QSuper's Balanced option has given members the smoothest return ride over the past seven years, according to SuperRatings.
The research house said while the fund returned below some of its peers at 7.9% per annum it had delivered the best return given the level of volatility involved over the seven years to 31 December, 2020.
This was followed by BUSSQ Premium Choice Balanced Growth at 7.8%, Prime Super MySuper at 7.9%, Cbus Growth at 8.5%, and CareSuper Balanced at 7.9%.
SuperRatings executive director, Kirby Rappell, said: “What the calendar year figures hide is the rollercoaster movements members experienced as the market sold off back in March 2020 and then rapidly recovered.
“As members accumulate wealth over time, market movements will have a bigger impact on their account balance in dollar terms. This is a challenge for funds and members as the average super balance rises over $100,000, with the need for education and support paramount.
“Overall, funds have done an excellent job of managing risks through a tumultuous period.
“Super is a long-term game, so it’s pleasing to see long-term returns remain healthy and ahead of their CPI+ targets.”
Top 10 balanced options over seven years ranked by risk and return
Source: SuperRatings
SuperRatings data found during 2020 it was Suncorp Brighter Super Personal Suncorp Mult-Manager Growth fund that was the highest returning balanced fund at 9.6%.
This was followed by Australian Ethical Personal Balanced at 8%, Vision SS Balanced Growth at 6.2%, VicSuper FutureSaver Growth (MySuper) Option at 6%, and UniSuper Accumulation Balanced at 5.9%.
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