The median balanced superannuation fund investment option returned 11.7 per cent in the 2012 calendar year, according to recent data from SuperRatings.
This represents the first double digit calendar year return since 2009, following the negative 1.9 per cent in 2011.
The result came on the back of a strong performance by Australian and international shares, returning 17.9 per cent and 13.6 per cent respectively, according to SuperRatings. However, all other options also recorded a positive year.
More than 90 per cent of balanced investment options returned more than 10 per cent for the year, while high growth and growth options returned 14.4 per cent and 13.2 per cent respectively.
Funds have now rebounded by 37.9 per cent since the bottom of the market cycle in February 2009, currently sitting 3.4 per cent above their October 2007 peak.
Over the past decade, the median balanced option outperformed the median cash option by 19.8 per cent, or $30,000 based on a $100,000 initial investment, according to SuperRatings.
"Conservative options such as capital stable, fixed interest and cash have been the stand out performers based on five- and seven-year numbers," said SuperRatings founder Jeff Bresnahan.
"This has been driven by an increased demand globally for fixed interest investments, which has pushed yields to record lows. Members should be wary, however, that at such low interest rates, it is becoming increasingly difficult for retirees and other conservative investors to generate a reasonable rate of income," he said.
There is also a risk that global yields could rise, resulting in losses for members even in more conservative options, he added.
