Australian Retirement Trust | Performance, features and fees

Australian Retirement Trust offers a large range of different investment options, including a top-performing Growth option, an ethical option and a MySuper product.

Australian Retirement Trust performance and fees

When joining this fund you'll automatically be invested in the Lifecycle option which invests your super according to your age. After joining you can switch your investment option at any time.

1 - 13 of 13
Name Last 1 year performance (p.a.) Last 3 year performance (p.a.) Last 5 year performance (p.a.) Last 10 year performance (p.a.) Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
Australian Retirement Trust - International Shares Index (unhedged)
Australian Retirement Trust logo
Finder Award
Industry fundIndexed investmentHigher risk
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+26.07%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+10.34%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+12.28%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+11.92%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$192
Go to siteMore Info
Australian Retirement Trust - Lifecycle Balanced Pool
Australian Retirement Trust logo
Industry fundLifestageHigher risk
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+11.87%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+6.29%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+7.58%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+8.28%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$477
Go to siteMore Info
Australian Retirement Trust - High Growth
Australian Retirement Trust logo
Industry fundHigher risk
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+13.73%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+7.51%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+9.19%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+9.58%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$507
Go to siteMore Info
Australian Retirement Trust - Conservative
Australian Retirement Trust logo
Industry fund
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+6.68%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+3.5%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+3.96%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+4.87%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$457
Go to siteMore Info
Australian Retirement Trust - Conservative Balanced
Australian Retirement Trust logo
Industry fund
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+9.06%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+4.87%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+5.72%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+6.44%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$477
Go to siteMore Info
Australian Retirement Trust - Balanced
Australian Retirement Trust logo
Industry fund
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+11.89%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+6.32%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+7.62%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+8.31%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$477
Go to siteMore Info
Australian Retirement Trust - Listed Property Index
Australian Retirement Trust logo
Industry fundIndexed investmentHigher risk
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+13.79%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+2.19%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+5.06%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+7.54%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$187
More Info
Australian Retirement Trust - Australian Shares Index
Australian Retirement Trust logo
Industry fundIndexed investmentHigher risk
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+11.3%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+7.67%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+8.35%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+8.74%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$192
More Info
Australian Retirement Trust - Balanced Index
Australian Retirement Trust logo
Industry fundIndexed investment
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+13.54%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+5.49%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+7.06%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+7.34%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$187
More Info
Australian Retirement Trust - International Shares Index (hedged)
Australian Retirement Trust logo
Industry fundIndexed investmentHigher risk
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+17.87%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+5.45%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+9.46%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+9.32%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$192
More Info
Australian Retirement Trust - Lifecycle Cash Pool
Australian Retirement Trust logo
Industry fundLifestage
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+4.42%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+3.16%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+2.04%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+1.85%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$182
More Info
Australian Retirement Trust - Cash
Australian Retirement Trust logo
Industry fund
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+4.43%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+3.17%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+2.1%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+2.08%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$182
More Info
Australian Retirement Trust - Balanced Risk-Adjusted
Australian Retirement Trust logo
Industry fund
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+8.66%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+3.36%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+4.58%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+6.31%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$397
More Info
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The information in this table is based on data provided by SuperRatings Pty Limited ABN 95 100 192 283, a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR No.1309956) of Lonsec Research Pty Ltd ABN 11 151 658 561, Australian Financial Services Licence No. 421445. In limited instances, where data is not available from SuperRatings for a product, the data is provided directly by the superannuation fund.

*Past performance data and fee data is for the period ending December 2024

What do Australians think of Australian Retirement Trust super fund?

  • 3.96/5 overall for Customer Satisfaction - lower than the average of 4.06
  • 4.22/5 for Trust - lower than the average of 4.45
  • 3.99/5 for Customer Service - lower than the average of 4.07

Based on Australian Retirement Trust super fund scores in Finder's 2024 Customer Satisfaction Awards.

Best Shares Super Fund 2024 Awards winner:

Australian Retirement Trust - International Shares Index (unhedged)

Australian Retirement Trust - International Shares Index (unhedged) won the 2024 Finder Award for best shares super fund with an unbeatable combination of low fees and strong performance over the last 10 years. Finder Superannuation Awards 2024.

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What are the key features of Australian Retirement Trust?

  • Merger between Sunsuper and QSuper. Sunsuper and QSuper merged on 28 February 2022 to create Australian Retirement Trust. Anyone can join Australian Retirement Trust, however there are some eligibility criteria in order to join QSuper (which is part of Australian Retirement Trust).
  • Lifecycle investment strategy. This strategy is an ideal set-and-forget investment option as it adjusts in line with your age throughout your working life.
  • MySuper authorised. The Lifecycle investment option is the authorised default MySuper investment option.
  • Flexible insurance cover. Access to death and total and permanent disability assist cover, with the option to increase or decrease your cover and add income protection insurance.
  • 16 different investment options. You can choose from a Lifecycle investment option, between a number of pre-mixed diversified options or create a build-your-own option.
  • Manage your super online or via a mobile app. Enjoy easy access to your super online or when you're out and about via the mobile app.
  • Sustainable investing. A pre-mixed, balanced socially conscious investment option is available.
  • Earn a Retirement Bonus. When you're ready to retire and switch over to a Income account, a retirement bonus may be paid on funds moved into your new account.

What investment options does Australian Retirement Trust offer?

