Private pensions outperformed public funds and foundations and endowments in the second quarter, returning 4 percent, according to Northern Trust Universe data.
That was an improvement from the 2.8 percent returned in the first quarter, due largely in gains from domestic and international equity sectors.
Public funds returned 3.9 percent in the second quarter. Foundations and endowments returned 3.5 percent, more than double their return in the first quarter.
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Corporate ERISA plans recorded their fourth consecutive quarterly gain, while both public funds and foundations and endowments have generated positive returns for eight straight quarters, according to Northern Trust.
"Strong earnings growth and low interest rates have given additional momentum to equity and bond markets, which have helped plan sponsors to continue their streak of quarterly gains," said Bill Frieske , a senior consultant for Northern Trust Investment Risk and Analytical Services.
Frieske says that second-quarter gains suggest this year's annual performance will exceed long-term expectations.
Northern Trust Data Universe tracks about 300 large U.S. institutional funds.
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Nick Thornton
Nick Thornton is a financial writer covering retirement and health care issues for BenefitsPRO and ALM Media. He greatly enjoys learning from the vast minds in the legal, academic, advisory and money management communities when covering the retirement space. He's also written on international marketing trends, financial institution risk management, defense and energy issues, the restaurant industry in New York City, surfing, cigars, rum, travel, and fishing. When not writing, he's pushing into some land or water.
