2 July 2025
HESTA’s MySuper Balanced Growth option has again achieved a strong return for members, delivering 10.18%1 for the 2024/25 financial year, with the performance of listed equities and prudent management of market volatility contributing to the result.
The outcome represents the third straight year of annual returns above 9% for the MySuper Balanced Growth option. Over 10 years to 30 June 2025, the Fund’s default investment option – where most members are invested – has averaged an annual return of 7.64% and ranked in the top quartile over 5, 7 and 10 years2.
Among other super investment options, Indexed Balanced Growth, High Growth and Sustainable Growth achieved very strong annual returns of 12.01%, 12.00%, and 11.06%1, respectively.
Members in retirement also enjoyed robust returns for the 2024/25 financial year, with HESTA’s Retirement Income Stream Balanced Growth achieving a return of 11.81%1 and Retirement Income Stream Conservative yielding 8.45%1.
HESTA Chief Investment Officer, Sonya Sawtell-Rickson, said the Fund’s investment team was on the lookout for opportunities to continue to drive performance and build the retirement savings for members over the long-term.
“We started the year with a cautious stance, and our robust liquidity management and stress testing allowed us to take advantage of long-term buying opportunities during the periods of market volatility,” Ms Sawtell-Rickson said.
Ms Sawtell-Rickson added policy announcements in the US and conflict in the Middle East had impacted markets in recent months, with management of these risks remaining a focus.
“While volatility has eased after a surge in March and April, geopolitical events remain an important consideration as we head into the new financial year,” she said.
“Our expectation is that global economic growth will likely be slower, though the response of several central banks has helped temper recession fears. Further rate reductions are expected over the year ahead, including here in Australia, which should provide additional support to the economy and households.”
HESTA CEO Debby Blakey said the financial results were great news for the Fund’s more than one million members who rely on the delivery of strong long-term returns through the cycle.
“We are very pleased to report another strong performance for our members, particularly given the more volatile and uncertain period in global markets over the past six months,” Ms Blakey said.
“The consistency of our returns over the long run can make a significant difference to our members, helping improve their retirement readiness.
“It was also great to see our income stream options perform well for the financial year, with the positive returns helping retired members maintain their savings as they draw an income stream and enjoy the retirement they deserve.”
The returns mean a member invested in MySuper Balanced Growth with the average starting balance of $80,000 will have likely received investment returns in their account of more than $8,000 by the end of the financial year3.
The returns come as many members are set to receive a further boost to their retirement savings, with the super guarantee increasing from 11.5% to 12% from 1 July. Also this week, super will begin being paid on the Commonwealth Paid Parental Leave scheme, which Ms Blakey said was a welcome step to help narrow the significant gender super gap.
For all other returns and the latest information on the performance of HESTA’s investment options, visit hesta.com.au/members/investments.
All returns are net of investment fees and costs, transaction costs and taxes. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
[1] Annual return for the period to 30 June 2025.
[2] As measured by ratings agency SuperRatings Pty Ltd – a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR No.1309956) of Lonsec Research Pty Ltd AFSL No. 421445. SR50 Balanced Index to 31 May 2025. Product ratings and awards are only one factor to be considered when making a decision. See hesta.com.au/ratings for more information.
[3] Figure assumes investment in MySuper Balanced Growth option for duration of the 2024/25 financial year and does not factor in any contributions or deductions. Average balance of HESTA member as at 30 June 2024. Estimated investment returns based on 10.18% return for the financial year.
Ends.
About HESTA
HESTA is one of the largest superannuation funds dedicated to Australia’s health and community services sector. An industry fund that's run only to benefit members, HESTA now has more than one million members (around 80% of whom are women) and currently manages approximately $95 billion* in assets invested around the world.
*Information is current as at the date of issue.
