Canadian pensions rode commodity boom and emerging markets surged to outpace global indices in 2025
RBC Investor Services (RBCIS) reported mixed performance for Canadian Defined Benefit pension plans under its administration in 2025: median returns were 0.6% for Q4 2025 and 7.9% for the full year. This followed a stronger year in 2024, where the median return was 1.6% for Q4 and 11.3% on an annual basis. Read more.
Canadian DB pension plans record largest gains of 2025 to date in Q3 amid broad equity and fixed income
TORONTO, October 30, 2025 — RBC Investor Services (RBCIS) reported that Canadian defined-benefit (DB) pension plans under its administration achieved their largest median quarterly return of the year, gaining 4.4% in the third quarter of 2025, and representing a 7.1% increase year-to-date (YTD). This growth was driven by a broad-based mix of equity and fixed income contributions. Read more.
Equities stay strong, but fixed income dampens DB pension plan returns in Q2
Defined benefit (DB) pension plans administered by RBC Investor Services returned 1.6% in the second quarter of 2025, an improvement over Q1’s 1.1% gain. While equities contributed positively once again, weakness in fixed income markets dampened overall performance. Read more.
RBC Investor Services’ Canadian DB pension plans generate modest returns while facing heightened market volatility in Q1 2025
Despite market volatility fueled by geopolitical tensions, shifting trade policies and political changes both globally and domestically, defined benefit (DB) pension plans managed by RBC Investor Services clients posted a modest gain of 1.1% in the first quarter of 2025. The results are based on a recent analysis encompassing various client plans across private and public sectors. Read more.
RBC Investor Services’ Canadian DB pension plans return 1.6% over the quarter, capping year with solid 11.3%
RBC Investor Services (RBCIS) reports a positive median return of 1.6% for its clients’ defined benefit (DB) pension plans over the fourth quarter of 2024 and closes the year with its strongest yearly median return in five years at 11.3% for the period ending December 31, 2024. This analysis encompasses various RBCIS client plans across private and public sectors. Read more.