Austrian pension funds delivered a return of 4.78 per cent in the second quarter (Q2) of 2026, according to analysis by the Association of Pension and Provident Funds at the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ).

Despite the year starting with conflict in the Middle East, international capital markets recovered significantly in Q2 as geopolitical tensions eased.

As a result, energy markets calmed, and expectations for economic growth improved, leading to a noticeable recovery across many equity and bond markets.

Association of Pension and Provident Funds chairman, Andreas Zakostelsky, said a “clear stabilisation” took hold of markets in the spring after heightened volatility in the first quarter.

“Many markets recovered the losses recorded earlier in the year and posted positive performance. The broadly diversified investment strategy of Austrian pension funds once again proved to be a key success factor,” he added.

The association added that the long-term annualised return currently stands at 5.01 per cent since 1991 for supplementary pensions, which is a “decisive factor” in performance.

"The second quarter clearly demonstrates that a long-term, broadly diversified investment strategy delivers results," Zakostelsky said.

He added: "Following the market disruptions at the start of the year, capital markets have stabilised significantly. Austrian pension funds and their members and beneficiaries are benefiting from this recovery."

The Association of Pension and Provident Funds is the statutory representative body for Austrian pension funds and occupational severance funds, representing more than five million members and beneficiaries with more than €50bn in assets under management.

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