CBUS delivers 10.06% return on top-performing High Growth option
3 July 2026
Media Release
CBUS Super has delivered strong investment returns for members across another financial year marked by global instability and volatile markets.
The Fund’s High Growth investment option, which is popular with younger members, returned 10.06% this financial year, and is ranked first in the sector over 15 years to 31 May 2026.1
The default Growth (MySuper) investment option delivered a 9.25% return for members this financial year and is top-performing over 15 and 20 years in the latest survey.2
CBUS Super’s Chief Investment Officer Leigh Gavin said the Fund’s diversified investment model continued to provide a buffer against global instability.
“What we’ve seen during this financial year really echoes the previous one, which was heavily impacted by geopolitical events,” he said.
“It has emphasised the importance of staying invested, and really shown the success of our diversified investment model.
“It’s a pertinent reminder for our members of the benefits of investing with a large, sophisticated fund like CBUS.
“Our ability to invest in real assets across infrastructure, property and private debt, and our long-term approach to investing, anchors the Fund amidst increasingly unpredictable global markets.
“In addition, through our partnerships with high-quality private equity investment managers we can give members exposure to companies like SpaceX and Anthropic well before they hit public markets and valuations may climb.
“In many cases, our members are invested in these companies years before they are on stock exchanges.”
Mr Gavin said CBUS’ investment choices were geared towards delivering long-term success for members.
“We’ve had success this financial year across a broad section of our investment portfolio, with emerging markets delivering particularly strong returns,” he said.
“Much like developed market shares in recent years, these returns have largely been driven by a small number of AI-related companies, particularly in South Korea and Taiwan, producing the chips and semi-conductors fuelling the AI boom.
“Our property investments have delivered solid returns, despite the challenges presented by higher bond yields and rising interest rates, and Cbus Property’s major projects continue to generate thousands of jobs for our members.” 3
The introduction of Payday Super on 1 July will further bolster these strong returns by ensuring workers receive their super at the same time as their wages.
Combined with the recent increases to the Low-income Super Tax Offset and the Super Guarantee reaching 12%, members can look forward to stronger retirement savings.
The next wave of AI investments
Mr Gavin said the Fund remained disciplined and selective in its approach to investment in AI.
“Returns are slightly higher than normal because earnings are higher than normal, and that is driven by the AI thematic,” he said.
"These companies are fabulously profitable, but we’re keeping a close eye on whether productivity gains continue to justify AI investment.
“CBUS also has significant exposure to hard assets linked to the AI boom like data centres, with exposure to global platforms including CyrusOne, Switch, and Green, as well as mobile spectrum assets in the US that will help people access AI applications.
“These types of investments are typically less liquid and have historically been harder for individual investors to access, which is another positive for CBUS members who benefit from this exposure as part of a diversified portfolio.”
Investing in renewables
CBUS took an equity stake in Atmos Renewables early in the financial year, giving members exposure to 18 renewable assets in operation and under construction, with a combined capacity of 1.5GW.
“Atmos has a diverse range of assets in operation and under construction right across Australia, enough to power about 775,000 homes,” Mr Gavin said.
“We’re committed to the energy transition, and we have a track record to show we will invest directly in renewables when it stacks up for members.”
Property delivers stability through market swings
Property’s performance has lifted this financial year, with the Fund’s property option delivering 11.55% over the financial year.
During the financial year, Cbus Property completed landmark projects at 205 North Quay in Brisbane, Nine The Esplanade in Perth, 111 Castlereagh Street in Sydney, and had tenants moving into one of the world’s first solar-skin facade buildings at 435 Bourke St in Melbourne.
Mr Gavin said the Fund’s investment in real assets with steady returns continued to provide the portfolio ballast during market volatility.
“Strong retail sales growth and high occupancy have also contributed to strong performance across Cbus Property’s shopping centre investments,” he said.
Media enquiries: media@cbussuper.com.au or +61 3 9100 4930
1 The crediting rate is based on investment returns minus investment fees and costs, transaction costs and investment-related taxes and until 31 January 2020, the percentage-based administration fee. Excludes fees and costs that are deducted directly from members’ accounts. Taken from the SuperRatings FCRS SR Growth (77-90) Index (May 2026). The High Growth investment option obtained the number one ranking over 15 years for the period ending 31 May 2026. SuperRatings is a rating agency that collects information from super funds to enable performance comparisons - visit www.superratings.com.au for details of its rating criteria. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
2 The Growth (MySuper) investment option obtained a top quartile performance ranking over 15 and 20 year periods from the SuperRatings FCRS SR Balanced (60-76) Index, for the period ending 31 May 2026.
3 Cbus Property Pty Ltd is a wholly-owned entity of CBUS Super and is responsible for the development and management of a portfolio of CBUS Super’s property investments.
CBUS Super is the leading Industry Super Fund representing those that help build, maintain and shape Australia. As one of Australia’s largest super funds, we provide superannuation and income stream accounts to more than 925,000 members and we manage more than $110 billion of our members’ money (as at 31 December 2025). As of April 2022, CBUS merged with Media Super and offers Media Super products. In May 2023 CBUS Super successfully completed its merger with EISS Super, welcoming 17,000 new members and establishing itself as the leading fund for energy and electrical workers in Australia.
This information is about CBUS Super. It doesn’t account for your specific needs. Please consider your financial position, objectives and requirements before making financial decisions. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination to decide if CBUS Super is right for you. Call 1300 361 784 or visit cbussuper.com.au
Issued 3 July 2026. United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 as trustee for Construction and Building Unions Superannuation Fund (Cbus and/or Cbus Super) ABN 75 493 363 262.