Find out everything you need to know about our superannuation investment choices.
About us
Investment update September 2023
Investment update market overview. Learn more about the latest updates here.
Read more...Investing in your future
At Cbus, we offer a range of different investment options to suit your goals, your time frame and your preferred level of risk. Making an informed choice now can make a big difference to how much superannuation you’ll have in retirement. With the right planning, you’ll get your super working towards the retirement lifestyle you want.
Most members are invested in the default Growth (MySuper) option. But if you'd like to make your own investment choice, we offer a range of options that you can mix and match, depending on how hands-on you want to be with your super.
For Retirement Scheme members, this page provides the most up to date information about your investment options, but not everything on this page is relevant to you. For example, you can only choose how you invest certain components of your account.
Product Disclosure Statement
To read the Cbus product disclosure statements go to Forms and Publications.
Need advice?
We’re here to help you get your super working. Call us on 1300 361 784.
When you join Cbus, if you don't choose an investment option, your super will be invested in the Growth (MySuper) option.
Cbus MySuper dashboard
Use the dashboard to better understand the fees, risks and performance of our default investment option.
View the dashboardCompare our default option
Compare the Growth (MySuper) option to the average fund.
View the comparisonGrowth (MySuper) average annual return^
8.89%
over the last 39 years to 30 June 2023.
Investment options
With a choice of six Pre-mixed and five DIY investment options, you can mix and match your investments to create a strategy that suits your needs. If you take this path, make sure you read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Investment Handbook and consider your options carefully. And get in touch if you need help.
Compare risk and return by selecting an investment option below.
Investment warning: Investment returns can go up and down. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Investment performance is based on the crediting rate, which is the return minus investment fees, taxes and until 31 January 2020, the percentage-based administration fee. Excludes fees and costs that are deducted directly from members' accounts.
Growth (MySuper)^
Our default investment option is designed to suit most individuals. Suitable for those who can accept some years when returns are negative, but who expect that over the long term, returns will be well above inflation. This option is in our Pre-mixed category. ^If you're a Retirement Scheme member, this option is called the Growth option.
| Investment return objective | |
|---|---|
| Deliver a return of inflation plus | 3.25% p.a. over rolling 10 year periods |
| Likelihood of negative annual returns | 3 to 4 in every 20 years |
| Risk level | Medium to High |
| SAA Growth vs Defensive Allocation |
|
|---|---|
| Growth | 73.5 |
| Defensive |
26.5 |
This strategic asset allocation information is current. Actual asset allocations may vary at any point in time due to market movements, cash flows and other activities, and are regularly monitored by the investment team and rebalanced back towards target, or in line with our views on opportunities and risks.
Note: Growth assets include Australian shares, global shares, emerging market shares, private equity, alternative growth, 50% of infrastructure, 50% of property and 50% of global credit. Defensive assets include cash, fixed interest, 50% of property, 50% of infrastructure and 50% of global credit.
| Asset Allocation | Range % |
|---|---|
| Australian shares | 5.0 - 38.0 |
| Global shares | 7.0 - 39.0 |
| Emerging market shares | 0.0 - 16.5 |
| Private equity | 0.0 - 12.0 |
| Alternative growth | 0.0 - 13.0 |
| Infrastructure | 0.0 - 28.0 |
| Property | 0.0 - 28.0 |
| Global credit | 0.0 - 17.0 |
| Australian fixed interest | 0.0 - 23.0 |
| Global fixed interest | 0.0 - 23.0 |
| Cash | 1.0 - 18.0 |
| Historical returns % (crediting rate) to 30 June 2023 | |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 8.95% |
| 5 years p.a. | 6.17% |
| 10 years p.a. | 8.27% |
| Since inception p.a. | 8.89% |
High Growth
Suitable for individuals seeking the highest returns over the long term and can accept more years of negative returns. This option is in our Pre-mixed category.
| Investment return objective | |
|---|---|
| Deliver a return of inflation plus | 3.75% p.a. over rolling 10 year periods |
| Likelihood of negative annual returns | 5 to 6 in every 20 years |
| Risk level | High |
| SAA Growth vs Defensive Allocation |
|
|---|---|
| Growth | 90 |
| Defensive |
10 |
This strategic asset allocation information is current. Actual asset allocations may vary at any point in time due to market movements, cash flows and other activities, and are regularly monitored by the investment team and rebalanced back towards target, or in line with our views on opportunities and risks.
