How investments work
If you’re like many other Australians, selecting your super’s investment option may be your first experience in the world of investing. At GESB, we give you the flexibility to select one of several investment options - but while having a choice is great, it can be overwhelming if you don’t know how it all works.
Understanding investment basics, such as how investment options work, what risk is and what assets we invest in, can help you make informed decisions for your future.
Super is a long-term investment
Super is money meant to be used in retirement, so the money typically stays invested for long periods of time – over your entire working life. If you’re in retirement, the way you invest may change.
We invest in a range of different types of investments, or asset classes, based on an analysis of their long-term outlook. Returns, which are what you can earn on these investments, can help your super grow over time.
However, investing comes with risks, so there’s no guarantee results will be positive. Different types of investment assets come with different levels of risk, and generally the higher risk the higher return. It’s important to understand that an asset class that has performed well in the past may not always perform well in the future, and vice versa.
When we create our investment options, we select the mix of asset classes carefully to meet a set level of risk and a return objective.
Options for every type of investor
When you join GESB, you can choose from several investment options. An option is a portfolio or mix of investments that are selected to balance risk and timeframe, and our options range in high to low risk to suit all types of investors.
Use our Investment choice tool
Use our Investment choice toolNeed help choosing your investment option? Our tool asks you some simple questions about your investment timeframe, goals and comfort with risk to give you an idea of which option might suit you.
Dive deeper into how investments work
The more you know about how your money is invested, the more comfortable you’re likely to feel making decisions. Learn more about risk and return and what it means to invest for the long term.
What risk means for your super
Risk explainedRisk is part of investing and there is always the potential for your investment to increase in value or lose value from year to year.
Investment options explained
Find out moreLearn more about how you can invest and grow your super with our range of investment options.
Investment tips
Read tipsRead some tips from our experts to help you make good investment decisions, such as how to set your investment goals and keeping track of investments over time.
Investing in retirement
When you’re retired, your approach to investing may change because you likely want a regular reliable income to help you afford your retirement lifestyle.
Investing during market volatility
Whether you’re an experienced investor or just starting to learn more, a downturn in the market can be stressful. It can help to focus on super as a long-term investment.
Thank you for printing this page. Remember to come back to gesb.wa.gov.au for the latest information as our content is updated regularly. This information is correct as at 18 June 2026.