Superannuation
Sonny Rahim Updated Dec 19, 2022
Mate Checked
This information has been reviewed by our SMSF Mates before it was published as part of our review process.
2020 began with a bang for Australian investors, with global equity markets falling between 20% – 40% from the February highs to the March lows. These market jitters were on the back of COVID-19 concerns and how the pandemic would impact the global economy. As the storm clouds appear to have receded, Australian investors look to how they can rebuild their super balance for the future. The team at SMSF Mate is continuously scanning for the top-performing super funds on our radar so you can determine if you are getting the best bang for your buck.
The damage was done to investment performance in the short term, demonstrating the importance of selecting a top-performing super fund so you and your super balance can weather the storm as best as possible. Whilst past performance can’t be taken as gospel for future returns, it can give you an indication of the fund’s ability to generate stable returns historically and that the investment management team are competent in their approach to investing. Performance is certainly important to consider; however, there are many other important considerations, such as the fees charged within the fund and the type of insurance offered.
With all this considered, the team at SMSF Mate has compiled a list of the best-performing super funds over various timeframes to give you an idea of what stacks up and what doesn’t. As we have already mentioned, past performance does not guarantee future returns, but it can show us that the fund has historically delivered stable returns and is somewhat capable in their approach. All the figures quoted in the tables below are net investment returns, meaning that they are quoted after all applicable fees and charges.
The investment performance tables below show a snapshot of super funds on SMSF Mate’s radar and based on someone aged between 35-55 with a balance of $150,000 – $250,000. The funds have been sorted by the best to worst performing over a three, five and seven-year timeframe. The investment returns data used by SMSF Mate in the tables below was used to rate the super fund and was provided by the super funds listed.
It’s important to read the PDS issued by the super fund to determine whether its right for you before deciding to select the fund. Investment returns can fluctuate over time, so past performance does not guarantee future returns.
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| Super Fund | Ranking | Investment Option | 1 Year Returns | 3 Year Returns | 7 Year Returns | More Information |
| Australian Super | 5 Stars | Balanced | +0.3 | +6.5 | +8.6 | Learn More |
| HOSTPLUS Personal Super | 5 Stars | Balanced | -2.0 | +5.5 | +8.3 | Learn More |
| Statewide Super Employer-Sponsored | 5 Stars | MySuper | -1.3 | +5.4 | +8.3 | Learn More |
| CareSuper Employee Plan | 4 Stars | Balanced | -0.1 | +5.3 | +7.7 | Learn More |
| First State Super – Personal | 4 Stars | Growth | +1.3 | +6.1 | +7.7 | Learn More |
| BussQ Premium Choice | 3 Stars | Balanced Growth (Premium) | +2.2 | +5.2 | +7.7 | Learn More |
The investment performance tables below show a snapshot of super funds on SMSF Mate’s radar and based on someone aged between 35-55 with a balance of $150,000 – $250,000. The funds have been sorted by the best to worst performing over a three, five and seven-year timeframe. The investment returns data used by SMSF Mate in the tables below was used to rate the super fund and was provided by the super funds listed.
It’s important to read the PDS issued by the super fund to determine whether its right for you before deciding to select the fund. Investment returns can fluctuate over time, so past performance does not guarantee future returns.
| Super Fund | Ranking | Investment Option | 1 Year Returns | 3 Year Returns | 7 Year Returns | More Information |
| Australian Super | 5 Stars | Balanced | +0.3 | +6.5 | +8.6 | Learn More |
| Virgin Money Super | 3 Stars | Lifestage | -0.8 | +6.4 | N/A | Learn More |
| Virgin Money Super | 3 Stars | Lifestage | -0.9 | +6.4 | N/A | Learn More |
| Australian Ethical Super | 3 Stars | Balanced (Accumulation) | +2.2 | +6.3 | N/A | Learn More |
| Virgin Money Super | 3 Stars | Lifestage | -1.0 | +6.3 | N/A | Learn More |
| Vision Professional | 3 Stars | Balanced Growth | +1.7 | +6.2 | +7.7 | Learn More |
The investment performance tables below show a snapshot of super funds on SMSF Mate’s radar and based on someone aged between 35-55 with a balance of $150,000 – $250,000. The funds have been sorted by the best to worst performing over a three, five and seven-year timeframe. The investment returns data used by SMSF Mate in the tables below was used to rate the super fund and was provided by the super funds listed.
It’s important to read the PDS issued by the super fund to determine whether its right for you before deciding to select the fund. Investment returns can fluctuate over time, so past performance does not guarantee future returns.
| Super Fund | Ranking | Investment Option | 1 Year Returns | 3 Year Returns | 7 Year Returns | More Information |
| Spaceship | 3 Stars | N/A | +13.1 | N/A | N/A | Learn More |
| Future Super | 3 Stars | N/A | +5.5 | N/A | N/A | Learn More |
| Australian Ethical Super | 3 Stars | Balanced (Accumulation) | +2.2 | +6.3 | N/A | Learn More |
| BussQ Premium Choice | 3 Stars | Premium Balanced Growth | +2.2 | +5.2 | +7.7 | Learn More |
| Vision Personal | 3 Stars | Balanced Growth | +1.7 | +6.2 | +7.7 | Learn More |
| WA Super Solutions | 3 Stars | My WASuper | +1.6 | +5.4 | +6.7 | Learn More |
Staying on top of your retirement savings is vitally important as your superannuation will eventually replace your income when you retire. Taking the time to understand your super, how it’s performing and what it costs while you are still in the workforce will give you the best chance for success in your later years. To demonstrate how important even a slight difference in performance can be, we have generated a hypothetical example in the table below—the difference in performance as little as 0.5% can make a significant impact over the long run which further highlights why it’s so important to keep an eye on things.
| What’s the difference that 1% investment returns can make to you retirement savings when you retire? | |||
| Age | 25 y/o | 25 y/o | 25 y/o |
| Income | $50,000 with an annual increase of 2.5% | $50,000 with an annual increase of 2.5% | $50,000 with an annual increase of 2.5% |
| Super Earnings | 6% per annum | 7% per annum | 8% per annum |
| Annual Fees | 1% of the balance | 1% of the balance | 1% of the balance |
| Account Balance (age 65) | $884,701 | $1,094,743 | $1,410,203 |
A slight difference in performance over the long-term can make a significant difference in your super savings when you retire, as you can see from the table shown above. Paying close attention to your super fund’s returns is important for this reason, but it’s important to look at the returns over a variety of timeframes and not just focus on the short-term numbers. Stay up to date with the fund’s activity by reading the quarterly and annual reports which they will email to you if you are invested, or can be found on their website if you are interested in investing.
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