There are 3 ways to invest depending on how hands-on you want to be with your super. These options are detailed below:

Option 1: Lifecycle investment strategy

When you apply to become a member the fund will automatically place you in its Lifecycle investment strategy (MySuper) option. Your super will be managed for you, and will be invested in a High Growth fund for the majority of your working life. It'll then gradually reduce your exposure to growth assets as you get closer to retirement.

Lifestage optionsRiskAsset allocation
High Growth Pool

Members will be invested in the High Growth option until they're 50, which aims for high growth over the medium to long term. It invets almost entirely in growth assets, with only a very small exposure to cash.

Medium to high
  • Growth: 96.5%
  • Defensive: 3.5%
Balanced Pool

From age 50 to 60 your investments are gradually transitioned from the High Growth Pool to the Balanced Pool and Cash Pool on a monthly basis.

Medium
  • Growth: 81%
  • Defensive: 19%
Cash Pool

When you're aged 65 and over you'll be invested 80% in the Balanced Pool and 20% in the Cash option. This is a 100% defensive portfolio with no exposure to growth assets.

Very low
  • Defensive: 100%

Option 2 Pre-mixed investment options

If you'd prefer a bit more choice with your super, you can choose from one of these diversified options.

  • High Growth: This is the highest-growth option, with more than 80% asset allocation to growth investments including shares.
  • Balanced: This option has less exposure to growth assets compared to the High Growth option, with around 70% exposure to growth assets.
  • Conservative-Balanced: This portfolio offers an even mix between growth and defensive assets.
  • Conservative: This option is skewed more towards defensive assets, with around 30% exposure to growth assets.
  • Balanced - Risk Adjusted: This option is similar to the Balanced option, however has slightly less risk with aroun 60% exposure to growth assets instead of 70%.
  • Socially Conscious Balanced: This option avoids investment in companies that generate more than 5% of revenue from alcohol, tobacco, gambling, pornography, coal or nuclear power manufacturing among other harmful industries.
  • High Growth - Index: This is an indexed investment option with around 90% exposure to growth assets, mainly Australian and overseas shares.
  • Balanced – Index: This is an indexed investment option with around 75% exposure to growth assets, mainly Australian and overseas shares.

Option 3: Single asset class options

This is for members who want to be hands-on with their super. You can choose to invest your balance in just one single asset option, or a mix of up to 10.

  • Australian Shares - Index
  • International Shares - Index (hedged)
  • International Shares - Index (unhedged)
  • Property
  • Diversified Bonds
  • Cash
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What insurance options does Australian Retirement Trust offer?

Members will automatically receive access to death and total and permanent disability assist cover, and have the option to increase cover and add income protection insurance, provided you meet some basic criteria.

The amount of death and TPD assist cover you will receive with your account will depend on your age and the type of cover. You also have the option to increase your level of cover, should you wish to do so.

The cost of your cover will depend on your age and gender and the cost will change with your age over time. Premiums are calculated weekly and are deducted from your account each month. Once you are retired, you can continue your insurance cover as long as you continue to hold a Super-savings account (with a minimum account balance of $1,500).

Example Death and TPD Assist cover levels and cost (standard cover):

Your ageDeath coverTPD Assist coverCost per week – MaleCost per week – Female
15 -21$62,500$125,000$4.12$2.40
22-29$125,000$175,000$7.32$4.60
30-33$250,000$250,000$13.40$8.39
35$240,000$240,000$13.40$8.39
45$132,000$132,000$15.84$11.32
55$42,000$42,000$15.84$11.32
65-66$16,000$16,000$15.84$11.32

Insurance offered is provided by AIA Australia Limited.

Note: there may be exclusions and/or restrictions which apply to your insurance cover. Check the "Insurance Guide" available via the Australian Retirement Trust website.

How do I join Australian Retirement Trust?

You can join this fund by completing the online application form.

Make sure you have:

  • A spare 10 minutes
  • Your personal details, including your name, address, date of birth and contact information
  • Your tax file number (it's not compulsory to give a super fund your TFN, but without it your fund won't be able to accept certain types of contributions from you and your benefit payments may be taxed at a higher rate than would otherwise apply)
  • Your employer's details
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DISCLAIMER: This article may contain general advice. You should consider your own personal circumstances before deciding if a superannuation product is right for you. Superannuation is a long term investment and past performance is not indicative of future performance.
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Editorial Manager, Money

Alison is an editor at Finder and a personal finance journalist with over 10 years of experience, having contributed to major financial institutions and publications such as Westpac, Money Magazine, and Yahoo Finance. She is frequently quoted in media outlets like SmartCompany and SBS, offering expert insights on superannuation and money management. Alison holds a Bachelor of Communications in Public Relations and Journalism from the University of Newcastle, and has earned three ASIC RG146 certifications in superannuation, securities and managed investments and general financial advice, ensuring her expertise is fully aligned with ASIC standards. See full bio

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12 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    JerryAugust 27, 2018

    How long will takes for a payment to be made since l have made my application for my payments 5 months ago and nothing happen?

      Finder
      JoshuaAugust 28, 2018Finder

      Hi Jerry,

      Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)

      If you are referring to your Sunsuper payment, it would be a good idea to ask the company directly. You need to make a follow up as your request might have been overlooked. Checking the status of your request would help you better know what happened to the payment.

      I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.

      Have a wonderful day!

      Cheers,
      Joshua

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