Kernel High Growth Fund vs Kernel Balanced Fund
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 Fund | Kernel Balanced Fund |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Year Average Return | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| 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.
Lower annual fee
0/1
Quarters in which Kernel High Growth Fund reported a lower annual fee than Kernel Balanced Fund.
Higher 1-year return
0/1
Quarters in which Kernel High Growth Fund's reported 1-year return was higher than Kernel Balanced Fund's.
Kernel High Growth Fund
Kernel
Kernel Balanced Fund
Kernel
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the fees for Kernel High Growth Fund vs Kernel Balanced Fund?
Kernel High Growth Fund has fees of 0.25% while Kernel Balanced Fundhas fees of 0.25%. Lower fees compound to significant savings over a lifetime of investing.
What is the risk level difference?
Kernel High Growth Fund has a risk indicator of 5 while Kernel Balanced Fundhas 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.
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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).
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FundCompare
Compare every fund within a KiwiSaver scheme on the FMA Disclose register. Refreshed quarterly. Independent — FundCompare is not a Financial Advice Provider; general information only.