Summary
Choose how your super is invested
As you get closer to retirement, the more involved you are with your super the more informed the decisions you can make - including on how your super is invested. AustralianSuper manage $300 billion in member funds for over 3.2 million1 members.
Most AustralianSuper members are invested in our default Balanced option, where investment decisions are made by AustralianSuper experts. This option is designed for long term growth and has experienced average annual investment returns of 8.60% over the 10 years to 30 September 20232.
But if you’re interested in having more control over your super investments, there are different ways you can be involved. How much or how little you want to be involved is up to you.
As a member, you can access:
Investment options, including:
- PreMixed
- DIY Mix
- Member Direct
Our investments explained
Your investment options
Getting closer to retirement might mean getting more involved with your super investments. Our global experts invest $300 billion in member funds, in a range of assets designed for long-term returns. You can decide to either leave your investment choice to us or make your own choice.
We have an option for many types of investors – whether you’re a hands-on investor or someone who’s happy to leave investment decisions to experts.
Read more about your options below.-
PreMixed
Hands-on level: low. These options are made up of more than one asset class and have different investment objectives, with varying levels of risk, investment timeframes and expected returns. Simply choose an option and leave the rest to us.
DIY Mix
Hands-on level: medium. These options are designed for members that want to be more hands-on in constructing their portfolio. They provide investment exposure to specific asset classes and have different investment objectives, with varying levels of risk, investment timeframes and expected returns.
Member Direct
Hands-on level: high. This option gives you the greatest control. You can invest your super in a range of listed securities, including shares in the S&P/ASX 300 Index, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), Listed Investment Companies (LICs) and term deposits.
Navigating super during bull and bear markets
As you get closer to retirement, you might be looking to stay involved with your investments. The finance industry and investment markets can seem complicated – and terms like bull markets and bear markets can add another layer of complexity. Here’s what those terms mean – and what may happen to your super during bull and bear markets.
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What is a bear market?
When share market values are falling over a prolonged period of time, it’s known as a bear market. They are often associated with major economic downturns, like the Great Depression in the 1930s and the Global Financial Crisis in 2008/09. The technical definition of a bear market is when asset prices have fallen by more than 20% from their recent highs.
What may happen to your super in a bear market?
If share prices are falling, your super may experience a fall in value too. In that scenario, some members might think that moving from a diversified investment option such as AustralianSuper’s Balanced option to a cash option would avoid further falls. If you’re thinking of switching, it's important to understand the risks and check before you switch, and also to consider your financial advice options3.
What is a bull market?
A bull market is when investor confidence is strong, and prices are rising faster than average over a consistent period. Bull Markets typically (although don’t always) coincide with periods of strong economic growth, and investors are attracted to the potential of higher returns.
What may happen to your super in a bull market?
During a bull market, the share market value is rising, and your super may grow too. During a rising share market, you may be considering if what you’re invested in is right for you. To find out more about the right investment option for your specific needs, visit Choosing the right super option. With changing conditions, it’s worth understanding the risks of switching over the short term. It’s good to understand that super is a long-term investment to help you reach your best retirement outcome.
Our Balanced investment option is designed to have medium to long-term growth with possible short-term fluctuations. It is recommended that this option has a minimum investment timeframe of at least 10 years.
Read more
- MySuper Dashboard: Get information on the AustralianSuper MySuperBalanced investment option
- Your PreMixed investment options
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Important Information
- AustralianSuper has 3.2 million members and $300 billion in member funds as at 31 July 2023.
- The Balanced option has delivered an average return of 8.60% each year over the last 10 years, 8.12% over the last 20 years and 9.28% since inception to 30 September 2023. Returns from equivalent investment options of the ARF and STA super funds are used for periods before 1 July 2006. Investment returns aren’t guaranteed. Past performance isn’t a reliable indicator of future returns.
- Personal financial product advice is provided under the Australian Financial Services Licence held by a third party and not by AustralianSuper Pty Ltd. With your approval, a fee may be charged if a Statement of Advice is produced.