The announcement of an uneasy US-Iran ceasefire in early April helped drive some recovery within markets and benefited Super Fund returns in April. Leading superannuation research house SuperRatings estimates a gain of 2.6% for the median balanced option over the month of April, recovering much of the -3.2% loss recorded in March.
“Global markets ended April retracing much of the March losses,” said Kirby Rappell, Director of SuperRatings. “The volatility reflects the world in which we are living, with markets hopeful for a sustained solution. However, the situation remains fluid, and its true impact on global inflation and supply chains is still unfolding. The Reserve Bank’s decision this week to lift the cash rate by 25 basis points underscores that inflationary pressures persist. For superannuation fund members, it remains a case of staying focused on long-term objectives and trying your best to block out the shorter-term noise.”
The median growth option gained an estimated 3.1% over the month, while the median capital stable option is estimated to have gained 1.3%.
Accumulation returns to 30 April 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 | 2.6% | 5.5% | 9.8% | 8.6% | 6.7% | 6.9% | 7.4% |
| SR Capital Stable (20-40) Index | 1.3% | 3.3% | 5.6% | 5.6% | 4.0% | 4.1% | 4.4% |
| SR Growth (77-90) Index | 3.1% | 6.2% | 11.5% | 9.9% | 7.7% | 8.3% | 8.7% |
Pension returns experienced a similar recovery in April, with the median balanced pension option achieving an estimated return of 2.7%, compared to the March loss of -3.6%. The median capital stable pension option is estimated to have risen by 1.4% over the month while the median growth pension option is estimated to rise 3.4% over the same period.
Pension returns to 30 April 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 | 2.7% | 5.9% | 10.7% | 9.6% | 7.3% | 7.7% | 8.3% |
| SRP Capital Stable (20-40) Index | 1.4% | 3.8% | 6.3% | 6.1% | 4.4% | 4.6% | 5.0% |
| SRP Growth (77-90) Index | 3.4% | 6.8% | 12.5% | 11.0% | 8.3% | 8.9% | 9.5% |
The immediate and almost total recovery of returns recorded in April highlight the importance of members maintaining a long-term perspective when superannuation balances see falls. Members are encouraged to carefully consider their options before making changes to how their money is invested, particularly when they might have decades before they need to access their income in retirement.
“To date, markets seem to be responding strongly to positive news, underscoring the risks that can be associated with switching to cash or other defensive assets in response to periods of negative returns,” commented Mr Rappell. “Members who switch their investment to more defensive options struggle to time their re-entry which can often lead to missing out on the rebound. Despite market volatility being likely to persist, and inflation remaining an ongoing concern, super is designed to be a long-term investment. Members should consider reaching out to their fund or a trusted financial advisor to get professional financial advice before proceeding with any change in their investment strategy.”
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.
