Main region

Balanced Index

A diversified portfolio of listed assets with around 75% growth assets (Australian and international shares).

Summary

As at 31 March 2024

 

7.65% p.a.

Returns over the last 10 years1

5+ years

Suggested timeframe

0.09% p.a.

Fees2 + admin fees and costs

Who it suits

Suitable if you're an investor who:

  • wants a diversified portfolio with around 75% growth assets
  • wants to grow your super over the long term and wants an option that's lower cost than an actively managed option
  • is prepared to accept the option can have negative returns over the shorter term and has a higher allocation to growth assets than the Balanced option. It invests in listed asset classes that follow market indices and so will generally have lower fees than some of the actively managed diversified options
  • is prepared to accept high levels of volatility in returns from year to year.

Risk3

 
  • Very low
  • Low
  • Low to medium
  • Medium
  • Medium to high
  • High
  • Very high

Expected number of years of negative annual returns in any 20 years: 4 to less than 6. The risk is based on the standard risk measure (SRM).

Investment objective3

Accumulation and TTR Income accounts: CPI + 3.0% p.a.
Retirement Income accounts: CPI + 3.5% p.a.

Option size

Super assets: $1.3 billion
Pension assets: $530.5 million

Balanced Index performance

As at 31 March 20241

Australian Retirement Trust's Balanced Index option for Accumulation accounts produced returns of 6.1% in the March quarter and 14.5% for the year to March 2024. The 10-year return of 7.6% p.a. is well above the option’s return objective of CPI plus 3.0% p.a.

World share markets performed strongly over the first quarter of 2024, supported by increased confidence in prospects for the global economy. Australian shares underperformed the major developed markets while nevertheless producing strong returns.

A fall in the Australian dollar against a range of developed and emerging market currencies added to the returns of unhedged international shares over the quarter and over the year to March 2024.

Australian fixed income returns were positive over the quarter despite a small rise in government bond yields. However, global fixed income returns were negative as yields rose substantially in the world’s major bond markets.

Accumulation accounts Retirement Income accounts4
10 years (p.a.) 7.65% 8.46%
7 years (p.a.) 7.28% 8.02%
5 years (p.a.) 7.53% 8.19%
3 years (p.a.) 6.52% 6.89%
1 year 14.51% 15.64%
3 months 6.13% 6.59%

Past performance isn't a reliable indicator of future performance. Returns shown are after investment fees and costs, transaction costs and investment taxes (where relevant) but before all other fees and costs.
Returns shown here for our Accumulation account are also the returns that apply for Transition to Retirement income accounts. Tax generally doesn't apply to investment earnings in Retirement Income accounts.

Balanced Index asset allocation

 

 Strategic asset allocation5
Australian shares
33.75%
International shares
41.25%
Fixed income
25.0%
Unlisted Assets and Alternatives
0.0%
Cash
0.0%
Total 100%

Learn more about what we invest in

Want to know more?

Payment icon

Compare our options

Learn more about our wide range of investment options so you can choose what's right for you.

Compare today
Payment icon

Manage your investments

You can check and change your investment options anytime in Member Online.

Log in now
Document icon

View our performance

We give regular updates on the economy and market, along with how your investments are performing.

Find out more
Payment icon

Contact us

We’re available to speak by phone or live chat between 8:00am–7:30pm AEST/AEDT Monday to Friday.

Contact us today
illustration

Join Australian Retirement Trust today - it only takes a few minutes.

We're one of the largest super funds in Australia. Join today and enjoy the benefits as we grow even more.

Join today
  1. Past performance isn't a reliable indicator of future performance. Returns shown are after investment fees and costs, transaction costs and investment taxes (where relevant) but before all other fees and costs. Returns shown in the Summary table above are for Accumulation accounts. To show the performance of the Accumulation and Retirement Income accounts, we've used Sunsuper for life Balanced Index option returns up to 28 February 2022, then Super Savings Balanced Index option returns after that date.
  2. Fees refers to investment fees and costs and transaction costs.
  3. When reading the objectives and/or risks please also read the information in the PDS that applies to you.
  4. Tax generally doesn't apply to investment earnings in Retirement Income accounts.
  5. From 1 July 2024. For more information on these asset classes, strategic asset allocations, and allowable ranges, read the PDS that applies to you.