InvestSMART Performance Update: March 2026
InvestSMART's diversified ETF portfolios have delivered solid results over the past year, returning between 3.6% and 8.2% in the 12 months to the end of March 2026. Over 10 years, they have returned between 3.9% and 9.0% a year on average. Keep in mind that past performance is not an indication of future performance.
The chart below illustrates how InvestSMART's diversified portfolios have performed compared to funds in the same risk category over five years to 31 March 2026.
As you can see, over five years, the diversified portfolios have delivered annual returns of between 3.1% and 8.6% on average, outperforming competitor funds by an average annualised return of between 0.2% and 1.5%.
InvestSMART's single-asset portfolios returned between 0.7% (Australian Bonds) and 10.8% (Australian Equities) in the 12 months to the end of March 2026, and between -0.6% p.a. (Australian Bonds) and 11.7% p.a. (International Equities) over five years.
March wrap-up
After a couple of good months, March was more challenging for investors as markets reacted to the conflict in the Middle East, rising oil prices and concerns about inflation and interest rates.
Australian shares moved lower through the month, with the S&P/ASX 200 falling by 7.1%. The market has already bounced back, with total returns up 5.26% month to date as of 14 April.
Globally, most major markets also went backward in March as geopolitical tensions made investors more cautious.
The Reserve Bank lifted the cash rate for the second month in a row, taking it to 4.1%. Inflation has come off its highs, with annual CPI at 3.7% in February, but it remains high enough to keep policymakers cautious. All eyes will now be on CPI data later this month for clues about what the RBA might do at its next meeting on 4-5 May.
There might be a lot happening, but it's important to try not to let volatility rattle you. Diversification, regular contributions and a long-term view can help you stay on track through periods like this.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
InvestSMART's diversified ETF portfolios returned between 3.6% and 8.2% for the 12 months to the end of March 2026, according to the InvestSMART performance update for March 2026. Remember the report also notes that past performance is not an indication of future performance.
Over five years to 31 March 2026, InvestSMART's diversified portfolios delivered average annual returns between 3.1% and 8.6%, outperforming funds in the same risk category by an average annualised margin of around 0.2% to 1.5%.
In the 12 months to the end of March 2026, InvestSMART's single-asset portfolios returned between 0.7% (Australian Bonds) and 10.8% (Australian Equities). Over five years, the range was from -0.6% p.a. (Australian Bonds) to 11.7% p.a. (International Equities).
Markets were more volatile in March 2026 as investors reacted to the conflict in the Middle East, rising oil prices and renewed concerns about inflation and interest rates. These geopolitical and macroeconomic factors made many investors more cautious, leading to broader market declines.
Australian shares, measured by the S&P/ASX 200, fell 7.1% during March 2026. The market then showed a rebound: total returns were up 5.26% month-to-date as of 14 April 2026.
The Reserve Bank lifted the cash rate for a second consecutive month to 4.1%. Annual CPI had eased from its highs but was still 3.7% in February 2026. The InvestSMART update highlights that upcoming CPI data will be watched closely for clues about the RBA's next decision at its 4-5 May meeting.
The InvestSMART update recommends staying focused on diversification, making regular contributions and keeping a long-term investment view. These strategies can help investors ride out short-term volatility caused by geopolitical events, oil price moves or interest-rate concerns.
This standard investing disclaimer means that historical returns—like the 3.6%–8.2% one‑year returns or the five- and ten-year averages cited—do not guarantee similar future results. Market conditions can change, so investors should use past performance as one input among many when making decisions.
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