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Pension

investment options

Choosing the right investment option is important. It's your money, after all. Our wide range of investment options allows you to invest based on your own preferences and risk appetite. 

When you invest in Hostplus Pension your funds will be automatically invested in the Cash option – our default investment option – unless you make an investment choice.

Investment
Options

If you’d like more control over your super, you can choose from our pre-mixed options, our single sector options, our direct investment option, Choiceplus, or our Hostplus Life option. 

You can also mix and match different options to suit your investment risk profile and financial objectives.

Read our Pension Guide for more information about the terms we use to describe these options.

12 options

  • What are pre-mixed investment options?

    Our pre-mixed options invest in combinations of asset classes. They have varying levels of investment risk and focus on three different investment styles and themes:

    Our Core pre-mixed investment options focus on delivering the best net return for a given level of risk. These options take full advantage of Hostplus’ investment expertise and feature our best investment ideas across listed and unlisted assets, bonds and cash.

    Our Indexed pre-mixed investment options focus on minimising investment fees and costs. These options generally use a passive investment style to invest in listed companies, bonds, and cash, and aim to track the returns of the markets in which they invest.

    Our Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) pre-mixed options focus on values-based investing. These options seek to reduce exposure to industry segments within fossil fuels and tobacco production, as well as other factors.

  • High Growth

    • Core
    The High Growth investment option is focused on delivering the best net return from investing in a portfolio of all growth assets and has medium diversification.
    Who is this investment suitable for?
    With all growth assets, this Core pre-mixed investment option is designed for members with a medium to long-term investment timeframe, who are seeking very strong long-term returns and have a high tolerance of negative returns.
    More details
    Investment timeframe
    5 years +
    Risk level
    High
    Asset mix
    100% growth / 0% defensive
    Total investment fees and costs*
    0.79%
    Return target
    CPI + 5.5% p.a. over 20 years
    Net return^

    -

    Investment Details

  • Shares Plus

    • Core
    The Shares Plus investment option is focused on delivering the best net return from investing in a portfolio that has a strong bias to growth assets and has high diversification.
    Who is this investment suitable for?
    With a strong bias to growth assets, this Core pre-mixed investment option is designed for members with a medium to long-term investment timeframe, who are seeking very strong long-term returns and have a high tolerance of negative returns.
    More details
    Investment timeframe
    5 years +
    Risk level
    High
    Asset mix
    90% growth / 10% defensive
    Total investment fees and costs*
    0.87% p.a.
    Return target
    CPI + 5.0% p.a. over 20 years
    Net return^

    10.00%

    Investment Details

  • Balanced

    • Core
    With a bias to growth assets, this Core pre-mixed investment option is designed for members with a medium to long-term investment time frame, who are seeking strong long-term returns and have a medium to high tolerance of negative returns.
    Who is this investment suitable for?
    With a bias to growth assets, this Core pre-mixed investment option is designed for members with a medium to long-term investment timeframe, who are seeking strong long-term returns and have a medium to high tolerance of negative returns.
    More details
    Investment timeframe
    5 years +
    Risk level
    Medium to high
    Asset mix
    76% growth / 24% defensive
    Total investment fees and costs*
    0.99% p.a.
    Return target
    CPI + 4.5% p.a. over 20 years
    Net return^

    9.02%

    Investment Details

  • Conservative Balanced

    • Core
    The Conservative Balanced investment option is focused on delivering the best net return from investing in a portfolio that has a similar proportion of growth and defensive assets and has high diversification.
    Who is this investment suitable for?
    With a similar proportion of growth and defensive assets, this Core pre-mixed investment option is designed for members with a medium to long-term investment timeframe, who are seeking moderate long-term returns and have a medium tolerance of negative returns.
    More details
    Investment timeframe
    5 years +
    Risk level
    Medium
    Asset mix
    57% growth / 43% defensive
    Total investment fees and costs*
    0.69% p.a.
    Return target
    CPI + 3.5% p.a. over 20 years
    Net return^

