Investment update to 31 January 2026
2 March 2026
Starting the year with solid returns
Brighter Super’s diversified investment options started the new year with solid returns, continuing the steady gains achieved in recent months.
In SuperRatings’ latest survey of performance across super funds1, both our Growth and Conservative Balanced options were ranked #1 in their index for 7 years to 31 January 2026, for Accumulation and Pension accounts2. This reflects the strength of our disciplined, long-term investment approach.
While market conditions have been relatively stable recently, the escalations in the Middle East are a reminder that global economic and geopolitical factors can change quickly. Our diversified investment approach is designed to help manage market swings over the long term.
When markets become volatile, we encourage members to avoid rushed short-term decisions, stay invested and focus on their long-term goals.
How our diversified options performed
The table below shows returns for our diversified investment options for periods ended 31 January 20261.
|
Brighter Super investment option
|
Returns for periods ended 31 January 2026 (%)1 |
| 1 year |
3 year |
5 year |
7 year |
| Accumulation accounts |
| MySuper |
7.54% |
9.55% |
7.86% |
7.74% |
| Growth |
7.48% |
11.35% |
9.80% |
10.58% |
| Balanced |
6.71% |
9.93% |
8.19% |
9.09% |
| Conservative Balanced |
6.18% |
8.15% |
6.23% |
7.04% |
| Indexed Balanced |
5.72% |
10.94% |
8.75% |
– |
| Stable |
5.60% |
6.54% |
4.36% |
5.15% |
| Secure |
4.07% |
4.03% |
2.55% |
2.80% |
| Pension accounts |
| Growth |
8.20% |
12.60% |
10.92% |
11.85% |
| Balanced |
7.36% |
11.01% |
9.08% |
10.09% |
| Conservative Balanced |
6.75% |
9.10% |
6.92% |
7.84% |
| Indexed Balanced |
6.23% |
12.06% |
9.66% |
– |
| Stable |
6.25% |
7.42% |
4.93% |
5.83% |
| Secure |
4.70% |
4.50% |
2.64% |
2.97% |
Brighter Super offers a range of investment options to suit different goals, timeframes and levels of risk. You can choose from our ready-made diversified options – which invest across a broad mix of asset classes – or create your own strategy using single asset class options.
This monthly investment update focuses on the performance of our diversified options, where most of our members are invested.
To see how our single asset class options are performing, visit the latest performance page for all our investment options’ returns.
Looking back: global market trends in January 2026
Global developed markets made a positive start to 2026. The MSCI World Index (hedged into AUD) posted a gain of 1.7% in January, lifting total returns to 17.1% over the previous twelve months.
In January, US share markets posted modest gains but underperformed other developed markets. The S&P 500 Index rose 1.5%, but these were lower than returns across Europe, Asia‑Pacific and Emerging Markets. Performance was also linked to weakness in software companies, which have been facing increasing competitive pressures from artificial intelligence (AI).
US inflation was slightly lower than expected, while unemployment fell slightly to 4.4%, although it is higher than a year ago. The Federal Reserve held policy rates steady at 3.5–3.75%, following the December rate cut.
European shares recorded solid gains, with the MSCI Europe Index (in euros) rising 3.1% over the month. Performance was supported by strong gains across key sectors, including financials, industrials and technology.
In Asia, share markets delivered broadly positive returns, led by North Asia. Korean shares significantly outperformed, rising 28.0% during the month, helped by strong demand for technology and semiconductor companies linked to AI. Taiwanese shares also performed strongly for similar reasons.
Australian shares rose 1.7% in January. Gains were led by energy (+11.1%) and materials (+9.4%), supported by higher oil and bulk commodity prices. With inflation pressures still persistent, market expectations shifted toward rate hikes – which subsequently materialised early February with the Reserve Bank of Australia’s cash rate increase to 3.85%.
Bond yields rose slightly in January. The Australian 10‑year government bond yield rose around 0.05% to 4.80%, as inflation remained persistent and markets expected interest rates to remain higher for longer. The US 10‑year Treasury yield rose by 0.09% to 4.26%. Both Australian bonds and global bonds delivered a small positive return of 0.2%.
The Australian dollar rose 5.1% against the US dollar over the month, supported by higher commodity prices and domestic rate expectations. The US dollar weakened against most major currencies.
-
SuperRatings Fund Crediting Rate Survey, January 2026. Refer to superratings.com.au for further information about these results. The information is current as at the date of the SuperRatings Survey (released on 19 February2026). Investment returns are only one factor to be considered when deciding whether to invest. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
Returns are based on daily unit pricing valuations and are net of external investment manager fees, net of taxes and gross of all Brighter Super administration fees for all performance periods.
-
Brighter Super’s Growth option is in the SR Growth (77-90) Index for Accumulation accounts and the SRP Growth (77-90) Index for Pension accounts; Brighter Super’s Conservative Balanced options is in the SR Conservative Balanced (41-59) Index for Accumulation accounts and the SRP Conservative Balanced (41-59) Index for Pension accounts.
The information contained is up to date at the time of publishing. Some of the information may change following its release. Any questions can be referred to Brighter Super by calling 1800 444 396, or by emailing info@brightersuper.com.au.
Brighter Super Trustee (ABN 94 085 088 484) (AFSL 230511) (the Trustee) as trustee for Brighter Super (ABN 23 053 121 564) (RSE R1000160) (the Fund). Brighter Super may refer to the Trustee or the Fund as the context may be. Brighter Super products are issued by the Trustee on behalf of the Fund.
You should obtain and consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) before making any decision to acquire any products. A TMD is a document that outlines the target market a product has been designed for. Find the PDSs and TMDs at www.brightersuper.com.au/pds-and-guides
This article provides general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. As such, you should consider whether it is appropriate in light of your own objectives, financial situation and needs prior to making any decision. You should consult a licensed financial adviser if you require advice which takes into account your personal financial circumstances.
