Canadian defined benefit pension returns – Q1 2026

Pension plans gained 0.4% in Q1 as energy surge cushioned technology selloff

Published April 29, 2026 | 2 min read

RBC Investor Services reported that Canadian defined benefit pension plans under its administration posted a median return of 0.4% in the first quarter of 2026 amid heightened geopolitical tensions and sharp sector divides, with energy surging while information technology declined.

Q1 2026 defined benefit pension returns – Highlights

+0.4%

Total

+0.2%

Canadian fixed income

+3.9%

Canadian equities

–0.9%

Global equities

Please refer to the press release for additional information or contact your RBC Investor Services representative.