03/11/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/11/2026 11:05
03/11/2026
CONNECTICUT PENSION FUNDS ACHIEVE 14.0% RETURNS IN CALENDAR YEAR 2025
Stout performance-including a 12.4% three-year rate of return-presented at March IAC meeting along with $650 million in new investment commitments
Hartford, Connecticut - Treasurer Erick Russell today announced that the Connecticut Retirement Plans and Trust Funds (CRPTF) achieved a 14.0% return for Calendar Year 2025, continuing a period of strong investment performance for the state's pension system.
The results were presented by the Office of the Treasurer during today's meeting of the Investment Advisory Council (IAC). CRPTF's value increased $9.3 billion in 2025, including $8.3 billion attributable to investment performance, bringing total assets under management to $68.7 billion as of December 31, 2025. Over the longer term, the CRPTF posted a 12.4% three-year annualized return and an 8.3% 10-year annualized return, both significantly exceeding the fund's 6.9% target rate of return.
CRPTF's three-year return rate now ranks in the top 17% of pension funds with assets of $10 billion or more, according to peer comparisons by Investment Metrics.
"Achieving a 14 percent return and growing the pension fund by more than $9 billion in a single year further strengthens the retirement security of Connecticut's teachers and public employees, past, present, and future, while also reducing pressure on taxpayers," said Treasurer Russell. "The most important number in these results is our 12.4 percent annualized return over the past three years. Sustained performance, well above our target rate, demonstrates that our long-term investment strategy is working."
The calendar year results build on the CRPTF's recent strong performance. Data released in September showed the fund returned 10.1% for Fiscal Year 2025, which ended June 30, 2025. The CRPTF earned 10.3% in Calendar Year 2024 and 12.8% in Calendar Year 2023.
"Consistent performance over multiple years is what ultimately improves the long-term health of the pension system," Treasurer Russell said. "By staying disciplined, diversifying our investments, and managing risk carefully, we are positioning the fund to weather short-term market disruptions and deliver sustainable growth over time."
Key reforms implemented in recent years to reallocate plan assets, mitigate risk, lower fees, and recruit and retain investment talent have all contributed to the positive performance.
TREASURER RUSSELL ANNOUNCES $650 MILLION IN NEW INVESTMENT COMMITMENTS
During the IAC meeting, Treasurer Russell also announced up to $650 million in new investment commitments.
Potential investments in private equity, private credit, real estate, and infrastructure were also reviewed during the meeting.
The IAC shares responsibility for Connecticut's investment strategy and performance. Its members are appointed by unions representing teachers and state workers, legislative leaders, and the Governor. The IAC plays a key role in setting the pension funds' investment policy and asset allocation, and in the hiring of key investment personnel. All IAC meetings are open to the public. Meeting materials, including agendas, minutes and investment presentations, are available on the Office of the Treasurer's website: Investment Advisory Council.
About the Office of the Treasurer
The Office of the Treasurer is charged with safeguarding Connecticut's financial resources through prudent cash management and debt management, with the State Treasurer serving as principal fiduciary for six state pension and twelve state trust funds. Additionally, the Office enhances the state's fiscal stability through programs promoting financial literacy and college savings, and it leverages business partnerships to support the advancement of Connecticut's social and policy priorities, including combating gun violence and protecting our environment. The Office of the Treasurer is led by State Treasurer Erick Russell, the first Black, out LGBTQ person to win an election for statewide office in American history. To learn more, visit portal.ct.gov/ott.
Contact: Brett Cody
[email protected] | (959) 529-2468