Investment markets rarely move in a straight line. Changes in interest rates, inflation and world events can make things feel uncertain in the short term. But for patient, long-term investors like us, they can also create opportunities.
At CBUS, our focus hasn't changed. We continue to grow and protect your retirement savings over time. We do this by investing across a wide mix of assets, markets and investment styles, balancing delivering strong long-term returns with the careful management of risk.
September quarter in review
Our Growth (MySuper) investment option returned 1.27% for the September 2026 quarter, bringing our 1 year return to 7.17%.
Markets delivered mixed returns
Resilient economic growth and corporate earnings supported global shares, particularly US technology and energy companies but renewed inflation pressure, rising oil prices and tighter monetary policy pushed government bond yields sharply higher.
The policy-rate chart below highlights an increasingly divergent backdrop: renewed tightening of interest rates in Australia and continued normalisation in Japan contrasted with earlier easing in the US, UK and Euro area, reinforcing cross-market differences in yields and currency performance.
Our diversified options delivered positive returns
Investment markets continued to support positive returns for our diversified investment options over the three months to 30 September 2026. Investment options with a higher allocation to growth assets generally benefited more from positive share market performance.
Our High Growth option has the largest exposure to growth assets therefore recorded the strongest result. Our Growth (MySuper) option also benefited from growth assets, while its broader diversification across shares, property, infrastructure, credit, fixed interest and cash helped balance return opportunities with risk. Our Indexed Diversified option delivered a positive result through its diversified, predominantly indexed exposure.
Different investment options to suit you
When considering an option, it is important to look beyond one quarter and choose an investment approach that suits your goals, timeframe and comfort with market movements. Our Chief Investment Officer, Leigh Gavin, explains how we give you choice, while our investment experts manage your super.
The outlook remains finely balanced
Resilient growth and earnings are supportive for shares, but elevated yields, geopolitical risks and renewed inflation pressure may produce further volatility. Diversification remains important, with higher bond yields improving prospective income while favouring selective exposure to companies with durable earnings, pricing power and robust balance sheets.
What we're keeping an eye on
We're closely watching where inflation and interest rates are heading, how well companies are holding up, and the big long-term trends reshaping economies. These include the shift to cleaner energy, the growth of digital technology, our changing population and the growing need for essential infrastructure. Our investment team plans for a range of possibilities, which helps us spot where being patient is likely to pay off.
What this means for you
Your CBUS Super is invested for the long haul. Ups and downs are a normal part of investing and sticking with your chosen strategy can help you avoid decisions driven by short-term market noise.
Your circumstances, goals and comfort with risk are unique. If you’re considering your investment options, we suggest you review the available information and consider seeking financial advice if appropriate. We're here to help you choose the option that best suits you.
Performance update
Asset allocation
The Strategic Asset Allocation (SAA) provides guidance for the portfolio allocation over the medium to long term (10+ years) and is reviewed annually. The SAA for all investment options can be found on the following pages:
The actual asset allocations at any point in time may differ from their respective targets due to market movements, cash flows and other activities.
Actual asset allocations are regularly monitored by the investment team and rebalanced back towards target, or in line with our views on opportunities and risks.
See below for the Growth (MySuper) investment option allocation:
Figures are subject to rounding. Actual asset allocation is current as at 30 June 2026. Asset classes are the building blocks of our investment options. We allocate different proportions to each asset class with the aim of meeting each option’s investment risk and return objective. By investing across a range of asset types, the risk of a big fall in your account is reduced through diversification. For more information see asset classes.
We periodically review our investment strategy and believe that the Growth (MySuper) option is well positioned for growth over the medium to long term, while maintaining some defensive exposure. Cbus’ Pre-mixed investment options are broadly diversified across asset classes.
The information is about Cbus. It doesn’t take into account your specific needs, so you should look to your own financial position, objectives and requirements before making any financial decisions. Read the Cbus Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination to decide whether Cbus is right for you, or contact us for a copy.
Our responsible investment approach
Investing responsibly is important for our members’ long-term returns and quality of life.
Our investment in Atmos Renewables is a strong example, supporting the development of next-generation renewable energy infrastructure.
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