    6.53%

    Investment Details

  • Capital Stable

    • Core
    The Capital Stable investment option is focused on delivering the best net return from investing in a portfolio that has a bias to defensive assets and has high diversification.
    Who is this investment suitable for?
    With a bias to defensive assets, this Core pre-mixed investment option is designed for members with a medium to long-term investment timeframe, who are seeking modest long-term returns and have a low to medium tolerance of negative returns.
    More details
    Investment timeframe
    5 years +
    Risk level
    Low to medium
    Asset mix
    38% growth / 62% defensive
    Total investment fees and costs*
    0.59% p.a.
    Return target
    CPI + 3.0% p.a. over 20 years
    Net return^

    4.38%

    Investment Details

  • Defensive

    • Core
    The Defensive investment option is focused on delivering the best net return from investing in a portfolio that has a strong bias to defensive assets and has medium diversification.
    Who is this investment suitable for?
    With a strong bias to defensive assets, this Core pre-mixed investment option is designed for members with a short-term investment timeframe, who are seeking stable returns and have a low tolerance of negative returns.
    More details
    Investment timeframe
    2 years +
    Risk level
    Low
    Asset mix
    19% growth / 81% defensive
    Total investment fees and costs*
    0.21%
    Return target
    CPI + 2.0% p.a. over 20 years
    Net return^

    -

    Investment Details

  • Indexed High Growth

    • Indexed
    The Indexed High Growth investment option is focused on minimising investment fees and costs from investing in a portfolio of all growth assets and has low diversification.
    Who is this investment suitable for?
    With all growth assets, this Indexed pre-mixed investment option is designed for members with a medium to long-term investment timeframe, who are seeking moderate long-term returns and have a high tolerance of negative returns.
    More details
    Investment timeframe
    5 years +
    Risk level
    High
    Asset mix
    100% growth / 0% defensive
    Total investment fees and costs*
    0.04%
    Return target
    CPI + 4.0% p.a. over 20 years
    Net return^

    -

    Investment Details

  • Indexed Balanced

    • Indexed
    The Indexed Balanced investment option is focused on minimising investment fees and costs from investing in a portfolio that has a bias to growth assets and has medium diversification.
    Who is this investment suitable for?
    With a bias to growth assets, this Indexed pre-mixed investment option is designed for members with a medium to long-term investment timeframe, who are seeking moderate long-term returns and have a high tolerance of negative returns.
    More details
    Investment timeframe
    5 years +
    Risk level
    High
    Asset mix
    75% growth / 25% defensive
    Total investment fees and costs*
    0.04% p.a.
    Return target
    CPI + 3.0% p.a. over 20 years
    Net return^

    8.47%

    Investment Details

  • Indexed Defensive

    • Indexed
    The Indexed Defensive investment option is focused on minimising investment fees and costs from investing in a portfolio that has a strong bias to defensive assets and has medium diversification.
    Who is this investment suitable for?
    With a strong bias to defensive assets, this Indexed pre-mixed investment option is designed for members with a medium-to-long-term investment timeframe, who are seeking stable returns and have a low to medium tolerance of negative returns.
    More details
    Investment timeframe
    5 years +
    Risk level
    Low to Medium
    Asset mix
    19% growth / 81% defensive
    Total investment fees and costs*
    0.05%
    Return target
    CPI + 1.5% p.a. over 20 years
    Net return^

    -

    Investment Details

  • Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) – High Growth

    • Socially Responsible
    The Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) - High Growth investment option is focused on values based investing from investing in a portfolio of all growth assets and has medium diversification.
    Who is this investment suitable for?
    With all growth assets, this Socially Responsible Investment pre-mixed option is designed for members with a medium to long-term investment timeframe, who are seeking strong long-term returns and have a high tolerance of negative returns.
    More details
    Investment timeframe
    5 years +
    Risk level
    High
    Asset mix
    100% growth / 0% defensive
    Total investment fees and costs*
    0.57%
    Return target
    CPI + 4.5% p.a. over 20 years
    Net return^

