CalPERS, CalSTRS post double digit investment returns | Protect Retirement Security for Californians

July 15, 2013

CalPERS, CalSTRS post double digit investment returns
By Dale Kasler
dkasler@sacbee.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Published: Monday, Jul. 15, 2013 - 9:47 am

CalPERS said today it earned 12.5 percent on its investment portfolio in the latest fiscal year, well above its official forecast.

The big pension fund's gains were led by its stock portfolio, which earned a 19 percent return. Real estate earned 11.2 percent and private equity investments earned 13.6 percent.

Meanwhile, CalSTRS said it earned a 13.8 percent return.

The investment returns are crucial in determining the pension funds' overall health - and the amount that state and local governments must contribute each year to CalPERS and CalSTRS.

The latest results, for the fiscal year that ended June 30, represent a bounce-back from the previous year, when CalPERS earned just 1 percent and CalSTRS earned 1.8 percent.

"When things got rough we didn't panic," said CalPERS chief investment officer Joe Dear in a prepared statement.

Added Henry Jones, chairman of the CalPERS investment committee: "CalPERS is a long-term investor and we try to not focus too much on one year of performance. But obviously 12.5 percent is a great number and we're pleased with the performance."

Call The Bee's Dale Kasler, (916) 321-1066. Follow him on Twitter @dakasler.