NJ Pension Fund Gains 15% on $86 Billion Portfolio as Divestment Pressure Targets Israel Bonds, Palantir
Updated
Updated · NJ Spotlight News · Oct 29
NJ Pension Fund Gains 15% on $86 Billion Portfolio as Divestment Pressure Targets Israel Bonds, Palantir
3 articles · Updated · NJ Spotlight News · Oct 29
Summary
Nearly 15% in unaudited returns for fiscal 2026 left New Jersey’s pension fund well above its 7% target, extending a multiyear run of strong performance for the retirement system.
Less than 1% in returns through September showed that momentum fading early in the new fiscal year, with officials citing tougher markets and election-driven uncertainty.
Public speakers at Wednesday’s investment council meeting pressed the state to sell Israeli bonds and Palantir holdings, arguing both raise human-rights concerns tied to Gaza, the West Bank and federal immigration enforcement.
More than $7 billion in annual state pension funding and recent double-digit gains have helped stabilize benefits for over 800,000 workers and retirees, though officials say damage from decades of underfunding will take years to repair.