AustralianSuper delivers strong returns for more than 3.6 million members

3 July 2026

AustralianSuper's active management has delivered strongly for members in financial year 2026, returning 9.77% in the Balanced option and 11.58% in the High Growth option.

This result builds on AustralianSuper’s track record of long-term performance for members. Over 10 years to 30 June 2026, the Balanced option has returned an average of 8.47% a year and the High Growth option has returned an average of 9.64% a year.

The Choice Income retirement Balanced option returned 10.82% in financial year 2026 and 9.24% over 10 years.

AustralianSuper’s Chief Investment Officer, Shaun Manuell, said the result was positive for members following a year marked by global uncertainty, changing inflation expectations and periodic market volatility.

‘This is a strong result and a great outcome for members,’ Mr Manuell said. ‘Strong long-term performance is what makes the biggest difference to members in retirement.’

The Balanced option has delivered more than 8 per cent on average over the past decade, which means a member’s balance has more than doubled over that period before contributions.

'It is always important to look at the bigger picture and 12 months is not that long in the scheme of things, especially in superannuation, where the focus is on building retirement savings over decades.’

Mr Manuell said many of the key investment themes that have shaped markets in recent years remained in place during the financial year.

‘Artificial intelligence continued to be a major driver of global markets, with large-scale investment supporting growth and earnings across a widening group of companies,’ he said.

‘Listed equities were again among the strongest performing asset classes for AustralianSuper, with international and Australian shares benefiting from corporate earnings strength, technology investment and resilient investor sentiment.

‘Importantly, as the AI cycle matures, we are seeing the benefits broaden beyond US technology stocks and into different regions, sectors and asset classes. That has supported our active investment approach and the benefits of diversification.’

Unlisted assets also contributed to the result, including private credit and private equity, which showed improved performance.

Mr Manuell said geopolitical uncertainty remained a significant factor during the year, contributing to periods of volatility in markets.

‘We saw a market sell off earlier in the calendar year and this was a reminder of the importance of patience and long-term investment discipline, with markets subsequently proving resilient,’ he said.

‘We live in unpredictable times, but volatility can also create opportunities for active investors, and we remain optimistic about the opportunities ahead.’