Note: Growth assets include Australian shares, global shares, emerging market shares, private equity, alternative growth, 50% of infrastructure, 50% of property and 50% of global credit. Defensive assets include cash, fixed interest, 50% of property, 50% of infrastructure and 50% of global credit.
| Asset Allocation |
Range % |
|---|---|
| Australian shares | 15.0 - 48.5 |
| Global shares | 17.0 - 50.0 |
| Emerging market shares | 0.0 - 19.0 |
| Private equity | 0.0 - 13.0 |
| Alternative growth | 0.0 - 17.0 |
| Infrastructure | 0.0 - 23.0 |
| Property | 0.0 - 23.0 |
| Global credit | 0.0 - 10.0 |
| Australian fixed interest | 0.0 - 10.0 |
| Global fixed interest | 0.0 - 10.0 |
| Cash | 0.0 - 10.0 |
| Historical returns % (crediting rate) to 30 June 2023 | |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 12.57% |
| 5 years p.a. | 7.55% |
| 10 years p.a. | 9.80% |
| Since inception p.a. | 7.62% |
Growth Plus
Suitable for individuals seeking higher returns over the long term, and who can accept some years of negative returns. This option is in our Pre-mixed category.
| Investment return objective | |
|---|---|
| Deliver a return of inflation plus | 3.50% p.a. over rolling 10 year periods |
| Likelihood of negative annual returns | 4 to 5 in every 20 years |
| Risk level | High |
| SAA Growth vs Defensive Allocation |
|
|---|---|
| Growth | 82 |
| Defensive |
18 |
This strategic asset allocation information is current. Actual asset allocations may vary at any point in time due to market movements, cash flows and other activities, and are regularly monitored by the investment team and rebalanced back towards target, or in line with our views on opportunities and risks.
Note: Growth assets include Australian shares, global shares, emerging market shares, private equity, alternative growth, 50% of infrastructure, 50% of property and 50% of global credit. Defensive assets include cash, fixed interest, 50% of property, 50% of infrastructure and 50% of global credit.
| Asset Allocation |
Range % |
|---|---|
| Australian shares | 10.0 - 45.0 |
| Global shares | 10.0 - 45.0 |
| Emerging market shares | 0.0 - 19.0 |
| Private equity | 0.0 - 13.0 |
| Alternative growth | 0.0 - 13.0 |
| Infrastructure | 0.0 - 28.0 |
| Property | 0.0 - 28.0 |
| Global credit | 0.0 - 17.0 |
| Australian fixed interest | 0.0 - 15.0 |
| Global fixed interest | 0.0 - 15.0 |
| Cash | 0.0 - 15.0 |
| Historical returns % (crediting rate) to 30 June 2023 | |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 10.68% |
| 5 years p.a. | n/a |
| 10 years p.a. | n/a |
| Since inception p.a. | 3.12% |
Indexed Diversified
Suitable for individuals seeking an option that invests in a mix of assets that aim to closely match index returns with a focus on keeping costs low. Returns are expected to be above inflation, but will also have an increased chance of negative returns. This option is in our Pre-mixed category.
| Investment return objective | |
|---|---|
| Deliver a return of inflation plus | 2.25% p.a. over rolling 10 year periods |
| Likelihood of negative annual returns | 5 to 6 in every 20 years |
| Risk level | High |
| SAA Growth vs Defensive Allocation |
|
|---|---|
| Growth | 70 |
| Defensive |
30 |
This strategic asset allocation information is current. Actual asset allocations may vary at any point in time due to market movements, cash flows and other activities, and are regularly monitored by the investment team and rebalanced back towards target, or in line with our views on opportunities and risks.
