Austrian pension funds made an average return of -0.99 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, amid “extraordinary volatility”, according to data from the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ).

The WKÖ noted that after a “very positive” start to the year, several market corrections occurred as the quarter progressed due to geopolitical disruptions.

WKÖ Association of Pension and Provident Funds chairman, Andreas Zakostelsky, said: “As of 15 April 2026, we are clearly in positive territory at 1.32 per cent.

"However, the snapshot at the end of the first quarter showed a moderate decline of 0.99 per cent due to sometimes significant turbulence in the capital markets.

“With three quarters remaining, there is good potential for an overall positive annual performance.”

Over the longer term, Austrian pension funds average at a 5 per cent return, and “continue to outperform many comparable investment options”.

Zakostelsky described short-term fluctuations like those caused by the crisis in the Middle East as of “secondary importance” to the development of supplementary pensions.

“What matters is long-term performance. Austrian pension funds have a clear advantage: they invest over decades and can therefore offset temporary market fluctuations.

"Especially in times of increased uncertainty, the strength of our system becomes evident,” Zakostelsky added.

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