    -

    Investment Details

  • Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) – Defensive

    • Socially Responsible
    The Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) - Defensive investment option is focused on values-based investing from investing in a portfolio with a strong bias to defensive assets and has medium diversification.
    Who is this investment suitable for?
    With a strong bias to defensive assets, this Socially Responsible Investment pre-mixed option is designed for members with a short-term investment timeframe, who are seeking stable returns and have a low tolerance of negative returns.
    More details
    Investment timeframe
    2 years +
    Risk level
    Low
    Asset mix
    19% growth / 81% defensive
    Total investment fees and costs*
    0.17%
    Return target
    CPI + 1.5% p.a. over 20 years
    Net return^

    -

    Investment Details

  • Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) - Balanced

    • Socially Responsible
    The Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) - Balanced investment option is focused on values-based investing from investing in a portfolio with a bias to growth assets and has high diversification.
    Who is this investment suitable for?
    With a bias to growth assets, this Socially Responsible Investment pre-mixed option is designed for members with a medium to long-term investment timeframe, who are seeking moderate long-term returns and have a medium to high tolerance of negative returns.
    More details
    Investment timeframe
    5 years +
    Risk level
    Medium to high
    Asset mix
    71% growth / 29% defensive
    Total investment fees and costs*
    0.62% p.a.
    Return target
    CPI + 4.0% p.a. over 20 years
    Net return^

    -

    Investment Details
Icon depicting a bar chart

What is the CPIplus investment option?

CPIplus is the innovative pension investment option that aims to deliver a predetermined return above inflation. This is designed to help your retirement savings keep pace with the rising costs of living. It’s a flexible retirement product that reduces the risk of negative returns and helps your retirement savings last longer. Pension members can invest as much or as little as they like, and withdraw funds when they need to. 

Who is CPIplus suitable for?

CPIplus is designed for members with short-term investment horizon in pursuit of a low-risk option targeting a consistent and competitive pre-determined return above inflation over time.

Learn more
9 options

  • What are single sector options?

    The single sector investment options invest only in a specific asset class, such as Cash or Australian Shares, and have varying investment styles.

  • Cash

    • Default option for pension members
    The Cash investment option is focused on a single sector from investing in a portfolio of all defensive assets (could include deposits in a bank, investments in short-term money markets and other similar investments) and has low diversification.
    Who is this investment suitable for?
    With all defensive assets, this single sector investment option is designed for members with a short-term investment timeframe, who are seeking stable returns and have a very low tolerance of negative returns.
    More details
    Investment timeframe
    2 years +
    Risk level
    Very low
    Asset mix
    0% growth / 100% defensive
    Total investment fees and costs*
    0.02% p.a.
    Return target
    CPI + 0.5% p.a. over 20 years
    Net return^

    1.79%

    Investment Details

  • Australian Shares

    The Australian Shares investment option is focused on delivering the best net return in a single sector from investing in a portfolio of all growth assets (typically companies listed predominantly on the Australian Securities Exchange) and has low diversification.
    Who is this investment suitable for?
    With all growth assets, this single sector investment option is designed for members with a medium to long-term investment timeframe, who are seeking strong long-term returns and have a high tolerance of negative returns.
    More details
    Investment timeframe
    5 years +
    Risk level
    High
    Asset mix
    100% growth / 0% defensive
    Total investment fees and costs*
    0.62% p.a.
    Return target
    CPI + 5.5% p.a. over 20 years
    Net return^

    9.74%

    Investment Details

  • International Shares

    The International Shares investment option is focused on delivering the best net return in a single sector from investing in a portfolio of all growth assets (typically companies listed on international securities exchanges, including developed and emerging markets, and may include some unlisted assets) and has medium diversification.
    Who is this investment suitable for?
    With all growth assets, this single sector investment option is designed for members with a medium to long-term investment timeframe, who are seeking strong long-term returns, have a high tolerance of negative returns and can accept the impacts of foreign currency movements.
    More details
    Investment timeframe
    5 years +
    Risk level
    High
    Asset mix
    100% growth / 0% defensive
    Total investment fees and costs*
    0.43% p.a.
    Return target
    CPI + 5.0% p.a. over 20 years
    Net return^

