The 2027 financial year began with a focus on similar themes to those seen in FY26, covering concerns about energy supply disruptions following the resumption of hostilities between the US and Iran, coupled with robust discussion over the ability of artificial intelligence companies to monetise their products amid continued high levels of capital expenditure. At home, strong performance of miners and financials lifted Australian shares, resulting in leading superannuation research house SuperRatings estimating that the median balanced option returned 0.3% to members over July.
“Despite ongoing uncertainties, markets kicked off the new financial year with a modest gain, building on the 9.4% return that the median balanced option delivered to members over the year to 30 June 2026,” commented Kirby Rappell, Director of SuperRatings. “Super funds will again be tested on their ability to navigate global uncertainties around geopolitics, artificial intelligence and inflation.”
The median growth option grew by an estimated 0.5% in July, while the median capital stable option was flat over this period.
Accumulation returns to 31 July 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 | 0.3% | 0.3% | 8.1% | 9.1% | 6.5% | 7.0% | 7.4% |
| SR Capital Stable (20-40) Index | 0.0% | 0.0% | 5.1% | 6.0% | 4.0% | 4.1% | 4.4% |
| SR Growth (77-90) Index | 0.5% | 0.5% | 9.2% | 10.4% | 7.5% | 8.5% | 8.8% |
Pension returns followed a similar pattern, with the median balanced pension option increasing by an estimated 0.3%. The median capital stable pension option rose an estimated 0.1% over the month, while the median growth pension option rose an estimated 0.5% for the same period.
Pension returns to 31 July 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 | 0.3% | 0.3% | 8.9% | 10.1% | 7.0% | 7.7% | 8.3% |
| SRP Capital Stable (20-40) Index | 0.1% | 0.1% | 5.7% | 6.8% | 4.4% | 4.6% | 4.9% |
| SRP Growth (77-90) Index | 0.5% | 0.5% | 9.5% | 11.5% | 8.3% | 9.0% | 9.5% |
With inflation in Australia showing some signs of moderation, there is increasing hope that we will not see a rate rise this month, although uncertainty persists over the outlook.
“A small positive return in July was a pleasing way to start the year; however, we are ready for another year of ups and downs,” continued Mr Rappell. “Superannuation is a long-term investment and members may have years or decades to ride out any bumps before they access their retirement nest egg. It’s worth noting that since the introduction of the superannuation guarantee in 1992, super funds have delivered members a return of more than 7% per annum. SuperRatings encourages members to speak with their fund or a trusted financial adviser before making any changes to 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
