Research firm SuperRatings were probably not intending to flame an inter-generational conflict, but its latest data on returns to super balances might just do that.

Young people contribute to superannuation, but they can't touch it until they hit 'preservation age' - between 55 and 60, depending on when you were born.

(Or when you reach age 65, even if you are still working, and under some special hardship circumstances).

The upshot is that it's being saved for you (young person) until you're older, but older people enjoy the fruits of it right now.

Up how much?

There was another month of investment gains in March, with SuperRatings estimating the median balanced option generated a return of +1.9% for the month.

"This takes the estimated return for the first 9 months of the financial year to +8.8%, making a double digit return a possibility depending on outcomes for the final quarter"

So at +8.8% and the possibility of +10% for the year, how does that compare to working and the cost of living?

Poorly.

The seasonally adjusted Wage Price Index (WPI) rose +0.9% for December quarter 2023 and +4.2% over the year.

The Consumer Price Index (or CPI) is an imperfect measure of inflation in the cost of goods, using a 'basket' of things people buy. It was +7% this time last year but has been falling.

Over the twelve months to the December 2023 quarter CPI rose +4.1%.

This means, in theory, that wages are lifting faster than the price of goods is going up. However the impact of rocketing mortgages (1/3 of Australians) soaring rents (another 1/3) means this isn't the best way to judge how the workerbees are faring.

Those who live off their super returns? Doing a lot better, in general.