There is an overwhelming number of KiwiSaver providers to choose from and we know reading about all the different KiwiSaver funds and how they differ is one of those chores you’re inclined to put off as it’s not the most exciting weekend task.

To make life a little easier, we've put together some detailed information on the top-performing KiwiSaver funds based on each category’s 5-year returns. The data is based on the quarterly Morningstar Survey of Mar 2021.

Jump to

• Conservative fund
• Moderate fund
• Balanced fund
  
• Growth fund
  
• Aggressive fund
  
• How to choose?

About Milford Conservative Fund

Milford's Conservative Fund is aimed towards investors looking for medium returns and greater capital protection with a minimum investment period of 3 years. The investment is one with lower risk that is diversified, primarily, with fixed interest securities and a reasonable allocation to equity. 

Fund's Net Returns vs Morningstar Conservative Index

The chart below shows the after-fee and before-tax returns of Milford's Conservative Fund compared to Morningstar's NZ Multi-Sector Conservative Index. The five-year return of Milford's Conservative Fund is 6.2% whereas the 5-year return on Morningstar's index is 4.8%.

Milford Conservative vs Morningstar NZ Multi-Sector Conservative Index

Asset Allocation Detailed Breakdown

Taking a look at the asset allocation gives you an idea of what the fund invests in as well as the proportions. It is a good indicator for investors as asset allocation impacts the volatility, risk, and return of a fund.

As of Dec 2020, the target asset allocation of Milford Conservative Fund was as follows: 




Fees Compared to Industry Average

Is the Milford Conservative Fund right for you?

If you're in a conservative KiwiSaver fund, you prioritise stability and lower volatility over high returns. You are potentially aiming to withdraw from your KiwiSaver in the next couple of years for either your first home or retirement. In this case, you wouldn't want to witness a sudden drop in your KiwiSaver balance when you are finally ready to use your funds.

If you feel unsure about whether or not you should be in a conservative fund, by submitting a KiwiSaver HealthCheck, you’ll get personalised KiwiSaver recommendations so you don't have to make the decision alone.

About Aon Russell LifePoints Moderate Fund

Aon Russell LifePoints Moderate Fund has a goal of generating returns that are greater than inflation. The fund has a target investment mix of 60% in income assets and 40% in growth assets (Source: Aon) and is currently investing in a greater proportion of growth assets (42.1%) to income assets (57.9%). This fund suits investors who are looking to hold their investment for a period no less than 5 years.

Fund's Net Returns vs Morningstar Moderate Index

The chart below shows the after-fee and before-tax returns of Aon Russell LifePoints Moderate Fund compared to Morningstar's NZ Multi-Sector Moderate Index. The five-year return of Aon Russell LifePoints Moderate Fund is 7.3% whereas the 5-year return on Morningstar's index is 6.0%.  

Aon Russell LifePoints vs Morningstar NZ Multi-Sector Moderate Index

Asset Allocation Detailed Breakdown

As of December 2020, the target asset allocation of Aon Russell LifePoints Moderate Fund was as follows:

Fees Compared to Industry Average

Is the Aon Russell LifePoints Moderate Fund right for you?

Fees are only one of the many factors to be considered when looking into a fund, therefore, don’t be deterred by Aon Russell LifePoints higher than average fees. If you’re in a moderate fund, you most likely value the stability of your investment rather than the level of returns but are willing to accept slightly more volatility than a conservative fund. You may be a few years away from withdrawing from your KiwiSaver.

If you're unsure about whether you are making the most out of your KiwiSaver, take our KiwiSaver HealthCheck below to help you feel more confident in your investment.

About Milford Balanced Fund 

Milford's Balanced fund seeks to deliver capital growth for investors over an investment period of 5 or more years. The fund primarily invests in equity with a decent proportion of the allocation in fixed interest securities. It is considered a low-to-medium risk fund considering its asset allocation and diversification.

Fund's Net Returns vs Morningstar Balanced Index

The chart below shows the after-fee and before-tax returns of Milford Balanced Fund compared to Morningstar's NZ Multi-Sector Balanced Index. The five-year return of Milford Balanced Fund is 9.8% whereas the 5-year return on Morningstar's index is 8.4%.  

