Dan Farmer
One of Australia’s largest super funds, MLC, has delivered strong returns for its members in the 2025/26 financial year despite extreme volatility in markets.
MLC Chief Investment Officer Dan Farmer said that, given the events of recent months, it was pleasing to deliver a 10.2% p.a. return for MLC’s High Growth option and 9.9% p.a. for its MySuper Growth portfolio.
“It’s almost three months to the day since markets bottomed out during the Iran conflict,” Mr Farmer said.
“In late March the ASX was down around 8%, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq were down more than 5%, and some emerging markets were down more than 10%, while the price of fuel had doubled and inflation was expected to skyrocket.
“At that point, the idea of double-digit returns for MLC’s High Growth option would have seemed highly optimistic. While many Australians are still doing it tough, this is a silver lining for their retirement savings.”
Mr Farmer said the results were an important reminder that superannuation is a long-term investment.
“Superannuation is the longest-term, and largest, investment most Australians will have,” he said.
“This last financial year, more than just about any other year I can think of, shows the importance of staying the course.
“It means our three-year average return is 11.3% p.a. for MLC’s High Growth option and 9.9% p.a. for MLC’s MySuper Growth portfolio, demonstrating consistent outcomes for our members.
“This financial year’s returns have been driven largely by equities, alongside strong performance in alternatives and private credit.
“We’re anticipating further volatility over the coming year but see our portfolio as well positioned to navigate it.”
