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 and Livewire Markets released lists of the leading performers. Funds with high equity allocations generally outpaced those weighted to property after recent budget tweaks. A member who was down $139,000 reportedly faced an inability to retire and claimed debts. AFR, The West Australian and Livewire Markets issued updated fund rankings this month.
Sector analysts say the gap between growth-oriented options and conservative ones stretched sharply across the year. Several high-growth products topped their benchmarks, driven by a rally in listed equities and business solutions exposure. By contrast, property-heavy options lagged after interest rate worries and softer asset values. The outlook left savers asking whether to stay put or change.
Retirees felt the sting most: one case centred on a member who saw balances drop by hundreds of thousands, forcing them back into the workforce. Wealth advisers advise savers to review their investment mix and stress-test assumptions against sharp swings. Trustees at several funds point to diversification as the key saving when markets tank.
Oversight bodies continue to push for clearer disclosure on risk and costs, and watchers anticipate further league tables soon. Unless conditions improve, members with growth funds can expect either solid gains or heavy losses in the same span.