Milford Balanced vs Morningstar NZ Multi-Sector Balanced Index

Asset Allocation Detailed Breakdown

As of December 2020, the target asset allocation of Milford Balanced Fund was as follows:

Fees Compared to Industry

Is the Milford Balanced fund right for you?

When considering investing in a Balanced fund, it is important to ensure that the assets in the fund will give you the stability and returns you want out of your KiwiSaver. As everyone has different goals, being in a KiwiSaver fund that aligns with your individual goals could end up saving you thousands.

Is your KiwiSaver account currently being maximised?

About Milford Active Growth Fund 

The Milford Active Growth Fund strives for an annual net return of 10% for their investors over a recommended investment period of no less than five years. It is classified as a medium-to-high risk fund that diversifies by investing largely in equity and a reasonable amount of asset allocation in fixed interest securities.

Fund's Net Returns vs Morningstar Growth Index

The chart below shows the after-fee and before-tax returns of Milford Active Growth Fund compared to Morningstar's NZ Multi-Sector Growt Index. The five-year return of Milford Active Growth Fund is 12.0% whereas the 5-year return on Morningstar's index is 10.0%.   

Is the Milford Active Growth fund right for you?

If you’re in a growth fund, you’re most likely ok with seeing volatility in the value of your KiwiSaver and aren’t planning on withdrawing from it anytime soon. You're generally more interested in returns but also know that it's important not to get caught up in headline figures. Because past performance does not necessarily predict future performance, researching what your fund is actually invested in and how the fund provider chooses each asset is equally important.

National Capital is constantly reviewing and researching each of these aspects to help you choose a fund that suits you best. As well as this, National Capital wants to make sure you are informed on what you should do if your circumstances or the circumstances of your provider change.

About Booster Geared Growth Fund

Booster's Geared Growth Fund works to provide their investors with an annual rate of return (net of fees but before tax) of at least 5.5% above the inflation rate over a period of 10 or more years. The fund wants long-term investors to be able to benefit, through borrowing, from a leveraged (geared) exposure to growth assets.

Fund's Net Returns vs Morningstar Aggressive Index

The chart below shows the after-fee and before-tax returns of Booster's Geared Growth Fund compared to Morningstar's NZ Multi-Sector Aggressive Index. The five-year return of Booster Geared Growth Fund is 14.7% whereas the 5-year return on Morningstar's index is 11.7%.   

Booster Geared vs Morningstar NZ Multi-Sector Aggressive Index

Asset Allocation Detailed Breakdown

As of December 2020, the target asset allocation of Booster's Geared Growth Fund was as follows:

Fees Compared to Industry

Is the Booster Geared Growth fund right for you?

As an aggressive KiwiSaver investor, not unlike a growth investor, you probably have a high tolerance and capacity for volatility. You are able to withstand fluctuations in your KiwiSaver fund due to the fact you are investing for a longer period of time. 

As with any fund, but importantly aggressive funds, the proportion of growth to income assets, where your money is invested, and who is actually managing it, all greatly impact the performance of your investment in the long-run. Feeling unsure as to which KiwiSaver fund you should be in?

Past Quarter Reports
Best Performing KiwiSaver Funds - Mar 2020
Best Performing KiwiSaver Funds - June 2020

We have looked at the best performing KiwiSaver funds based on their 5-year returns, however, looking at past performance of a fund is just one aspect when choosing a KiwiSaver fund. Other questions you should be asking include:

• How and where is my money invested? 
  
  
• What is the level of volatility (risk) of this fund? Does it align with my volatility tolerance and capacity?
  
  
• How do the fees compare to other funds with a similar rate of return?
  
  
• What is the provider's process when selecting investments and making changes in the funds?

Our research team at National Capital looks at over 100+ funds and can recommend the right KiwiSaver investment for you. 

Why Use National Capital?

• Detailed Research: We research various factors of KiwiSaver funds – from asset allocation all the way to ethical investing.
  
  
• Answers: How do I know my money is safe? What risks are being taken?
  
  
• Monitoring: We’re constantly monitoring the KiwiSaver landscape.
  
  
• Expertise: Our team specialise in Investment and KiwiSaver research.
  
  
• No cost to you: We get paid by the KiwiSaver providers
  
  
• Gift of Time: We do the hard work, so you can focus on life.

Our KiwiSaver recommendations look at the big picture and not just the scorecard. So, what are you waiting for?