Following a smooth start to the financial year in July, super balances continued to rise in August with leading superannuation research house SuperRatings estimating that the median balanced option returned 1.3% to members over the month.
“In contrast to the volatility we saw at the beginning of August last year, returns have seen a smoother performance over the first two months of FY26.” commented Kirby Rappell, Director of SuperRatings.
The median growth option grew by an estimated 1.5% in August, while the median capital stable option, rose an estimated 0.8%.
Accumulation returns to 31 August 2025
| Monthly | FYTD | 1 yr | 3 yrs (p.a.) | 5 yrs (p.a) | 7 yrs (p.a.) | 10 yrs (p.a.) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SR Balanced (60-76) Index | 1.3% | 2.8% | 10.6% | 9.5% | 8.4% | 7.0% | 7.4% |
| SR Capital Stable (20-40) Index | 0.8% | 1.5% | 6.8% | 6.0% | 4.6% | 4.2% | 4.5% |
| SR Growth (77-90) Index | 1.5% | 3.3% | 12.0% | 11.2% | 9.8% | 8.2% | 8.6% |
Pension returns also continue to deliver for retirees, with the median balanced pension option increasing by an estimated 1.4%. The median capital stable pension option is estimated to have returned 0.9% over the month while the median growth pension option is estimated to have returned 1.7% for the same period.
Pension returns to 31 August 2025
| Monthly | FYTD | 1 yr | 3 yrs (p.a.) | 5 yrs (p.a) | 7 yrs (p.a.) | 10 yrs (p.a.) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SRP Balanced (60-76) Index | 1.4% | 3.1% | 11.8% | 10.6% | 9.3% | 7.8% | 8.3% |
| SRP Capital Stable (20-40) Index | 0.9% | 1.6% | 7.5% | 6.7% | 5.1% | 4.7% | 5.0% |
| SRP Growth (77-90) Index | 1.7% | 3.7% | 13.2% | 12.3% | 10.7% | 9.0% | 9.4% |
We expect the major factor influencing super returns over the short term will shift from the impact of US tariffs back towards inflation levels and central bank decisions on when to act on interest rates, both in Australia and the US.
“We have now had five consecutive months of positive monthly returns for super, building Australian’s retirement savings.” continued Mr Rappell. “While the longer-term impacts of US tariffs, high valuations and the trajectory of inflation need careful monitoring, members should be comforted by the track record of Australian funds delivering strong returns for members over the long term.”
Release ends
We welcome media enquiries regarding our research or information held in our database. We are also able to provide commentary and customised tables or charts for your use.
For more information contact:
Kirby Rappell
Director of SuperRatings
Tel: 1300 826 395
Mob: +61 408 250 725
Kirby.Rappell@superratings.com.au
Require further information? Simply visit www.superratings.com.au.