Note: Growth assets include Australian shares, global shares, emerging market shares, private equity, alternative growth, 50% of infrastructure, 50% of property and 50% of global credit. Defensive assets include cash, fixed interest, 50% of property, 50% of infrastructure and 50% of global credit.
| Asset Allocation |
Range % |
|---|---|
| Australian shares | 15.0 - 55.0 |
| Global shares | 20.0 - 60.0 |
| Emerging market shares | 0.0 - 10.0 |
| Australian fixed interest | 0.0 - 40.0 |
| Global fixed interest | 0.0 - 40.0 |
| Cash | 1.0 - 40.0 |
| Historical returns % (crediting rate) to 30 June 2023 | |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 11.32% |
| 5 years p.a. | n/a |
| 10 years p.a. | n/a |
| Since inception p.a. | 1.61% |
Conservative Growth
Suitable for individuals who can accept some years when returns are negative but who expect that over the long term, returns will be above inflation. This option is in our Pre-mixed category.
| Investment return objective | |
|---|---|
| Deliver a return of inflation plus | 2.25% p.a. over rolling 10 year periods |
| Likelihood of negative annual returns | 2 to 3 in every 20 years |
| Risk level | Medium |
| SAA Growth vs Defensive Allocation |
|
|---|---|
| Growth | 52 |
| Defensive |
48 |
This strategic asset allocation information is current. Actual asset allocations may vary at any point in time due to market movements, cash flows and other activities, and are regularly monitored by the investment team and rebalanced back towards target, or in line with our views on opportunities and risks.
Note: Growth assets include Australian shares, global shares, emerging market shares, private equity, alternative growth, 50% of infrastructure, 50% of property and 50% of global credit. Defensive assets include cash, fixed interest, 50% of property, 50% of infrastructure and 50% of global credit.
| Asset Allocation |
Range % |
|---|---|
Australian shares |
1.0 - 31.0 |
Global shares |
0.5 - 32.0
|
| Emerging market shares | 0.0 - 14.0 |
| Private equity | 0.0 - 10.0 |
| Alternative growth | 0.0 - 12.5 |
Infrastructure |
0.0 - 25.0 |
Property |
0.0 - 25.0 |
Global credit |
0.0 - 18.0 |
Australian fixed interest |
0.0 - 47.0 |
| Global fixed interest | 0.0 - 47.0 |
| Enhanced income | 0.0 - 47.0 |
Cash |
0.0 - 47.0 |
| Historical returns % (crediting rate) to 30 June 2023 | |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 6.61% |
| 5 years p.a. | 4.58% |
| 10 years p.a. | n/a |
| Since inception p.a. | 5.12% |
Conservative
Suitable for individuals who can accept lower returns on the basis that negative returns will be limited. This option is in our Pre-mixed category.
| Investment return objective | |
|---|---|
| Deliver a return of inflation plus | 1.00% p.a. over rolling 10 year periods |
| Likelihood of negative annual returns | 1 to 2 in every 20 years |
| Risk level | Low to Medium |
| SAA Growth vs Defensive Allocation |
|
|---|---|
| Growth | 31 |
| Defensive |
69 |
This strategic asset allocation information is current. Actual asset allocations may vary at any point in time due to market movements, cash flows and other activities, and are regularly monitored by the investment team and rebalanced back towards target, or in line with our views on opportunities and risks.
Note: Growth assets include Australian shares, global shares, emerging market shares, private equity, alternative growth, 50% of infrastructure, 50% of property and 50% of global credit. Defensive assets include cash, fixed interest, 50% of property, 50% of infrastructure and 50% of global credit.
