Why staying the course matters 

History has shown when the markets fall, they inevitably bounce back—and when they do, those who stayed invested tend to benefit from higher returns in the long term. 

Compare: The longer-term impact of switching to Cash 

Here are two members, both starting with a $50,000 super balance—one stayed invested in the Balanced (MySuper) option (which has a diversified mix of assets including Australian and overseas shares), while the other switched to the Cash option when markets got bumpy. 

The graphs¹ show how switching your investments to Cash during significant market downturns can lock in your losses while share prices are low and prevent you from recovering and benefiting from stronger returns when the market rebounds.

Know the risks of switching to Cash 

Moving to Cash during market volatility might feel safer, but it often comes at a cost:

• Lock in losses: When markets fall and you switch to Cash, you lock in your losses and it makes it more costly to re-enter the market later when share prices are higher.
• Miss the rebound: Markets historically tend to recover after downturns. If you stay invested you’ll be able to take advantage of the rebound.
• Can’t time the market: Super is a long-term investment, and predicting the best time to move in and out of markets is very difficult.

Learn more about what the current markets, including tariffs, could mean for your super. 

Super is a long-term investment, and most members have time to ride out short-term market volatility—even those getting close to finishing full-time work.

Approaching retirement? Stay invested with a Retirement Income 

If you’re nearing or in retirement, keeping your super invested can help it last longer. A Retirement Income account allows you to receive regular payments while aiming to grow your remaining balance with investment returns and tax advantages.

Explore Retirement Income options 

Assess your risk appetite 

As you approach retirement, it can be challenging to know the right level of risk for your super. Generally, lower risk options provide more stability but may also limit long-term growth—but it could also mean missing out on opportunities to grow your balance. The key is to find a level of risk that supports your retirement lifestyle while giving you peace of mind.

How CareSuper invests for the long term 

Market downturns create opportunities 

• Buying low: We invest in quality assets at lower prices. Buying when prices are lower means your super is positioned for stronger long-term growth when the markets recover.
• Smoothing the ride: Our unique investment approach employs downside protection to reduce the impact of negative returns when markets fall. It helps protect against downside risks and better prepares your super for market downturns, so you can be more confident about recovering losses.
• Diversification: We spread our investments in the Pre-mixed options across a mix of asset classes, so your returns don't rely on a single asset class performing well all the time.