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 high 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 recently.
Industry watchers say the spread between equity-heavy options and conservative ones stretched sharply across the year. Multiple high-growth products beat their benchmarks, driven by a surge in listed equities and tech exposure. Meanwhile, property-heavy choices dragged after interest rate concerns and softer asset values. The picture left members wondering whether to stay put or change.
Retirees felt the sting most: one story centred on a member who watched balances slide by hundreds of thousands, leaving them back into the workforce. Financial advisers urge members to review their asset allocation and test assumptions against sharp swings. Boards at several funds point to spreading risk as the key shelter when markets tank.
Regulators continue to press for clearer disclosure on turbulence and fees, and watchers anticipate further league tables imminently. Unless conditions improve, savers with growth funds can brace for both solid gains or heavy losses in the same period.