Investment returns for financial year 2025-26
Our default Balanced option, where most super members are invested, delivered a strong return of 8.27% for the 2025-26 financial year.
Hear from our Head of Investments
Watch our video with First Super’s Head of Investments, Michael McQueen, for insights into our investment performance in 2025-26.
Investment returns to 30 June 2026*^
| Investment Option | FY 25-26 return – super members | FY 25-26 return – retirement members |
| Balanced | 8.27% | 9.3% |
| Shares Plus | 9.72% | 10.7% |
| Growth | 9.05% | 9.95% |
| Conservative Balanced | 6.83% | 7.63% |
| Cash | 3.75% | 4.44% |
*Past investment returns are not a reliable indication of future returns
^Returns are before administration fees but after investment fees and costs
Delivering results that stand the test of time
Long-term performance is what matters most when growing retirement savings.
Over the 10 years to 30 June 2026, our Balanced option returned:
- 7.83% a year for super members
- 8.36% a year for retirement members
Our Balanced super option was also recognised by SuperRatings as the number 1 performer for risk-adjusted returns over the seven years to 30 June 2026.1
This recognition reflects our focus on delivering steady returns for our members while keeping the highs and lows under control, when compared to other funds.
What contributed to our returns?
Investment markets continued to face ups and downs throughout 2025-26, with global events, particularly conflict in the Middle East, affecting investor confidence.
At First Super, we don’t try to predict what financial markets will do next. Instead, we aim to build a resilient, diversified investment portfolio that can perform across different market conditions.
Strong returns this year came from our investments in:
- Australian shares
- International shares
- Infrastructure
Infrastructure has been an important part of First Super’s investment strategy for many years. Our investments include major assets that people use in everyday life in Australia and around the world.
As an asset class, infrastructure helps provide resilience during changing market conditions, while supporting consistent long-term returns.
As the world continues to change, we continue to regularly review our investment strategy, asset classes and fund managers – with a sharp focus on delivering strong long-term, risk-adjusted returns for our members.
We’re here to help
For help with your investments, call our Member Services team on 1800 360 988.
If you would like more tailored guidance, make an appointment with our financial advice team. There is no extra charge to discuss your First Super investments with one of our experts.2
You can check your latest super balance and investments through firstonline or our mobile app. Your annual statement includes details of your super balance, investment performance, insurance arrangements (if applicable), fees and costs and more. Your statement will be available later in 2026.
1Ratings are only one factor to consider when deciding to invest or not. Based on the SuperRatings Balanced (60-76) survey. SuperRatings, Media release: FY26 top super returns revealed, 17 July 2026.
2First Super financial advisers are authorised representatives of Industry Fund Services Limited (ABN 54 007 016 195, AFSL 232514) and can provide personal advice tailored to your objectives, financial situation and needs.
Disclaimer
Issued by First Super Pty Limited (ABN 42 053 498 472, AFSL 223988) as Trustee of First Super (ABN 56 286 625 181). Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. This video contains general advice which has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making any investment decisions. PDS and Target Market Determination (TMD) available from First Super on 1300 360 988.
Performance figures are correct as of 30 June 2026.