    10.93%

    Investment Details

  • International Shares – Indexed

    The International Shares – Indexed investment option is focused on minimising investment fees and costs in a single sector from investing in a portfolio of all growth assets (typically companies listed on international securities exchanges in developed markets only) and has low diversification.
    Who is this investment suitable for?
    With all growth assets, this single sector investment option is designed for members with a medium to long-term investment timeframe, who are seeking modest long term returns, have a high tolerance of negative returns and can accept the impacts of foreign currency movements.
    More details
    Investment timeframe
    5 years +
    Risk level
    High
    Asset mix
    100% growth / 0% defensive   
    Total investment fees and costs*
    0.11% p.a.
    Return target
    CPI + 3.0% p.a. over 20 years
    Net return^

    -

    Investment Details

  • Diversified Fixed Interest

    The Diversified Fixed Interest investment option is focused on delivering the best net return in a single sector from investing in a portfolio of all defensive assets (Australian and international government bonds and other investment grade debt) and has medium diversification.
    Who is this investment suitable for?
    With all defensive assets, this single sector investment option is designed for members with a short-term investment timeframe, who are seeking stable returns and have a medium tolerance of negative returns.
    More details
    Investment timeframe
    2 years +
    Risk level
    Medium
    Asset mix
    0% growth / 100% defensive
    Total investment fees and costs*
    0.14% p.a.
    Return target
    CPI p.a. over 20 years
    Net return^

    1.36%

    Investment Details

  • Australian Shares – Indexed

    • Introduced on 18 March 2022
    The Australian Shares – Indexed investment option is focused on minimising investment fees and costs in a single sector from investing in a portfolio of all growth assets (typically companies listed predominantly on the Australian Securities Exchange) and has low diversification.
    Who is this investment suitable for?
    With all growth assets, this single sector investment option is designed for members with a medium to long-term investment timeframe, who are seeking moderate long term returns and have a very high tolerance of negative returns.
    More details
    Investment timeframe
    5 years +
    Risk level
    Very high 
    Asset mix
    100% growth / 0% defensive
    Total investment fees and costs*
    0.04% p.a.
    Return target
    CPI + 4.5% p.a. over 20 years
    Net return^

    -

    Investment Details

  • International Shares (Hedged) – Indexed

    The International Shares (Hedged) – Indexed investment option is focused on minimising investment fees and costs in a single sector from investing in a portfolio of all growth assets (typically companies listed on international securities exchanges in developed markets only) and has low diversification.
    Who is this investment suitable for?
    With all growth assets, this single sector investment option is designed for members with a medium to long-term investment timeframe, who are seeking modest long-term returns, have a very high tolerance of negative returns and want to limit impact of foreign currency movements.
    More details
    Investment timeframe
    5 years +
    Risk level
    Very high
    Asset mix
    100% growth / 0% defensive 
    Total investment fees and costs*
    0.07% p.a.
    Return target
    CPI + 2.0% p.a. over 20 years
    Net return^

    -

    Investment Details

  • International Shares - Emerging Markets

    • Introduced on 18 March 2022
    The International Shares - Emerging Markets investment option is focused on delivering the best net return in a single sector from investing in a portfolio of all growth assets (typically companies listed on international securities exchanges in emerging markets only) and has medium diversification.
    Who is this investment suitable for?
    With all growth assets, this single sector investment option is designed for members with a medium to long-term investment timeframe, who are seeking strong long-term returns, have a high tolerance of negative returns and can accept the impacts of foreign currency movements.
    More details
    Investment timeframe
    5 years +
    Risk level
    High
    Asset mix
    100% growth / 0% defensive
    Total investment fees and costs*
    0.66% p.a.
    Return target
    CPI + 5.0% p.a. over 20 years
    Net return^

    -

    Investment Details

  • Diversified Fixed Interest – Indexed

    • Introduced on 18 March 2022
    The Diversified Fixed Interest – Indexed investment option is focused on minimising investment fees and costs in a single sector from investing in a portfolio of all defensive assets (Australian and international government bonds and other investment grade debt) and has low diversification.
    Who is this investment suitable for?
    With all defensive assets, this single sector investment option is designed for members with a short-term investment timeframe, who are seeking stable returns and have a medium tolerance of negative returns.
    More details
    Investment timeframe
    2 years +
    Risk level
    Medium
    Asset mix
    0% growth / 100% defensive
    Total investment fees and costs*
    0.08% p.a.
    Return target
    CPI p.a. over 20 years
    Net return^

    -

    Investment Details
Icon depicting direct investment or a target

What is the Choiceplus investment option?

