Kernel High Growth vs Kernel Balanced
Side-by-side comparison of fees, returns, and risk data
Last updated: May 2026
General Information Only: This page provides factual data for comparison purposes and does not constitute financial advice. Individual circumstances vary.Read our disclosure
Key Data Comparison
| Metric | Kernel High Growth | Kernel Balanced |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Year Average Return | N/A | N/A |
| Annual Fees | 0.25% | 0.25% |
| Risk Indicator (1-7) | 5 | 4 |
| Growth Assets | 98.23% | 60.13% |
| Fund Type | Aggressive | Balanced |
| Provider | Kernel | Kernel |
| Fund Size | $529.7M | $44.8M |
Data sourced from FMA Disclose Register. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.
Historical trend (1 quarter on record)
1-year return over time
Annual after-tax return as published in each FMA Quarterly Fund Update.
Annual fee over time
Total annual fund charges. Persistently lower fees compound to a meaningful difference in member balances.
Quarter-by-quarter observations
Mechanical comparison across the 1 quarter for which both funds have a published Quarterly Fund Update (2026-03-31 to 2026-03-31). Counts only — past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.
Kernel High Growth
Kernel
Kernel Balanced
Kernel
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the fees for Kernel High Growth vs Kernel Balanced?
Kernel High Growth has fees of 0.25% while Kernel Balancedhas fees of 0.25%. Lower fees compound to significant savings over a lifetime of investing.
What is the risk level difference?
Kernel High Growth has a risk indicator of 5 while Kernel Balancedhas a risk indicator of 4. The risk indicator (1-7 scale) shows expected volatility - higher numbers mean more potential ups and downs.
Can I switch between these funds?
Yes, since both funds are with the same provider, switching is usually instant and free through your online account.
Related Fund Comparisons
Simplicity Growth vs Kernel High Growth
Side-by-side fees, returns, and risk data.
Simplicity Balanced vs Kernel Balanced
Side-by-side fees, returns, and risk data.
Kernel High Growth vs Milford Active Growth
Side-by-side fees, returns, and risk data.
Kernel Balanced vs Milford Balanced
Side-by-side fees, returns, and risk data.
Want personalised KiwiSaver guidance?
Use our 60-second quiz to share your situation — we'll connect you with a licensed Financial Advice Provider from our partner network. Free, no obligation.
Prefer to browse yourself? Find a licensed financial adviser in the FinanceAdvisers.co.nz directory, or check the full register at fma.govt.nz.
Important Information
Disclaimer: This page provides general information only and does not constitute financial advice under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. FundCompare.co.nz is not a licensed Financial Advice Provider (FAP).
We do not assess suitability, make recommendations, or provide personalised advice. The information shown is sourced from publicly available data and may not reflect current offerings. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns. Investment returns can be negative, and you may receive back less than you invested.
Before making any decisions: Always verify current information directly with the relevant KiwiSaver provider and read their Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).
Need personalised advice? Consult a licensed Financial Advice Provider. Find advisers at fma.govt.nz
Compare every fund on the FMA Disclose register. Refreshed quarterly. Independent — FundCompare is not a Financial Advice Provider; general information only.
Compare
Learn
Important Information and Disclosure
The information provided on this website is not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any financial products. Nothing on this website constitutes financial advice for the purposes of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. FundCompare.co.nz is not a licensed Financial Advice Provider.
Investing involves risk. The value of your investment can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you put in. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.
Before making any investment decision, you should read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for the fund carefully. If you have questions or are unclear about the implications of your investment decision, you should seek advice from a licensed Financial Advice Provider.
All information displayed is sourced from scheme providers, the Disclose Register, and the Sorted Smart Investor universal feed (operated by Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission), or other publicly available sources. We take reasonable steps to ensure accuracy but cannot guarantee information is always current or complete.
FundCompare.co.nz may receive referral fees or commissions from scheme providers if you sign up via links on this website. These payments do not influence the order, ranking, or inclusion of products displayed.
For more information, please see our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Disclosure Statement.
This website is operated by FundCompare.co.nz and is not endorsed by, or affiliated with, the New Zealand government or Inland Revenue. FundCompare.co.nz is using the KiwiSaver trade mark and logo under licence from Inland Revenue. To view the official New Zealand government KiwiSaver website, please click here.
© 2026 FundCompare.co.nz. All rights reserved.