Superannuation balances saw a 12.6 per cent gain in the median superannuation balanced option, achieving double digit growth second year in a row.
Balances were once again boosted by listed equity markets both locally and globally, which was the main driver for the positive return.
As a result, those invested in aggressive investment options saw better returns.
The median growth option (with exposure to growth style assets of between 77 per cent and 90 per cent) is predicted to return around 14 per cent, while the median capital stable option (with exposure to growth style assets of between 20 and 40 per cent), is predicted to return seven per cent for the financial year.
This is the fifth year in a row the median balanced option has returned positively, and follows last year's 14.7 per cent return.
Around 60 to 70 per cent of Australians are invested in the funds' default investment option, which is mostly the balanced investment option.
SuperRatings research also showed the returns in eight out of the last 10 years have also been positive.
Median superannuation balanced option's 10-year return is still hovering at 6.9 per cent, slightly higher than most funds' aim of 3.5 per cent above inflation.
Investors investing $100,000 10 years ago would have seen a 90 per cent return over this period, and would be worth about $189,700 as at the end of June.
Super funds had a “tremendous month” in November, according to new data.
Australia faces a decade of deficits, with the sum of deficits over the next four years expected to overshoot forecasts by $21.8 billion.
APRA has raised an alarm about gaps in how superannuation trustees are managing the risks associated with unlisted assets, after releasing the findings of its latest review.
Compared to how funds were allocated to March this year, industry super funds have slightly decreased their allocation to infrastructure in the six months to September – dropping from 11 per cent to 10.6 per cent, according to the latest APRA data.