Developed for members who want a more active role in investing their super or pension, Choiceplus allows direct investment into companies in the S&P/ASX 300 Index; Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) covering developed, emerging and commodity markets; a selection of Listed Investment Companies (LICs); and term deposits.

Icon depicting control over options

More choice, more control

With its easy-to-use online investment platform, Choiceplus can help streamline your investing activities. It allows you to make investments in real time, and provides comprehensive market information, research and access to an end-of the-day market wrap-up. More choice and control over your investments? That’s a plus. 

Learn more

* Administration and investment fees and costs are estimates based on the previous financial year. Because the fees and costs are estimates based on the previous financial year’s, fees and costs payable in respect of each future year may be higher or lower. For a full breakdown of fees and costs, see our fees and costs page or the ‘Fees and other costs’ section of the Pension Guide.  

^ Investment returns for periods ending 31 March 2024, net of investment fees and costs. Administration and other fees apply. Not all options will display returns for every period due to varying launch dates. See investment returns page for returns over all available periods.

Make an
informed choice

Learn more about a Hostplus Pension account in our detailed guides.

Make an informed choice

Get ready for a positive future with a Hostplus Pension account

It takes about 20 minutes to apply for a Hostplus Pension account online, or you can call us on 1300 348 546 to discuss your options. 

Get started online

Make the most of your investments

The right advice can be priceless. If you want to understand the investment options that can help you meet your goals, it might be time to speak to an expert. Our specialist financial planners are here to help – so you can plan for a future full of good stuff.

Talk to a financial planner 

Have a question about

Hostplus Pension accounts? 

Find answers to some of the questions we commonly get asked about our Pension accounts. 

To invest in a Hostplus Pension account, you must invest a minimum of $10,000 from your current super fund, but no more than the transfer balance cap.

You must also meet a condition of release - see the section below for more information.

Under federal legislation, superannuation benefits must be ‘preserved’ for retirement. This means they must be kept within a complying superannuation or rollover fund until a ‘condition of release’ is met, which allows benefits to be paid. The conditions of release are:

  • You've reached the preservation age and are permanently retired from the workforce.
  • You've reached age 60 and terminated employment.
  • You've reached age 65.
  • You're totally and permanently disabled.
  • You're terminally ill.
  • You're an eligible dependant in receipt of a death benefit income stream.

In most cases, superannuation benefits are released once you reach your ‘preservation age’ and are permanently retired. Your preservation age depends on when you were born.

Date of birthPreservation age
Before 1 July 196055
1 July 1960–30 June 196156
1 July 1961–30 June 196257
1 July 1962–30 June 196358
1 July 1963–30 June 196459
After 1 July 196460

On 1 July 2017, the Australian government introduced the ‘transfer balance cap’. The cap (currently $1.9 million) is a lifetime limit on the total amount of super that can be transferred to retirement income streams. This includes a Hostplus Pension account. 

Head to the ATO website to learn more about the transfer balance cap.

The Australian Government has set guidelines around the minimum amount you must receive as a pension payment each year. You can read more about the guidelines in the Pension Guide. 

There’s no maximum pension payment or withdrawal limit for pension accounts, but it’s a good idea to plan for how much you’ll need each month. If you need help, give our financial planners a call. They’re on hand to help you with all your retirement questions.

Your Hostplus Pension account may not provide an income stream for the remainder of your life. Pension payments will only be made while there is enough money in your account. How long your pension account lasts depends on several factors, including:

  • your initial investment amount
  • the amount taken as income
  • any amounts withdrawn as a lump sum
  • administration and investment fees and costs
  • investment performance.

The Government Age Pension is dependent on several elements such as your income and assets. These are assessed each year and/or when there is a change in your circumstances.

If you’re intending to claim the Government Age Pension as well as setting up a Hostplus Pension account, chat to one of our financial planners about your goals. 

When you die, the remaining balance of your account can be paid to your spouse, dependants, estate or beneficiaries. Learn more about nominating a beneficiary.

Learn more about Hostplus Pension