CFS delivers double-digit returns for MySuper balanced and growth fund members for fourth year running

Colonial First State (CFS) today announces strong double digit returns over the year to 30 June 2026 for members of its MySuper balanced and growth equivalent funds.

The FirstChoice Employer Super growth fund (MySuper Lifestage 1975-79) delivered a 12.74% return, while the FirstChoice Employer Super balanced fund (MySuper Lifestage 1965-69) delivered a 10.81% return.¹

These results follow industry-leading returns for CFS’s MySuper members in FY25, with independent researcher Chant West ranking CFS’s Lifestage options best overall for aggregated MySuper performance across one, three and five years to 30 June 2025.²

The strong performance reflects a combination of robust portfolio diversification and strategic investment decisions in volatile conditions, including exposure to emerging markets and global equities, targeted investments in technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), and a resilient fixed income strategy.

Kelly Power, Chief Executive Officer of CFS Superannuation, said: “We know our members are looking for confidence and consistency, particularly in an environment of heightened global volatility. Our results this year again reflect a strong focus on delivering outcomes for our members, supported by a disciplined approach to investing.” 

Jonathan Armitage, Chief Investment Officer at CFS, said emerging markets were a key driver of returns, with opportunities in the sector often overlooked by Australian investors.

“Emerging market equities are attractively valued relative to developed markets, while continuing to offer compelling earnings growth prospects. They have moved up the value chain and include a diverse range of globally competitive companies across technology, manufacturing and services, and benefit from strong balance sheets,” Mr Armitage said.

Global equities were another contributor to performance, driven by a series of structural investment decisions including changes to CFS's manager lineup in recent years, which have enhanced returns and delivered consistent contributions to overall portfolio outcomes.

Mr Armitage also highlighted opportunities in global technology as innovation continues to expand access and drive adoption at scale - an area where CFS has been actively positioned. 

“We’re seeing new opportunities emerge as the development and deployment of technologies such as AI gathers pace, particularly as adoption grows among developing economies,” said Mr Armitage. 

“This requires investment processes to be flexible and adaptive to take advantage of opportunities and manage risk effectively.”

Finally, despite ongoing volatility in fixed income markets, a disciplined approach has helped manage shifting interest rate expectations and uncertainty, while delivering solid results across CFS's fixed income allocations.

The year ahead is also shaping up to be a pivotal one for global markets and economies, amid a wave of major political events including US mid-term elections in November, France’s presidential election cycle in early 2027, the conflict in the Middle East and the change of prime minister in the United Kingdom. 

“We view geopolitical risk as a structural feature of markets, not a temporary disruption,” said Mr Armitage. 

"We build that into our portfolio construction, ensuring we are well positioned to navigate changing conditions and continue delivering for members over the long term.”

Key information 

• The FirstChoice Employer Super growth fund (MySuper Lifestage 1975-79) delivered a 12.74% return in FY26, a 12.8% return in FY25, 14.3% return in FY24, and a 12.2% return in FY23.¹

• The FirstChoice Employer Super balanced fund (MySuper Lifestage 1965-69) delivered a 10.81% return in FY26, an 11.4% return in FY25, a 12.1% return in FY24, and a 10.5% return in FY23.¹