New Zealand’s sovereign wealth fund leads the world in long-term investment returns
New Zealand’s Superannuation Fund has been named the best-performing sovereign wealth fund globally over the past two decades, delivering a standout annualised return of 10.03%.
According to the latest GlobalSWF rankings, the fund outperformed the global average for sovereign wealth funds (6.4%) and pension funds (6.8%) by a considerable margin.
The Fund also topped the 10-year performance chart with an annualised return of 10.33%, further solidifying New Zealand’s global reputation for stable, effective fund management.
NZ Super Fund Chief Executive credited the long-term success to the Fund’s growth-oriented strategy and strong global equity exposure, with equities currently making up about 60% of the portfolio.
She also noted the Fund’s consistent outperformance of its benchmark and long-term expectations through active investment strategies. “Maintaining focus through the ups and downs of global markets has been key,” Jo Townsend said.
GlobalSWF compared the performance of 13 sovereign wealth funds and 37 pension funds from 18 countries. While several Australian funds performed strongly, NZ Super remained the standout performer over both timeframes.
Why this matters for businesses and investors
This recognition reinforces the strength and resilience of New Zealand’s financial governance. For NZ businesses, it’s a reminder that sound long-term strategy and consistent execution pay off—even in volatile markets.
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Source: Financial Standard
