Retirement
Top 10 funds in 10 years: Super’s scorecard
Stronger than expected performance in the June quarter and predicted improvements should see Aussie savers breathe a sigh of relief, but some funds are performing better than others.
Top 10 funds in 10 years: Super’s scorecard
Stronger than expected performance in the June quarter and predicted improvements should see Aussie savers breathe a sigh of relief, but some funds are performing better than others.
According to SuperRatings’ latest data, the second half of 2018 should see super funds’ performance improve, if history is anything to go by.
The research house noted that balanced options have over the last 10 years delivered higher returns in the second halves of the calendar year, returning an average 1.9 per cent in the September quarter and 1.7 per cent in the December quarter. That’s compared to average June quarter returns of 0.9 per cent.
This is a reflection of the “seasonal impact” on equity markets, SuperRatings said.
However, the June 2018 quarter saw the median balanced option grow 1.3 per cent, bringing the return to 3.3 per cent. This strong recovery is actually at odds with history, SuperRatings’ chief executive Kirby Rappell said.

“Luckily this year investors forgot the old adage of ‘sell in May and go away’. Instead we saw a strong recovery which ended up producing a very positive June quarter for superannuation,” he said.
“If history is a guide, members can anticipate a bit of a kick in coming periods, although this is conditional on the management of some downside risks to the Australian economy, as well as the broader global growth picture.”
However, softer overall growth is still likely given continued reverberations from the royal commission into financial services.
“The Australian economy has a bit of extra baggage, including low wage growth and a cooling property sector which could impact sentiment, but overall our outlook is positive,” he said.
So, who’s doing the best?
These were the top 10 balanced funds over the 10 years to 30 June 2018, according to SuperRatings' analysis.
| Fund & Option | Return over 10 years (p.a.) |
| UniSuper Accum (1) - Balanced | 7.6% |
| CareSuper - Balanced | 7.5% |
| Equip MyFuture - Balanced Growth | 7.5% |
| Rest - Core Strategy | 7.4% |
| HOSTPLUS - Balanced* | 7.4% |
| AustralianSuper - Balanced | 7.3% |
| Cbus - Growth (Cbus MySuper)* | 7.2% |
| Catholic Super - Balanced (MySuper) | 7.2% |
| AustSafe Super - MySuper (Balanced) | 7.0% |
| First State Super - Growth | 7.0% |
Read more at Nestegg "Top 10 highest performing super funds".
Superannuation
Employment Hero pioneers real-time super payments with HeroClear integration
In a significant leap forward for Australia's payroll and superannuation systems, Employment Hero, in collaboration with Zepto and OZEDI, has successfully processed the country's first ...Read more
Superannuation
Rest launches Rest Pay to streamline superannuation payments and boost member outcomes
In a significant move aimed at enhancing compliance with upcoming superannuation regulations, Rest, one of Australia’s largest profit-to-member superannuation funds, has unveiled an innovative ...Read more
Superannuation
Rest appoints experienced governance expert to bolster superannuation fund
Rest, one of Australia's largest profit-to-member superannuation funds, has announced the appointment of Ed Waters as the new Company Secretary. Waters, who brings with him over 15 years of extensive ...Read more
Superannuation
Small businesses brace for cash flow challenges as Payday Super becomes law
With the new Payday Super legislation now enacted, small businesses across Australia are preparing for a significant shift in how they manage superannuation contributions. The law, which mandates a ...Read more
Superannuation
Rest launches Innovate RAP to support fairer super outcomes for First Nations members
In a significant move towards reconciliation and inclusivity, Rest, one of Australia's largest profit-to-member superannuation funds, has unveiled its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)Read more
Superannuation
Payday super legislation promises fairer retirement for part-time and casual workers
In a landmark development for the Australian workforce, the recently passed Payday Super legislation is set to transform the retirement landscape for countless part-time and casual workersRead more
Superannuation
Payday Super passes as Employment Hero, OZEDI and Zepto unite to help small businesses meet new seven-day payment rule
With the Payday Superannuation Bill officially passing through Parliament, Australian businesses are now less than eight months away from a major shift in how superannuation contributions are made — ...Read more
Superannuation
Aware Super appoints Simon Warner as Chief Investment Officer
Aware Super has announced the appointment of Simon Warner as Chief Investment Officer, effective 1 December 2025, following a competitive global search to replace outgoing CIO Damian Graham, who ...Read more
Superannuation
Employment Hero pioneers real-time super payments with HeroClear integration
In a significant leap forward for Australia's payroll and superannuation systems, Employment Hero, in collaboration with Zepto and OZEDI, has successfully processed the country's first ...Read more
Superannuation
Rest launches Rest Pay to streamline superannuation payments and boost member outcomes
In a significant move aimed at enhancing compliance with upcoming superannuation regulations, Rest, one of Australia’s largest profit-to-member superannuation funds, has unveiled an innovative ...Read more
Superannuation
Rest appoints experienced governance expert to bolster superannuation fund
Rest, one of Australia's largest profit-to-member superannuation funds, has announced the appointment of Ed Waters as the new Company Secretary. Waters, who brings with him over 15 years of extensive ...Read more
Superannuation
Small businesses brace for cash flow challenges as Payday Super becomes law
With the new Payday Super legislation now enacted, small businesses across Australia are preparing for a significant shift in how they manage superannuation contributions. The law, which mandates a ...Read more
Superannuation
Rest launches Innovate RAP to support fairer super outcomes for First Nations members
In a significant move towards reconciliation and inclusivity, Rest, one of Australia's largest profit-to-member superannuation funds, has unveiled its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)Read more
Superannuation
Payday super legislation promises fairer retirement for part-time and casual workers
In a landmark development for the Australian workforce, the recently passed Payday Super legislation is set to transform the retirement landscape for countless part-time and casual workersRead more
Superannuation
Payday Super passes as Employment Hero, OZEDI and Zepto unite to help small businesses meet new seven-day payment rule
With the Payday Superannuation Bill officially passing through Parliament, Australian businesses are now less than eight months away from a major shift in how superannuation contributions are made — ...Read more
Superannuation
Aware Super appoints Simon Warner as Chief Investment Officer
Aware Super has announced the appointment of Simon Warner as Chief Investment Officer, effective 1 December 2025, following a competitive global search to replace outgoing CIO Damian Graham, who ...Read more
