Super balances continued to grow over the first month of 2026 with leading superannuation research house, SuperRatings, estimating the median balanced option generated a modest return of 0.5% in January.
The January bump is the sixth positive return for members this financial year, with November 2025 the only month funds haven’t added to member balances through investment returns. However, returns are significantly more muted that this time last year with the financial year to date return sitting at 4.8% compared to 8.0% at the same time in 2025.
The remainder of the financial year may see funds struggle to live up to the 2025 financial year return of 10.5%, with expectations around AI turning into pressure on share prices for those being potentially disrupted or failing to live up to growth ambitions, coupled with ongoing geopolitical tensions and rising inflationary pressures in Australia.
The median growth option also increased by an estimated 0.5% in January, while the median capital stable option delivered a 0.4% return to members.
Accumulation returns to 31 January 2026
| 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 | 0.5% | 4.8% | 9.2% | 10.1% | 7.6% | 8.1% | 7.5% |
| SR Capital Stable (20-40) Index | 0.4% | 3.1% | 6.5% | 6.6% | 4.3% | 4.6% | 4.5% |
| SR Growth (77-90) Index | 0.5% | 5.7% | 10.3% | 11.8% | 9.0% | 9.6% | 8.6% |
Pension returns were concentrated over the month with the median balanced, growth and capital stable pension options all delivering 0.5% for the month. Financial year to date returns remain above accumulation accounts, mostly due to tax benefits, with the median balanced pension option returning and estimated 5.5% over the first seven months of the year.
Pension returns to 31 January 2026
| 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 | 0.5% | 5.5% | 10.2% | 11.4% | 8.4% | 9.0% | 8.3% |
| SRP Capital Stable (20-40) Index | 0.5% | 3.5% | 7.2% | 7.3% | 4.8% | 5.2% | 5.0% |
| SRP Growth (77-90) Index | 0.5% | 6.2% | 11.1% | 13.1% | 9.7% | 10.5% | 9.4% |
“As we cross over the halfway point of the financial year, funds have delivered consistently in FY26 so far, albeit at a more subdued level than a year earlier. Like many Australians, super funds will be closely watching the trajectory of inflation and interest rates”, commented Director of SuperRatings, Kirby Rappell. “Members should remember that we have seen another positive return, and that this remains a strong result given uncertainties in the world. Over the long-term, funds have built a good track record of navigating market uncertainty, meaning that members should try and look through the noise.”
Release ends
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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.
