CFS delivers continued strong super performance with double-digit returns four years running

• Four consecutive years of double digit super fund performance for members invested in our MySuper Lifestage growth and balanced options¹.
• Members continue to benefit from our low fees².
• Our Investment team continues to deliver members strong performance while managing risk.

Colonial First State has delivered another year of strong performance for the financial year to 30 June 2026, marking its fourth consecutive year of double digit returns for members in our FirstChoice Employer Super and Essential Super MySuper Lifestage growth and balanced options¹.

This sustained strong super fund performance demonstrates the resilience of CFS’ investment portfolios despite volatile global market conditions. 

For the 2025-26 financial year, CFS delivered the following net returns³:

• 12.7% Growth – Lifestage 1975-79
• 10.8% Balanced – Lifestage 1965-69

• 11.2% CFS Enhanced Index Growth
• 10.1% CFS Enhanced Index Balanced

• 12.7% Growth – Lifestage 1975-79
• 10.8% Balanced – Lifestage 1965-69

The latest results build on our track record, with CFS delivering consistent outcomes for members over the medium term.

Annualised net returns³ for the four years to 30 June 2026 include:

• 13.0% Growth – Lifestage 1975-79
• 11.2% Balanced – Lifestage 1965-69

• 11.3% CFS Enhanced Index Growth
• 10.2% CFS Enhanced Index Balanced

• 13.1% Growth – Lifestage 1975-79
• 11.2% Balanced – Lifestage 1965-69

Kelly Power, Chief Executive Officer of Colonial First State Superannuation, said CFS continued to deliver strong investment performance and low fees to help customers navigate retirement with confidence. 

“Our results this year again reflect a strong focus on delivering outcomes for our members, supported by a disciplined approach to investing.” 

CFS Chief Investment Officer Jonathan Armitage said CFS super members had benefited from continuing extraordinary growth in emerging markets⁴ over the financial year period. 

This was due partly to the strength of the tech sector and globally competitive companies in Korea, Taiwan and China.

“Global equity markets have rebounded from some of the lows we saw earlier this year and delivered strong performance in recent months,” he says. 

“This reflects solid company earnings and continued investment in artificial intelligence-related infrastructure and technology.”

“Fixed income portfolios, whilst delivering lower returns than equities, have delivered positive outcomes despite increased uncertainty over interest rates,” Jonathan says.

“Our disciplined investment approach has helped manage shifting interest rate expectations and uncertainty over global supply chain disruption, while delivering solid results across CFS' fixed income allocations.”

Looking forward, geopolitical risk, along with higher inflation and interest rates, is expected to remain a feature of global investment markets.

Bond markets remain concerned about economic fundamentals, such as the cost of military conflict, while individual countries and companies are focused on building resilience into infrastructure and global supply chains.

“The CFS Investment team is well positioned for periods such as this, which highlight the importance of valuation discipline and long-term thinking to help manage risk," Jonathan says. 

“Locally, higher fuel and transport costs resulting from the conflict in the Middle East could affect inflation and growth over time, creating a more challenging domestic economic and interest rate environment.

“At the same time, smaller Australian companies and the mining sector could benefit from the increased demand for hard materials as countries around the world look to build out infrastructure and develop more resilient supply chains. 

“Our portfolio construction focuses on diversification across asset classes, regions and investment styles,” Jonathan says. “This helps manage shorter-term risks and volatility while ensuring CFS is well-positioned to capture long-term growth opportunities.”