| Asset Allocation | Range % |
|---|---|
| Australian shares | 0.0 - 18.0 |
| Global shares | 0.0 - 18.5 |
| Emerging market shares | 0.0 - 9.5 |
| Private equity | 0.0 - 7.5 |
| Alternative growth | 0.0 - 9.5 |
| Infrastructure | 0.0 - 17.0 |
| Property | 0.0 - 17.0 |
| Global credit | 0.0 - 21.5 |
| Australian fixed interest | 0.0 - 58.5 |
| Global fixed interest | 0.0 - 58.5 |
| Enhanced income | 0.0 - 59.0 |
| Cash | 0.0 - 59.0 |
| Historical returns % (crediting rate) to 30 June 2023 | |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 4.17% |
| 5 years p.a. | 3.10% |
| 10 years p.a. | 4.55% |
| Since inception p.a. | 5.47% |
Overseas Shares
Suitable for individuals seeking to invest in a range of overseas shares. This option aims to deliver strong capital growth over the longer term but has a higher expectation of negative returns. This option is in our DIY category.
| Investment return objective | |
|---|---|
| To deliver a return above the MSCI All Country World ex Australia Index (unhedged) after fees and adjusted for implied super tax. | Over rolling 10-year periods |
| Likelihood of negative annual returns | 6 to 7 in every 20 years |
| Risk level | Very High |
| SAA Growth vs Defensive Allocation |
|
|---|---|
| Growth | 100 |
| Defensive |
0 |
This strategic asset allocation information is current. Actual asset allocations may vary at any point in time due to market movements, cash flows and other activities, and are regularly monitored by the investment team and rebalanced back towards target, or in line with our views on opportunities and risks.
Note: Growth assets include Australian shares, global shares, emerging market shares, private equity, alternative growth, 50% of infrastructure, 50% of property and 50% of global credit. Defensive assets include cash, fixed interest, 50% of property, 50% of infrastructure and 50% of global credit.
| Asset Allocation |
Range % |
|---|---|
| Global shares | 90.0 - 100.0 |
| Cash | 0.0 - 10.0 |
| Historical returns % (crediting rate) to 30 June 2023 | |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 18.71% |
| 5 years p.a. | n/a |
| 10 years p.a. | n/a |
| Since inception p.a. | 2.79% |
Australian Shares
Suitable for individuals seeking to invest in a range of Australian shares. This option aims to deliver strong capital growth over the longer term but has a higher expectation of negative returns. This option is in our DIY category.
| Investment return objective | |
|---|---|
| To deliver a return above the S&P/ASX 300 Accumulation Index after fees and adjusted for implied super tax | Over rolling 10-year periods |
| Likelihood of negative annual returns | 6 to 7 in every 20 years |
| Risk level | Very High |
| SAA Growth vs Defensive Allocation |
|
|---|---|
| Growth | 100 |
| Defensive |
0 |
This strategic asset allocation information is current. Actual asset allocations may vary at any point in time due to market movements, cash flows and other activities, and are regularly monitored by the investment team and rebalanced back towards target, or in line with our views on opportunities and risks.
Note: Growth assets include Australian shares, global shares, emerging market shares, private equity, alternative growth, 50% of infrastructure, 50% of property and 50% of global credit. Defensive assets include cash, fixed interest, 50% of property, 50% of infrastructure and 50% of global credit.
| Asset Allocation |
Range % |
|---|---|
| Australian shares | 90.0 - 100.0 |
| Cash | 0.0 - 10.0 |
| Historical returns % (crediting rate) to 30 June 2023 | |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 14.86% |
| 5 years p.a. | n/a |
| 10 years p.a. | n/a |
| Since inception p.a. | 4.23% |
Property
Suitable for individuals seeking to invest in a property assets. It invests in unlisted property and Global Listed Real Estate Investment Trusts (GREITs). This option is in our DIY category.
| Investment return objective | |
|---|---|
| Deliver a return of inflation plus | 2.50% p.a. after fees and tax, over rolling 10 year periods |
| Likelihood of negative annual returns | 4 to 5 in every 20 years |
| Risk level | High |
| SAA Growth vs Defensive Allocation |
|
|---|---|
| Growth | 71 |
| Defensive |
29 |
This strategic asset allocation information is current. Actual asset allocations may vary at any point in time due to market movements, cash flows and other activities, and are regularly monitored by the investment team and rebalanced back towards target, or in line with our views on opportunities and risks.
