Super investment performance update: January 2026

Financial markets have had a strong run recently, both globally and here in Australia. We’ve seen solid gains across many parts of the world, and at home the headlines have mostly been about gold, resources and commodity companies performing well.

It’s natural to wonder what all this means for your super. Below we have outlined how your super has performed over the long-term as well as the last year. You’ll see that most super options have performed in line with and better than their objectives. This means your money continues outpace inflation, which means you will have spending power in the future when it’s time to retire.

Globally, the Technology sector again led the market, with AI (artificial intelligence) remaining the defining theme

Long-term focus

Where options have not met or exceeded their objectives in the last year, it’s important to remember we invest with a long-term view, not based on short-term trends. Our ethical approach is deliberate and helps guide us toward industries with better long-term potential.

While resources and gold have dominated local headlines in local share markets, many high-quality technology and healthcare companies – particularly in Australia – have become more attractively priced. These sectors have historically delivered stronger, more resilient long-term returns, supported by innovation and ongoing demand. That creates opportunity for patient investors like us.

We’re also seeing value in assets that can provide stability alongside growth, such as infrastructure and other real assets that benefit from long-term contracts and help support the energy transition. In fixed income, we favour markets offering more attractive value and fewer policy risks.

Australian Ethical Super option returns to 31 December 2025

*Option returns are net of fees and tax. CPI benchmarks are gross. Returns are for the periods outlined to the end of 31 December 2025. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. See our full suite, including our defensive and conservative options, here.

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What this means for your super

Our job is to keep your super invested in a way that’s responsible and aligned with the option objectives – not the mood of the moment. We typically invest in businesses for multiple years based on what we believe they’re genuinely worth. When prices are below that value, we look to add. When they rise above it, we take profits. It’s a disciplined approach that has helped us navigate many different market environments.

Our Ethical Charter also plays a defining role in how we invest. It means we avoid companies that cause significant environmental harm and instead focus on those creating value for the future. We won’t always benefit from every short burst of performance in sectors we don’t invest in – but over time, we believe this approach lead us toward stronger, more durable growth areas.

Your super is also well diversified across different types of investments and regions. That balance helps your savings manage market ups and downs, while positioning for opportunities we see ahead – especially in technology, healthcare and assets supporting long-term economic change.

You can feel confident that your super is invested with care, discipline and a clear long-term focus on your financial future.