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 and Livewire Markets published roundups of the best performers. Funds with heavy equity allocations generally outpaced those tilted to property after recent budget tweaks. A member who lost $139,000 reportedly faced an inability to retire and reported debts. The AFR, The West Australian and Livewire Markets released updated fund rankings this month.
Sector analysts say the gap between growth-oriented options and defensive ones widened sharply across the year. Multiple high-growth products beat their benchmarks, driven by a surge in shares and business solutions exposure. Meanwhile, property-heavy choices lagged after interest rate concerns and softer asset prices. This picture has left savers wondering whether to stay put or switch.
Retirees felt the sting most: one case centred on a member who watched balances drop by hundreds of thousands, leaving them back into the workforce. Financial advisers urge savers to review their asset mix and test their plan against sharp swings. Boards at major funds note spreading risk as the core saving when markets turn.
Oversight bodies keep to push for clearer disclosure on turbulence and costs, and analysts expect further rankings imminently. Unless conditions shift, members with growth funds can brace for both solid gains or deep cuts in the a single period.