Company Interview / Patience is your super's superpower| the advisory

Key points:

International shares and AI‑focused technology names seen as primary drivers of 9.1% super returnsAustralian shares, including the ASX 200 (ASX:XJO), viewed as lagging global markets over the yearRappell stresses staying invested, targeting ~7% long‑term super returns and avoiding market timing

Kirby Rappell from SuperRatings states that Australian super funds finish the financial year with an estimated 9.1% return for balanced options, despite periods of volatility and geopolitical tension. Rappell views international shares as the key driver, with technology and AI‑exposed names leading performance. In contrast, infrastructure and private equity are seen as more muted, while Australian shares significantly lag global markets, with the ASX 200 returning about 3% (around 6% including dividends) over the year.

Rappell argues that the result underlines the importance of staying invested and not trying to time markets, pointing to long‑term super returns since the early 1990s averaging about 7.3% per annum. The main risk he highlights for the next 12 months is any pullback in international equities and US IPO activity, which could weigh on overall super fund performance.

For members receiving their annual statements, Rappell urges closer engagement: consolidating multiple accounts via myGov, checking insurance settings, and assessing whether long‑term returns are around 7% over a decade or more. He adds that Payday Super and higher contribution opportunities enhance the case for treating super as a core long‑term savings vehicle, supported by tools and ratings on the SuperRatings website.