Northern Trust Pension Universe Data: Canadian Pension Plan Returns Advanced in Q2 as Global Equities Gained Momentum

The Northern Trust Canada Universe reports that Canadian pension plans saw positive returns in Q2 2024, with a median return of 1.1% for the quarter and 3.5% year-to-date. This performance was driven by global equities gaining momentum, despite volatility early in the period. The Bank of Canada and European Central Bank shifted to a less restrictive monetary policy, while other major central banks remained cautious.

Global equities performed well, led by emerging markets. The S&P 500 Index returned 5.4% in CAD, while the MSCI Emerging Markets Index advanced 6.3% in CAD. Canadian equities saw a modest decline of -0.5%. The Canadian Fixed Income market generated a gain of 0.9% for the quarter, benefiting from the Bank of Canada’s interest rate cut.