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We’d like to reassure our members that periods of market volatility are a normal part of investing. Our diversified investment approach is designed to help smooth out these ups and downs over time.
Sam Sicilia
Chief Investment Officer
5 min read
Updated 25 May 2026
Although the first quarter of 2026 started positively, markets became more variable towards the end of March. Changing global conditions, including the renewed conflict in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, saw oil prices push sharply higher.
As investors adjusted to these conditions, share markets around the world fell as they moved away from higher-growth assets, while energy-related investments were among the few areas to remain more resilient.
Although markets recovered slightly towards the end of the quarter, conditions remained unsettled.
Despite this, our Balanced (MySuper) options has returned 4.01% over the financial year to date, and an average return of 8.64% p.a. over the last 10 years.
This strong long-term performance reflects our diversified investment approach, which helps to cushion the impact of falling share markets.
Over the quarter, our Balanced (MySuper) option delivered a return of -1.15% for the three months to 31 March 2026. In comparison, the Australian and US share markets fell around 2.8% and 4.8% respectively across the quarter.1
It’s thanks to our diversification – our investment in assets outside of share markets, such as cash, bonds, property, alternatives, infrastructure, private equity and credit – that our returns were cushioned from the full loss experienced in the share markets. This diversification helps us deliver more stable outcomes over time.
Watch Sam Sicilia, Chief Investment Officer, provide an update on our investment performance
Hostplus’ other pre-mixed investment options delivered mixed returns for accumulation members over the quarter, but are all in positive territory over the past 12 months.
| Pre-mixed investment option returns to 31 March 2026 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 5 years p.a. | 10 years p.a. | ||
Signature | ||||
| High Growth | 9.81% | - | - | |
| Growth | 9.53% | 7.74% | 9.67% | |
| Balanced (MySuper) | 8.86% | 7.55% | 8.64% | |
| Conservative | 7.63% | 5.81% | 6.62% | |
| Stable | 5.88% | 4.54% | 4.77% | |
| Defensive | 4.49% | - | - | |
Indexed | ||||
| Indexed High Growth | 11.29% | - | - | |
| Indexed Growth | 11.04% | - | - | |
| Indexed Balanced | 10.00% | 7.81% | 8.33% | |
| Indexed Conservative | 7.97% | - | - | |
| Indexed Stable | 6.26% | - | - | |
| Indexed Defensive | 4.72% | - | - | |
Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) | ||||
| SRI - High Growth | 9.37% | - | - | |
| SRI - Balanced | 8.62% | 7.26% | - | |
| SRI - Defensive | 4.18% | - | - | |
Source: Hostplus data as of 31 March 2026. Net investment returns represent the rate of return on investments after investment-related fees, costs and taxes have been deducted. Other fees and costs apply. Refer to the PDS for more information, available at hostplus.com.au/pds. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
Market ups and downs are an expected part of the investment journey
The current market conditions may feel concerning, but history shows that markets have recovered from previous periods of uncertainty just like this one.
We continue to monitor markets closely and make investment decisions with a focus on long-term outcomes. This means we don’t react to short-term headlines, but instead remain focused on long-term value and on protecting members’ retirement savings.
Hostplus’ Balanced (MySuper) option is still ranked number 1 over 10 and 20 years
Over the longer term, our proven investment approach has delivered excellent results for members in our Balanced (MySuper) option. It’s still ranked the number one MySuper option in Australia over 10 and 20 years to 31 March 2026, according to SuperRatings.2
Source: Hostplus Balanced (MySuper) investment option compared to the SuperRatings Accumulation Fund Crediting Rate Survey - SR MySuper Index as at 31 March 2026. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
These superior long-term returns demonstrate that our investment strategy is working hard for Hostplus members through all market conditions.
Get help when you need it
If you’re concerned about your investment options or long-term goals, our financial advice team would be happy to help. You can book an appointment online or visit our financial advice page for more information. We’re here to help you make confident decisions about your super.
1. Source: ASX200 and S&P500
2. Source: SuperRatings Accumulation Fund Crediting Rate Survey – SR Balanced (60-76) Index at 31 March 2026. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.