Australian Retirement Trust | Performance, features and fees

QSuper and Sunsuper have merged to create Australian Retirement Trust. It offers a large range of different investment options, including an ethical option and a MySuper product.

Sunsuper and QSuper merged on 28 February 2022 to create Australian Retirement Trust. Existing members of Sunsuper will remain part of Australian Retirement Trust, and the superannuation investment products will remain the same.

Australian Retirement Trust (formerly Sunsuper) 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. The investment options offered are the same as those previously offered by Sunsuper.

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.)
+20.4%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+9.1%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+11.09%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+11.74%
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.)
+13.39%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+6.54%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+7.55%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+8.27%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$472
Go to siteMore Info
Australian Retirement Trust - High Growth
Australian Retirement Trust logo
Industry fundHigher risk
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+15.01%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+7.89%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+9.14%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+9.5%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$517
Go to siteMore Info
Australian Retirement Trust - Conservative
Australian Retirement Trust logo
Industry fund
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+8.25%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+3.65%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+3.96%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+4.93%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$462
Go to siteMore Info
Australian Retirement Trust - Conservative Balanced
Australian Retirement Trust logo
Industry fund
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+10.91%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+5.14%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+5.72%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+6.45%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$482
Go to siteMore Info
Australian Retirement Trust - Balanced
Australian Retirement Trust logo
Industry fund
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+13.49%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+6.6%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+7.61%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+8.31%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$472
Go to siteMore Info
Australian Retirement Trust - Listed Property Index
Australian Retirement Trust logo
Industry fundIndexed investmentHigher risk
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+39.55%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+7.68%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+6.42%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+9.39%
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.)
+20.82%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+8.79%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+8.68%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+9.19%
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.)
+18.85%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+5.83%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+7.12%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+7.68%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$192
More Info
Australian Retirement Trust - International Shares Index (hedged)
Australian Retirement Trust logo
Industry fundIndexed investmentHigher risk
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+26.26%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+7.54%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+10.73%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+9.62%
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.)
+4.38%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+2.82%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+1.87%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+1.8%
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.)
+4.38%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+2.82%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+1.96%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+2.04%
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.)
+10.49%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+3.41%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+4.27%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+6.58%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$422
More Info
loading
Showing 13 of 13 results

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 September 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.

Picture not described

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.
  • 19 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 (formerly Sunsuper) offer?

The Super Savings product (previously Sunsuper for Life) offers 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 Balanced 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
Balanced Pool

Members will be invested in the Balanced option until they're 55, which aims for medium to long-term growth with a mix of growth and defensive assets.

Medium to high
  • Growth: 70%
  • Defensive: 30%
Retirement Pool

From age 55 to 65 your investments are gradually transitioned from the Balanced Pool to the Retirement and Cash Pools on a monthly basis.

Medium
  • Growth: 50%
  • Defensive: 50%
Cash Pool

When you're aged 65 and over you'll be invested 90% in the Retirement Pool and 10% 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.

Pre-mixed investment options RiskAsset allocation
High Growth

This is the highest-growth option, with more than 80% asset allocation to growth investments including shares.

High
  • Growth: 85%
  • Defensive: 15%
Balanced

This option has less exposure to growth assets compared to the Growth option. It's designed for members who want to generate wealth over the long term.

Medium to High
  • Growth: 70%
  • Defensive: 30%
Balanced – Index

This option is similar to the Balanced option but has exposure to a range of publicly traded assets which are invested in line with standard market indicies.

High
  • Growth: 75%
  • Defensive: 25%
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.

Medium to High
  • Growth: 70%
  • Defensive: 30%
Diversified Alternatives

This option provides greater exposure to unlisted investments and trading strategies.

Medium
  • Growth: 65%
  • Defensive: 35%
Retirement

This option is designed for members who are close to, or have reached retirement and has less exposure to growth assets, meaning less short-term volatility.

Medium
  • Growth: 50%
  • Defensive: 50%
Conservative

This option is designed for members who seek less volatile returns for their super while maintaining some growth exposure.

Low
  • Growth: 31%
  • Defensive: 69%

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
Go to site

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
Go to site
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.
Alison Banney's headshot
Written by

Editor

Alison Banney is the money editorial manager at Finder. She covers all areas of personal finance, and her areas of expertise are superannuation, banking and saving. She has written about finance for 10 years, having previously worked at Westpac and written for several other major banks and super funds. See full bio

Alison's expertise
Alison has written 626 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Superannuation
  • Savings accounts, bank accounts and term deposits
  • Budgeting and money-saving hacks
  • Managing the cost of living

More guides on Finder

Ask a question

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms Of Service and Finder Group Privacy & Cookies Policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

10 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    AlbusNovember 28, 2024

    I have been a member of QSuper since 1989
    But it has really gone downhill since being taken over by ART
    I particularly want the equivalent of the old QSuper Self Invest option which ART seem to be actively trying to shut down!
    Is there another Australian Industry Fund that has an option to invest in your choice of Shares, ETFs, Fixed Interest etc?
    Thanks
    Andrew

      AvatarFinder
      AngusDecember 2, 2024Finder

      Hi Andrew, While many funds will let you focus your investments in particular sectors, it’s rare to see a fund that actively lets you choose individual shares to invest in. If you’re keen on that strategy, you might want to consider a , though this will be more time consuming.

    Default Gravatar
    PrasadJuly 27, 2024

    I have an SMSF that is not performing well. Can i transfer the fund to another fund

    Default Gravatar
    SamMay 31, 2024

    If I have say $2000000 in the Australian Shares Fund, what are your annual fees?

      AvatarFinder
      SarahJune 11, 2024Finder

      Hi Sam,

      We’re a review and comparison site, so we aren’t able to provide this information. Your best bet is to contact ART directly to discuss the options and potential fee discounts they’re willing to offer you.

      cheers,
      Sarah

    Default Gravatar
    RobertNovember 6, 2023

    I would like to change from my current fund to your Super Fund ?? I have been retired for some years now and I’m not satisfied with my current fund as I’m sick and tired of loosing money !! A reply at your earliest convenience would be appreciated !!

      AvatarFinder
      SarahDecember 14, 2023Finder

      Hi Robert,

      We’re a review site and not affiliated with ART. To contact them about transferring to their fund, you can click on the green “go to site” button in the table, or call 13 11 84.

    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?

      AvatarFinder
      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

Go to site