16 February, 2026

Tips for handling market volatility as you approach retirement

Watching your account balance move up and down can be very frightening, especially when you’re close to retiring and counting on your super to deliver a reliable, predictable income.

Here’s how we’re supporting you when markets are unstable.
investing

What is volatility?

Volatility happens when investment values rise and fall - often sharply and suddenly.  

Temporary volatility is a normal part of investing, and we prepare for these changes by applying strategies that aim to minimise the impact of negative returns when markets fall.  

Your super is invested across global markets, and downturns may come and go over time. That’s why we use diversification to reduce risk by spreading our investments across a range of asset types and markets. While not always the case, typically when one asset class goes down, another performs well and that’s why diversification is an important building block for our pre-mixed options at CareSuper.  

 

It’s not always a bad thing

Volatility can give us the opportunity to invest in assets at a lower price. 

 

How much can you handle?

There’s a level of investment volatility that’s right for everyone.  

  • Someone with a higher risk appetite and a long-term outlook might be comfortable with lots of fluctuation. 
  • Someone with a shorter investment horizon or a lower-risk approach won’t be comfortable seeing their account balance go up and down.

We can help you assess how much volatility is right for you and make sure your investment options match your comfort level.  

 

Tips on handling volatility

  • Stay the course 

Moving to a lower-risk asset class like cash during market volatility might feel safer, but history shows that it may come at a cost. Switching investment options can lock in your losses and make it more costly to re-enter the market when share prices recover. 

  • Get to know your risk appetite

This can help you choose the most appropriate investment option to match your risk tolerance and find the right balance of growth and defensive assets.  

We can help you with this, over the phone or face-to-face, at no extra cost.1

  • Stay invested  

If retirement isn’t far off, keeping your super invested when you stop working can help it last longer. By starting a retirement income account, you can receive regular payments while aiming to grow your balance with investment returns and tax advantages. 

Helping you navigate market ups and downs

Market volatility can feel unsettling, but you don’t have to face it alone. At CareSuper, we care about your financial future, and we’re right here to help you achieve retirement confidence. 
 
Find out more about the expert advice available to you, learn more about your investment options or get in touch with any other questions and we’ll help you out.  

 

1 CareSuper Advice is a financial advice service available to CareSuper members through CareSuper Advice Pty Ltd, ABN 78 102 167 877, AFSL No. 284443 which is licensed to provide financial advice services and deal in financial products. CareSuper Advice Pty Ltd is a wholly owned company of CareSuper (Secretariat Co) Pty Ltd ABN 29 104 826 413, a related entity of CareSuper Pty Ltd ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL No. 238718 (Trustee) which is the trustee of CareSuper ABN 74 559 365 913 (Fund). 

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