cameron is a journalist for Momentum Media's nestegg and Smart Property Investment. He enjoys giving Aussies practical financial tips and tricks to help grow their wealth and achieve financial independence. As a self-confessed finance nerd, Cameron enjoys chatting with industry experts and commentators to leverage their insights to grow your portfolio.

About the author

Cameron is a journalist for Momentum Media's nestegg and Smart Property Investment. He enjoys giving Aussies practical financial tips and tricks to help grow their wealth and achieve financial independence. As a self-confessed finance nerd, Cameron enjoys chatting with industry experts and commentators to leverage their insights to grow your portfolio.

Cameron is a journalist for Momentum Media's nestegg and Smart Property Investment. He enjoys giving Aussies practical financial tips and tricks to help grow their wealth and achieve financial independence. As a self-confessed finance nerd, Cameron enjoys chatting with industry experts and commentators to leverage their insights to grow your portfolio.

more on this topic

Superannuation

Payday super reform hailed as transformative win for Australian workers

In a significant shift for Australia's retirement savings landscape, the introduction of the Payday Super regime on Wednesday, 1 July, marks a transformative change in how superannuation payments are ...Read more

Superannuation

Many Australians to miss out on EOFY super boost due to affordability and knowledge gaps

As the end of the financial year looms, a significant number of working Australians are poised to miss out on the chance to enhance their superannuation savings. A recent survey commissioned by global ...Read more

Superannuation

Aware Super restructures leadership as Ian Pendleton steps down

In a significant leadership reshuffle, Aware Super is bidding farewell to its long-serving Group Executive Legal and Company Secretary, Ian Pendleton, as he steps down from his executive role after 14 ...Read more

Superannuation

Half of Australians unaware of impending superannuation law change set to impact millions

In a surprising revelation, a recent study has highlighted a significant knowledge gap among Australian workers regarding a major superannuation reform set to affect over 1.2 million people from 1 ...Read more

Superannuation

Rest strengthens investment strategy with seasoned executive appointment

In a strategic move to bolster its investment strategy, Rest, one of Australia's largest profit-to-member superannuation funds, has appointed Andy Moser as the Head of CIO Office. This newly created ...Read more

Superannuation

NGS Super strengthens leadership with appointment of new Chief Member Officer

In a strategic move to bolster its member growth and experience transformation, NGS Super has appointed Adam Parsons as the new Chief Member Officer (CMO). Effective from 1 June 2026, Parsons will ...Read more

Superannuation

Aware Super triumphs at Chant West Super Fund Awards with top honours

In a significant achievement for Aware Super, the fund has clinched top honours at the Chant West Super Fund Awards, securing both the Super Fund of the Year and Pension Fund of the Year titlesRead more

Superannuation

NGS Super rolls out enhanced member advice services with a focus on accessibility

In a significant move to make financial advice more accessible, NGS Super has unveiled an enhanced suite of member advice services, featuring a new digital advice platform. This initiative aims to ...Read more