SMSF Investment Options in Australia (2026 Guide)

In Australia, more than one million savvy investors have gained greater control of their retirement savings by utilising a self-managed super fund (SMSF). This trend highlights the appeal of an SMSF, enabling Australians to go beyond the limitations of traditional super. The key advantage of an SMSF is its unmatched flexibility. Unlike standard super funds, it offers access to a wide range of asset classes. Whether you're interested in the growth potential of Australian shares, the stability of fixed-income products, or the unique opportunities in physical commodities, the choice is yours.

In this article, we will explore some popular SMSF investment options. Hopefully this article can help you make smart decisions and achieve a prosperous retirement.

What can a self-managed super fund (SMSF) invest in?

Unlike traditional superannuation funds, an SMSF offers a high degree of flexibility and control, allowing members to diversify their investment portfolios across a wide range of asset classes. Through moomoo, you can invest in more than 26,000 stocks, ETFs and US stock options across Australian and global markets in one place to easily build an investment portfolio that suits your needs and achieve wealth growth for your SMSF. Here are some popular SMSF investment options for Australian investors.

Australian and international shares

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) reports that listed shares are the most popular asset class among SMSFs. Investing in Australian shares provide an opportunity to own a stake in some of the country's leading companies. moomoo covers mainstream listed companies on the ASX, including core sectors such as finance, resources and consumer industries. From major banks like Commonwealth Bank and Westpac, which play a key role in the Australian economy, to resource giants like BHP Group, investing in Australian shares gives you share in the performance of these homegrown companies. Meanwhile, moomoo offers trading fees as low as A$3, supports CHESS-sponsored Australian stock trading, and is equipped with AI intelligent analysis tools, helping you streamline your research efforts to make informed investment decisions for your super.

Investing in international shares gives Australian SMSF trustees exposure to the global economy. moomoo covers core US and Hong Kong stocks, including leading enterprises in technology. You can invest in well-known US companies like Apple and Amazon, as well as growing businesses across Asia. This may offer geographical and structural diversification to a conventional superfund portfolio heavily concentrated in Australian assets. On moomoo, most popular US stocks support 24-hour trading, every market day with Live AUD-USD Conversions, making your global investment more efficient and convenient.

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs)

ETFs are funds that track an index, a commodity, or a basket of assets.Investing in ETFs gives Australian SMSF trustees exposure to major companies listed on the ASX and overseas. They offer diversification at a relatively low cost. They're a popular choice for SMSF investors who want to gain exposure to a particular market segment without having to pick individual stocks. moomoo provides access to more than 5,000 high-quality US and Australian ETFs across broad market, sector, bond and other categories, and allows you to customise your trading selections via the ETF screener. With an SMSF, you can flexibly invest in both commercial and residential real estate.

Bonds

Bonds are a type of debt security that can be issued by the Australian government or companies. When you invest in a bond, you're essentially lending money to the issuer. In return, you receive regular interest payments, known as coupon payments, and get back the original amount you invested, known as the principal, when the bond matures.

Residential and commercial property, or REITs

With a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF), you have the flexibility to invest in both commercial and residential real estate. However, it's important to understand the rules:

Residential Property: You can't buy residential property from a related party of any SMSF member. Additionally, neither you nor any SMSF member can live in or rent the property.

Commercial Property: Your SMSF can purchase your business premises, but you must pay rent to the SMSF at the current market rate.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are another option. These are companies that own and manage income-producing real estate. By investing in a REIT, you can gain exposure to the property market without the hassle of direct property management. However, property investments can be illiquid, meaning it can take time to sell, and they may be subject to market cycles, changes in interest rates, and regulatory changes.

Cash

Cash is a straightforward and liquid investment option for SMSF, offering immediate access to funds. It is often used as a short-term holding or as a safety net within a portfolio. Cash can be held in high-interest savings accounts, providing stability but typically yielding low returns, especially in a low-interest-rate environment. Additionally, inflation can erode the value of cash over time, making it more suited for capital preservation and liquidity rather than long-term growth.

Term deposits

A term deposit offers Australian SMSF holders the opportunity to invest a part of their superannuation balance for a fixed period at a predetermined rate of return. In Australia, most banks provide term deposits customized for self-managed super funds. This presents a low-risk investment strategy, enabling you to earn higher interest compared to most regular savings accounts. However, it's crucial to note that you should refrain from withdrawing your funds before the term concludes.

Physical commodities

This class of "real" assets includes a variety of raw materials, ranging from agricultural and energy products to metals like gold and silver. Commodities are attractive to investors due to their independence from stock, property, and bond returns. Moreover, as one of the few asset classes that perform favorably during periods of rising inflation, commodities can effectively serve as a hedge against inflation.

Key considerations for permissible investments in an SMSF include:

Investments must be consistent with the fund's written investment strategy and meet the 'sole purpose test', meaning the investment must be made solely for the purpose of providing superannuation benefits to members.

All investments in the SMSF must be made on an arm's length basis.

The purchase and sale prices of the fund's assets must reflect true market values and the income from the fund's assets must reflect true market returns.

How to start SMSF investing with moomoo?

If you don't have an SMSF account:

To provide comprehensive SMSF support, we partner with Rivkin, a trusted Local-based SMSF specialist with more than 40 years of industry experience.

1. Trusted local expertise

Partner with local SMSF specialists with more than 40 years of experience helping Australian manage their investments.

2. Streamlined all-in-one setup

It's all covered in one simple procress, from setting up a trust to opening your moomoo trading account.

3. Competitive pricing

Exclusive SMSF pricing for moomoo clients, whether you're setting up a new SMSF or need ongoing support for an existing one. Annual service fees from $950.*

Open an SMSF account->

Automate your SMSF data flow

Moomoo has partnered with Class to enable an automated data feed for moomoo SMSF accounts. With your consent, your transaction and portfolio data can be securely shared with the Class software widely used by your accountant or SMSF administrator, helping reduce manual data entry and improve reporting efficiency.

If you already have an SMSF account:

To open an SMSF trading account, you are required to provide the following information: the full name of the SMSF trust, Australian Business Number (ABN), Tax File Number (TFN), and identity verification documents. For more details, please visit: How to open and manage an SMSF trading account with moomoo

Once you have prepared the above documents, you can open your moomoo SMSF Account via the following 3 methods:

Option 1: Open directly in 4 simple steps by clicking the link:

• New users:opening an moomoo SMSF Account.

• Existing moomoo users:add an moomoo SMSF Account.

*You can also contact support anytime through the moomoo app.

Option 2: Book a 1-on-1 consultation

Book a 1-on-1 consultation with moomoo’s SMSF specialist team, where you can learn about moomoo SMSF account opening procedures and relevant investment strategies.

Option 3: Visit team moomoo in personOpen your moomoo SMSF account at our Chatswood store with in-person support.

Address: Shop 66, 427–441 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood NSW

please include disclaimer when refering the above pricing $950.

*Fees are Inclusive of GST. Moomoo AU may receive fees from the above third-party SMSF administrators for referrals that result in the purchase of their services. Moomoo AU does not provide any advice or recommendations with regard to the providers' services or the suitability of establishing an SMSF in general. Please seek professional advice from a qualified financial adviser and/or accountant where necessary.

Moomoo Securities Australia Ltd (AFSL 224663) provides execution-only dealing services. SMSF establishment, administration and related advice services are provided by Rivkin Wealth Advisors Pty Ltd (AFSL 551201). Moomoo does not provide superannuation, tax or personal financial advice. Consider whether these services are appropriate for you and read the relevant terms and disclosures before proceeding.