Understanding your investment returns isn’t just about watching your account grow — it’s about knowing what’s driving that growth. In 2025, with the Australian market more dynamic than ever, the gross rate of return is a metric every investor should have in their toolkit.
What Is the Gross Rate of Return?
The gross rate of return measures the total earnings from an investment before deducting any fees, taxes, or other expenses. Think of it as the headline figure — the raw performance — that gives you an initial sense of how well your investments are doing. For Australian investors, this number is often the first step in comparing super funds, managed investments, or even your own share portfolio.
For example, if you invest $10,000 in an ETF and it grows to $11,000 over a year (with $100 in dividends and $900 in capital gains), your gross rate of return is 10%. This figure helps you compare ‘apples to apples’ before factoring in the friction of fees, taxes, or inflation.
Why Gross Rate of Return Matters in 2025
Australia’s investment landscape is evolving rapidly. As of 2025, several policy and market trends are reshaping how we view and use the gross rate of return:
- Superannuation Performance Test Changes: In 2025, APRA’s updated performance benchmarks for super funds place a stronger emphasis on gross returns as a comparison tool. Funds failing to meet these benchmarks must notify members and may be forced to merge or close.
- ETF and Managed Fund Boom: With more Australians turning to ETFs and managed funds, understanding gross rate of return is key for comparing products across the market. Providers are now required to display gross returns more transparently in PDS documents and marketing materials.
- Fee and Tax Scrutiny: ASIC’s 2025 guidance highlights the need for investors to distinguish between gross and net returns. Many funds report both, but gross rate of return remains a standard for initial product comparison.
The bottom line? In today’s market, knowing your gross rate of return helps you cut through the noise and spot genuine outperformance — not just clever fee structures or tax advantages.
How to Calculate and Use Gross Rate of Return
Calculating the gross rate of return is straightforward:
- Formula: (Ending Value – Beginning Value + Income) / Beginning Value × 100%
For example, let’s say you invest $20,000 in a listed investment company. After 12 months, the investment is worth $21,200, and you’ve received $400 in dividends:
- Gross Return = ($21,200 – $20,000 + $400) / $20,000 × 100% = 8%
Key uses for gross rate of return:
- Comparing the performance of super funds before fees
- Assessing managed fund or ETF performance in annual reports
- Benchmarking your own share or property investments
Tip: Always check whether the return figure you’re looking at is gross or net, especially when comparing investment products in 2025. Net returns reflect what you actually keep, but gross returns show the underlying investment skill or market movement.
Real-World Example: Super Fund Comparisons in 2025
Let’s look at two popular Australian super funds in 2025. Suppose Fund A reports a 7.5% gross return and charges 1% in annual fees, while Fund B reports a 7% gross return with just 0.3% in fees. The difference in fees means that Fund B’s net return is actually higher, despite the lower gross rate. This is why gross rate of return is a starting point, not the final word — but it’s essential for seeing where the value is created before costs.
With APRA’s new disclosure requirements, super funds now must present both gross and net returns clearly, helping members make more informed choices during the annual performance test period.
The Takeaway: Gross Rate of Return as Your Investment Compass
In the fast-moving world of Australian investing, the gross rate of return is more than a number — it’s a lens for understanding performance in a transparent, comparable way. Whether you’re choosing a super fund, exploring ETFs, or managing your own portfolio, knowing your gross return puts you in the driver’s seat for smarter decisions in 2025 and beyond.
