Pensions

CalPERS shifted from stable, traditional assets to private equity and a private credit portfolio. Details about their investment risk and fees are secret.

Should California pension funds invest in fossil fuels? How about Tesla and Palantir? Or companies with anti-union records? Those debates are playing out at CalPERS and CalSTRS.

Yes, CalPERS is still digging out from lawmakers' overpromises and past investment losses. But you can see a trend that could save taxpayers money over time in a new analysis from the pension fund.

California pension law limits post-retirement work for government employees, a measure meant to prevent "double dipping." The rules can be confusing and costly.

Unions for California Highway Patrol officers and Cal Fire firefighters are asking the state for a new retirement option that would complement their CalPERS pensions. It might reduce some pension-related payroll costs to the state.

CalPERS won't say what climate companies it invests in. The pension also holds positions in fossil fuel, airlines, plastics manufacturing and technology.

Like other California state officials, UC's managers failed to adopt its new information tech program, resulting in a lawsuit against the vendors.

California unions are at odds and spending heavily in an election at CalPERS, the pension fund that provides retirement benefits to 2 million people.

CalPERS is putting more money in private equity as it seeks higher returns. That's a contested issue in an election for two seats on its board.

California's biggest pension fund and markets around the world learned to live with President Trump's tariff threats. CalPERS gained 11.6% on investments in 2024-25.