Note: Growth assets include Australian shares, global shares, emerging market shares, private equity, alternative growth, 50% of infrastructure, 50% of property and 50% of global credit. Defensive assets include cash, fixed interest, 50% of property, 50% of infrastructure and 50% of global credit.
| Asset Allocation |
Range % |
|---|---|
| Unlisted Property | 0.0 - 85.0 |
| Global Listed Real Estate Investment Trusts | 15.0 - 100 |
| Cash | 2.0 - 30.0 |
| Historical returns % (crediting rate) to 30 June 2023 | |
|---|---|
| 1 year | -3.36% |
| 5 years p.a. | n/a |
| 10 years p.a. | n/a |
| Since inception p.a. | -3.44% |
Diversified Fixed Interest
Suitable for individuals seeking to invest in a range of Australian and global fixed interest and global credit. This option is in our DIY category.
| Investment return objective | |
|---|---|
| Deliver a return of inflation plus | 0.50% p.a. after fees and tax, over rolling 10 year periods |
| Likelihood of negative annual returns | 1 to 2 in every 20 years |
| Risk level | Low to Medium |
| SAA Growth vs Defensive Allocation |
|
|---|---|
| Growth | 25 |
| Defensive |
75 |
This strategic asset allocation information is current. Actual asset allocations may vary at any point in time due to market movements, cash flows and other activities, and are regularly monitored by the investment team and rebalanced back towards target, or in line with our views on opportunities and risks.
Note: Growth assets include Australian shares, global shares, emerging market shares, private equity, alternative growth, 50% of infrastructure, 50% of property and 50% of global credit. Defensive assets include cash, fixed interest, 50% of property, 50% of infrastructure and 50% of global credit.
| Asset Allocation |
Range % |
|---|---|
| Global credit | 20.0 - 80.0 |
| Australian fixed interest | 0.0 - 50.0 |
| Global fixed interest | 0.0 - 50.0 |
| Historical returns % (crediting rate) to 30 June 2023 | |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 1.75% |
| 5 years p.a. | n/a |
| 10 years p.a. | n/a |
| Since inception p.a. | -2.64% |
Cash
Suitable for individuals who want to avoid negative returns (expected negative returns are negligible). Returns over the long term are expected to be lower than the other Cbus investment options. This option is in our DIY category.
| Investment return objective | |
|---|---|
| Deliver a return aligned with the RBA cash rate after fees and adjusted for implied super tax | Over rolling 3-year periods |
| Likelihood of negative annual returns | Negligible in 20 years |
| Risk level | Very low |
| SAA Growth vs Defensive Allocation |
|
|---|---|
| Growth | 0 |
| Defensive |
100 |
This strategic asset allocation information is current. Actual asset allocations may vary at any point in time due to market movements, cash flows and other activities, and are regularly monitored by the investment team and rebalanced back towards target, or in line with our views on opportunities and risks.
Note: Growth assets include Australian shares, global shares, emerging market shares, private equity, alternative growth, 50% of infrastructure, 50% of property and 50% of global credit. Defensive assets include cash, fixed interest, 50% of property, 50% of infrastructure and 50% of global credit. Please note the Cash savings option includes a 50% allocation with the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ).
| Asset Allocation | Range % |
|---|---|
| Cash | 100.0 |
| Historical returns % (crediting rate) to 30 June 2023 | |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 2.77% |
| 5 years p.a. | 1.11% |
| 10 years p.a. | 1.48% |
| Since inception p.a. | 2.06% |
Cbus Self Managed
Suitable for eligible members who are comfortable taking an active role in managing their super savings.^^
| Investment objective | |
|---|---|
| Deliver an after tax return of inflation plus | varies by member based on investment selection |
| Likelihood of negative annual returns | varies by member based on investment selection |
| Risk level | varies by member based on investment selection |
Investments available
- a range of Australian shares
- Exchange traded funds (ETFs)
- Term deposits
- Managed investments including property and infrastructure.
Refer to Cbus Self Managed for further information.
See Cbus Self Managed performance.
^^ If you're a Retirement Scheme member, you're not eligible to invest in this option.
