The final quarter of the financial year (April to June 2025) delivered a welcome boost to returns, rounding out what proved to be a surprisingly strong year for investment markets.  

smartMonday members have been reaping the benefits, with the Balanced Growth option landing in the Top 10 Growth funds rated by ChantWest.*  

Here’s everything you need to know about how markets and smartMonday performed in the three months to 30 June.  

Despite lingering global uncertainties markets powered ahead, buoyed by stronger-than-expected corporate earnings, a bounce in investor confidence, as well as continued growth in the tech sector, particularly in AI and digital infrastructure. 

Global share markets surged through the financial year’s final quarter, extending the strong momentum seen earlier in the year. The tech-heavy US market remained a standout performer, supported by upbeat earnings results from major players in the AI and cloud computing space. However, solid gains were also recorded in Europe and parts of Asia, with investors increasingly optimistic that inflation pressures are stabilising, and central banks may soon shift to a more neutral stance. 

Here at home, the Australian share market posted solid gains, rising nearly 14%. Financial institutions – particularly major banks – led the charge, buoyed by improved lending margins, solid dividend payouts and better-than-expected earnings. The standout performer, CBA, continued its impressive run and remains one of the most highly valued banks globally. 

Beyond shares, fixed interest also delivered modest gains for the quarter. Despite upwards pressure on longer maturity bond yields (causing prices to fall) due to inflation fears, fixed interest assets continued to be attractive, with Australian fixed interest returning approximately 6.8% over the year. International fixed interest returns were lower at 5.4%.

Fixed interest returns together with a strong share market recovery meant diversified portfolios did well in the year, a result most would not have predicted at the start of the quarter. 

smartMonday members have seen the impact of this positive momentum across their investment options. Our Balanced Growth option returned 11.1% for FY2025 and 4.44% for the quarter, while High Growth delivered 13.46% for the year and 5.43% for the quarter. Our Lifecycle MySuper option returned between 12.21% for 35-year-olds (5.67% over the quarter) and 9.09% (3.87% for the quarter) for 75-year-olds. These results placed smartMonday among the top performers in the sector. 

For the US, it’s hard to envisage that tariffs do not become a tax on US consumers and dampen US growth as a result. But while market conditions remain volatile and geopolitical tensions are ongoing, the fundamentals continue to offer grounds for cautious optimism.  

Global companies are showing resilience to uncertainty around US tariffs, tech-led innovation is progressing rapidly, and inflation is gradually cooling. Overall, these events seem to indicate a structural shift towards lower global growth. Our investment team considers that these risks remain elevated and is keeping a watchful eye on market movements and remains committed to navigating the ups and downs with a focus on long-term value for our members. 

Investment performance up to 30 June 2025

Performance shown net of investment fees and taxes, annualised performance shown for periods greater than 1 year. Returns are not guaranteed and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Investments may be held directly, or indirectly through Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and other managed investment vehicles.

*smartMonday Balanced Growth,  Top 10 Performing Growth Funds (1 Year to 30 June 2025 – %), Chant West.

**Average smartMonday member is 43 years of age, as of December 2024.