Your super balance likely got a big boost in May

By Brad Buzzard · · 3 min read
Fact Checked

If you’ve been avoiding looking at your super balance, now might be a good time to have another peek. After a tumultuous start to the year, the markets made a strong comeback in May, meaning your super balance may have recovered some of those early-year losses.

Leading superannuation research house SuperRatings estimates that the typical default-style super fund (the median balanced option) returned a healthy 2.6% to members in May, providing welcome relief for many.

“Following the positive month it appears funds are back on track for a strong financial year result, despite the noise and uncertainty,” says Kirby Rappell, Executive Director of SuperRatings.

For the financial year to date (the 11 months to May 31, 2025), the median balanced option is up 8.6%, putting it on a solid footing with only a few weeks left until June 30.

How different fund options performed

While the balanced option saw strong growth, members in more growth-focused funds saw even better results. The median growth option, which holds more shares, is estimated to have grown by 3.1% for the month. More conservative capital stable options rose by a more modest 1.1%.

Why strong super performance matters right now

This positive momentum is welcome news, especially with two key super events on the horizon:

  • EOFY contributions. If you’re considering making a last-minute concessional contribution before June 30, seeing these positive returns is encouraging. It also highlights how performance can differ between funds, making a fund review a smart part of any EOFY super strategy.
  • The 12% super guarantee. From July 1, your employer’s compulsory SG contribution is set to rise to 12%. Now that there's more cash flowing into your super account each payday, it’s more important than ever to make sure it’s in a fund that puts it to good use.

Why long-term thinking is important in super

While the results for May are positive, the recent market ups and downs are a reminder of the importance of long-term thinking. SuperRatings notes that a member who panicked and switched to a cash option after the market dip in March would have missed out on this strong rebound in May.

“Funds are now on track to deliver mid to high single digit returns for the financial year, with more growth focused options potentially reaching double digits if we see current momentum carry through June,” Rappell says.

But even with a good EOFY result expected, volatility is likely to continue.

“However, as we saw a few months ago, markets can change quickly, and we encourage members to remember that superannuation is a long term investment,” he continues.

How does your super fund compare?

It’s one thing to look at how the median fund is performing, but it’s another to look at your own. So with the end of the financial year just weeks away, now is the perfect time to find out if your particular fund and investment option is leading the pack or lagging behind.

Switching to a fund with a stronger track record of performance and competitive fees could make a substantial difference to your final balance when it comes time to retire. Just be aware that past performance is not a guarantee of future performance.

Here are some funds we think deserve a look:

Aware super disclaimers:

^SuperRatings Fund Crediting Rate Survey, March 2025. Based on SR50 Growth (77-90) Index. Returns are after tax and investment management expenses but before the deduction of administration fees. Past performance is not an indicator of future performance.

^^Chant West Super Fund Fee Survey December 2024, High Growth [81-95% in growth assets] investment option index and $50,000 account balance. Fees and costs can vary from year to year. Past fees and costs are not a reliable indicator of future fees and costs. Fees and comparisons may differ for other investment options and account balances. Aware Super’s High Growth option as published in the Aware Super Future Saver PDS.

Superhero disclaimers:

#Low Fees - Findings based on Superhero’s analysis of SuperRatings’ Fee Report - October 2024, accessed 5 December 2024. Fees for Superhero Super’s Growth and High Growth investment options are in the top quartile based on Total Fees and compared against the SR50 Balanced (60-76) and SR50 High Growth (91-100) Indices respectively. Performance - Findings based on Superhero’s analysis of SuperRatings’ Fund Crediting Rate Survey – October 2024, accessed 5 December 2024. Based on Superhero Super’s Growth and High Growth options being in the top quartile for one year return across the SR50 Balanced (60-76) and SR50 High Growth (91-100) Indices respectively. Refer to the Superhero Super PDS and TMD for found at superhero.com.au/support/documents for more information.

## Awarded-Winner: Best for Mobile Experience in the WeMoney Investment Awards 2023