Pension funds rebound after long stretch of negative returns
Defined benefit plans in the Investment Metrics Plan Sponsor Universes posted a median net return of 5.39% for the fourth quarter 2022. Performance rebounded after three consecutive quarters with negative returns to start the year. The median net return for the calendar year 2022 was -14.1%, the worst calendar year return since 2008.

Endowments & Foundations had the best relative performance compared other plans, with a median net return of 6.37%. Health & Welfare plans delivered the poorest performance for the quarter, with a median net return of 3.18%.

Investment Metrics Plan Universe is the industry’s most granular analytics tool for plan sponsors including standard and custom peer group comparisons of performance, risk, and asset allocations by plan type and size. The data is sourced directly from over 4,000 institutions using our reporting and analytics solutions including investment consultants, advisors and asset owners. Plan Universe is updated quarterly typically available on or near the following schedule: preliminary data available on the 14th business day after quarter end, a second cut on the 21st business day and final cut on the 29th business day.
Preliminary Peer Group Size:
All Defined Benefit: 654, Corporate: 164, Public: 240, Taft-Hartley: 196, End. & Fnd: 670, Health & Welfare: 183