UniSuper, Aware Super deliver positive returns

UniSuper and Aware Super have reported returns across all investment options for the 2025-26 financial year.

UniSuper's default Balanced option returned 10.4% for the year while its High Growth and Growth options returned 13.1% and 12.3% respectively. Aware Super's High Growth option returned 8.54%, while its Retirement Income Conservative Balanced option delivered 6.24% for the period.

Aware Super said diversification provided a buffer against market volatility with approximately 25% of the total portfolio in private markets, including infrastructure, private equity and unlisted property.

Aware Super head of investment strategy Michael Winchester said the breadth of fund's portfolio was a fundamental advantage.

"Our scale and expertise give us access to private market opportunities that many funds simply cannot reach. That diversification is not just about reducing risk, it is about capturing long-term returns that aren't available in public markets," he said.

UniSuper chief investment officer John Pearce added: "During the year UniSuper made significant investments in high quality assets in private markets and direct property, adding further diversification for our members. We continue to focus on ensuring our portfolios are well positioned for the long term."

Aware Super sees the global economy shaped by two strongly opposing forces: the continued boom in AI-related capital investment on one hand and rising geopolitical and energy risks on the other.

"AI investment is driving significant capital expenditure across the global economy, and we expect it to support productivity growth over the longer term," Winchester said.

"We have been building our exposure to this theme carefully and deliberately through high-quality assets tied to genuine long-term demand."

HESTA, Cbus and Mercer have also delivered strong returns for members over the financial year despite global uncertainty, attributing it to their diversification strategy.

Last week, Australian Retirement Trust (ART) and AustralianSuper also reported solid investment returns, with both funds crediting diversified portfolios and strong global equity markets for the performance despite heightened geopolitical uncertainty.

UniSuper's highest performing investment option was international shares at 17.9%.