Staying focused on the long term: investment performance to 30 June 2026

Investing for retirement is a long-term journey, and market conditions can change significantly from year to year.

Through periods of economic uncertainty, inflation pressures and geopolitical tensions during the year, maintaining a long-term perspective remained as important as ever for most superannuation investors.

For PSSap members, investment options delivered the following returns (net of fees and taxes):

• The MySuper Balanced option, the default option for most members, delivered a 10.0% return over the year, and an annualised return of 7.7% over 10 years, to 30 June 2026.
• The Aggressive option returned 10.9% over the year, and an annualised return of 9.6% over 10 years, to 30 June 2026.
• The Income Focused option returned 6.5% over the year, and 5.4% per annum over 10 years, to 30 June 2026.

Shown above: PSSap results. For scheme-specific investment performance, go to csc.gov.au/performance. Past performance isn't a reliable indicator of future performance

These results reinforce an important principle of superannuation investing: retirement savings are built over decades, not months. While short-term market movements are inevitable, maintaining a long-term perspective can help members stay focused on what matters most, achieving their retirement goals.

Diversification supporting long-term performance

Strong investment outcomes are built on more than any single market, sector or asset class. By investing across a diversified mix of assets, industries and regions, CSC’s investment options are designed to help manage risk and capture growth opportunities in different market conditions. This approach helps build resilient portfolios that support members' long-term retirement goals. Here are some examples of private assets¹ that contribute to CSC’s performance.  

Fit for the future

The world is constantly changing, and so are the investment opportunities that shape long-term returns. That's why we look for high-quality businesses and assets that we consider are well placed to benefit from trends such as digital innovation, the energy transition and advances in healthcare.

These opportunities can help build resilient portfolios that are designed to perform across different market and economic conditions, helping support retirement outcomes over the long term.

We work with specialist investment managers to identify these opportunities while carefully managing the risks that can come with investing early.

Infrastructure

• CDC Data Centres (CDC)

  CSC recognised data centres as critical digital infrastructure early, investing in CDC in 2016 before the sector became widely adopted by investors.

  This year, CDC's value increased significantly after securing Australia's largest-ever data centre contract, highlighting the benefits of identifying long-term trends early and supporting growth as demand accelerates.

• High-speed home internet infrastructure

  Fast, reliable internet is now an essential service for households and businesses.

  CSC invests in fibre infrastructure across Australia, the US and Europe, with the aim of benefiting from long-term trends such as increased data usage, cloud computing and remote work.

• New energy assets

  The transition to cleaner energy continues to create investment opportunities around the world.

  CSC invests in the development of new solar, wind and battery storage projects, helping finance the energy infrastructure needed for future demand while seeking attractive long-term returns.

• Electric vehicle (EV) charging

  As electric vehicle adoption grows, so does the need for charging infrastructure.

  CSC has invested in a leading European provider of at-home EV charging solutions, helping us get positioned to benefit from growing demand and supportive government policies.

• Private equity

  CSC invests in innovative private companies operating in areas such as artificial intelligence, satellite technology, commercial space transportation and cancer treatments.

  These early investments into innovative, profitable companies also help contribute to improved health and safety outcomes and technological advancement for the future.   

High-quality assets

Quality remains a key focus across the portfolio.

This year, CSC's premium property assets, including Grosvenor Place in Sydney, 101 Collins in Melbourne and QV1 in Perth, contributed to stronger performance through high-quality tenants, strong leasing outcomes and sought-after locations.

In 2025, CSC increased its ownership of Grosvenor Place to 50%, building on an investment first made in 2007 and reinforcing its conviction in high-quality assets with strong long-term potential.

Building new investment businesses

CSC's seeder program partners with talented investment managers to create new sources of investment returns for members.

By supporting these businesses early, CSC can better access specialist expertise, share in future growth and help keep investment costs competitive as the businesses expand globally.

For more information, visit What we invest in. 

Looking beyond market ups and downs

Periods of market uncertainty can be challenging, but they're also a normal part of investing.

Investment markets are influenced by a range of factors, including inflation, interest rates, economic growth and geopolitical events. These factors can create short-term volatility, but history shows that markets have generally rewarded patient, long-term investors over time.

That's why it's important to regularly review whether your investment option aligns with your goals, risk tolerance and investment timeframe, instead of just making decisions based solely on short-term market movements.

Smooth investment strategy awarded

CSC’s investment approach continues to stand out for its resilience. The 2026 Smooth Ride Award recognised CSC’s strong risk-adjusted performance and ability to navigate changing market conditions.*

CSC’s premixed investment options consistently deliver top-tier risk-adjusted returns:

• PSSap Aggressive: ranked #1 over 7,10, 15 and 20 years²
• PSSap MySuper Balanced: top quartile over 1, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 15 years³ 
• PSSap Income Focused: ranked #1 over 7, 10 and 15 years⁴ 
  
   

^[1] Private assets include private equity, property and infrastructure. This includes both traditional assets like utilities, toll roads and airports as well as newer growth areas like digital and energy transition. This can also include investments with different risk return patterns that help give CSC customers downside protection, while allowing them to participate in growth upside.

^[2] SuperRatings Risk-Adjusted Return Survey, June 2026. The SR Growth (77-90) Index is a benchmark used by SuperRatings to compare diversified fund options with a growth assets ratio between 77% and 90%. Rankings are based on results for the period ending 30 June 2026. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

^[3] SuperRatings Risk-Adjusted Return Survey, June 2026. The SR Balanced (60-76) Index is a benchmark used by SuperRatings to compare diversified fund options with a growth assets ratio between 60% and 76%. Rankings are based on results for the period ending 30 June 2026. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

^[4] SuperRatings Risk-Adjusted Return Survey, June 2026. The SR Capital Stable (20-40) Index is a benchmark used by SuperRatings to compare diversified fund options with a growth assets ratio between 20% and 40%. Rankings are based on results for the period ending 30 June 2026. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

*Ratings issued by SuperRatings Pty Ltd a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR No.1309956) of Lonsec Research Pty Ltd AFSL No. 421445 are general advice only. Rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold any product and subject to change without notice. SuperRatings may receive a fee for the use of its ratings and awards. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Visit SuperRatings.com.au for ratings information.