Which two funds saw positive returns in 2022?

Annual data from SuperRatings has revealed the performance of superannuation funds in a difficult year with only two managing to achieve positive performance.

The median balanced fund saw negative returns of 4.8% in 2022, compared to positive returns of 13.4% during 2021.

This was only the fourth time in 22 years that members had seen a fall in balances, the research house said, and was driven by declines in property and international shares.

The top-performing fund was Perpetual Balanced Growth fund with returns of 1.7% followed by First Super Balanced which returned 0.1%. In third place was CareSuper Balanced which lost 2%.

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However, SuperRatings reminded members that super was a long-term product and that over 10 years, funds had delivered better performance. The Hostplus Balanced fund had delivered 9.1% per annum on a 10-year basis while AustralianSuper Balanced had delivered 8.8%.

SuperRatings executive director, Kirby Rappell, said: “While members may be disappointed with this year’s performance, if we look at the long term, funds continue to perform well against objectives. With more uncertainty ahead, it remains important to set your strategy and try to ignore the current market".