World's largest pension fund drops $4.5B in third quarter

World's largest pension fund drops $4.5B in third quarter
GPIF posted the huge loss due to decline for domestic bonds.
NOV 02, 2023
By  Bloomberg

Japan’s state pension fund, the world’s largest, posted a loss of ¥683.2 billion ($4.5 billion) on total assets during the three months through September as its holdings of domestic debt slumped by a record.

The Government Pension Investment Fund lost 0.3% during the quarter, the fund said in Tokyo Thursday. Total assets rose slightly to ¥219.32 trillion due to a transfer of funds from the government’s account that manages its pension, according to a spokesperson. Domestic bonds lost 2.7%, the most since the fund’s predecessor started investing in 2001. Japanese stocks returned 2.5%. 

Strength in the dollar against the yen supported overseas assets. The GPIF’s holdings of shares abroad lost 0.1%, while its non-Japanese bonds lost 0.8% as the dollar gained more than 3% against the yen during the period.

With about one-fourth of the fund’s assets consisting of domestic bonds, the latest loss illustrates the growing risk of holding the securities as the Bank of Japan slowly moves away from its ultra-loose monetary policy. Yields on benchmark 10-year bonds hit a fresh decade high this week after the central bank adjusted its stimulus to allow long-term yields to edge higher.

“We will make investments from a long-term perspective and fulfill our fiduciary duty to leave funds to support our pension system,” Masataka Miyazono, president of the fund, said in a statement.

Latest News

Integrated Partners, Kestra welcome multigenerational advisor teams
Integrated Partners, Kestra welcome multigenerational advisor teams

Integrated Partners is adding a mother-son tandem to its network in Missouri as Kestra onboards a father-son advisor duo from UBS.

Trump not planning to fire Powell, market tension eases
Trump not planning to fire Powell, market tension eases

Futures indicate stocks will build on Tuesday's rally.

From stocks and economy to their own finances, consumers are getting gloomier
From stocks and economy to their own finances, consumers are getting gloomier

Cost of living still tops concerns about negative impacts on personal finances

Women share investing strengths, asset preferences in new study
Women share investing strengths, asset preferences in new study

Financial advisors remain vital allies even as DIY investing grows

Trump vows to 'be nice' to China, slash tariffs
Trump vows to 'be nice' to China, slash tariffs

A trade deal would mean significant cut in tariffs but 'it wont be zero'.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.