Cbus also offers a range of super income stream options for members who are nearing retirement, or fully retired.
Read about super income stream investment options.
Thinking about a Self Managed Super Fund?
A Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF) isn’t for everyone. Find out if an SMSF is right for you.
Get the facts on SMSFs
Investment performance
Super investment option performance to 31 October 2023*
| 1 month (%) | Financial Year to Date (%) | 1 year (%) | 3 years p.a (%) | 5 years p.a (%) | 10 years p.a (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Growth (MySuper) | -1.52 | -2.02 | 4.85 | 5.90 | 5.98 | 7.30 |
| High Growth | -1.94 | -2.78 | 6.66 | 7.58 | 7.49 | 8.52 |
| Growth Plus | -1.64 | -2.31 | 5.83 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Indexed Diversified | -1.87 | -2.72 | 4.63 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Conservative Growth^ | -1.04 | -1.32 | 4.11 | 3.54 | 4.45 | n/a |
| Conservative | -0.55 | -0.27 | 3.58 | 1.69 | 3.07 | 4.15 |
| Overseas Shares | -1.07 | -1.84 | 12.70 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Australian Shares | -4.00 | -4.83 | 2.74 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Property |
-1.32 | -4.05 | -5.09 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Diversified Fixed Interest | -0.60 | -0.53 | 2.39 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Cash | 0.32 | 1.33 | 3.45 | 1.46 | 1.25 | 1.53 |
*This table shows the most recent crediting rates (published monthly on or around 14 to 21 days following each months reporting period).
Please note, the Growth Plus, Indexed Diversified, Overseas Shares, Australian Shares, Property and Diversified Fixed Interest options commenced on 14 February 2022 therefore crediting rate information for longer time periods are not applicable.
Investment performance is based on the crediting rate, which is the return minus investment fees, taxes, and until 31 January 2020, the percentage-based administration fee. Excludes fees and costs that are deducted directly from members’ accounts. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
^ If you're a Retirement Scheme member this option is called the Growth option.
#The Conservative Growth accumulation option commenced on 6 July 2017 therefore crediting rate information for longer time periods are not applicable.
Cbus has declared crediting rates daily since 4 October 2018. Prior to this rates were declared weekly.
Crediting rates are the investment earnings for each investment option. Cbus calculates crediting rates and declares these on a daily basis. Crediting rates go up and down during the year, reflecting movements in investment markets.
Learn about crediting rates (PDF)
Changing investment options
If you’re considering changing how your super is invested, it’s important to think long term.
In times of higher share market volatility, it may be tempting to invest your super in lower risk options to try to minimise losses over the short term. However, reacting to short-term changes may reduce your super balance over the long term.
So while monitoring your investment performance is important, frequent switching between options may not benefit you in the long run.
Read about changing options in response to short-term share market movements or watch our video to understand more about share market volatility and how Cbus invests.
Before you change how you invest your super, it’s important to understand the range of investment options available, your investment time frame and the impact of changing investment options.
We’re here to help you work through your options and answer your questions about investments.
Call Cbus Advice Services on 1300 361 784.
How do I change my investment options?
At any time, you can change the investment option for your super contributions. Changes for future contributions occur as soon as they are received.
You can change the investment options for your account in two ways. One is to change which options your whole account is invested in, another is to change how you direct your contributions.
Investment switches are processed on a daily basis. All switch requests must be received before 4.00pm (AEST/AEDT). The change will be effective from the start of the next national business day. You’ll see this reflected in your account two national business days later. If we receive your request after 4.00pm (or on a weekend or public holiday) it will take an extra national business day to process.
- Login to your online account to change your investment options.
- If you haven't logged in before, it's easy to register now.
- Alternatively, complete the Investment choice form (PDF).
- If you're a Retirement Scheme member, you can switch online or by using the Retirement Scheme Investment choice form (PDF).
- Or call us on 1300 361 784 and we’ll post you a form.
Further reading
You can read more about the information covered on this page by clicking on the links to view relevant further reading on our website.