03/13/2017
NYSTRS is one of the nation’s largest pension funds, either public or private, according to the annual rankings of the top 1,000 pension funds compiled by trade publication Pensions & Investments (P&I). The rankings were based on total assets as of Sept. 30, 2016.
With assets approaching $110 billion, NYSTRS ranked number nine in terms of total assets. It is the seventh largest public fund.
The System ranked even higher – number five overall – among funds with the most defined benefit assets managed internally. This is significant because by managing assets internally, fewer fees are paid to outside money managers. The money saved in fees can be reinvested instead. Considering over the past 20 years 84% of NYSTRS’ income has been derived from investment returns, having additional funds available for investing makes sense.
Internal asset management contributes considerably to cost effectiveness. NYSTRS’ investment fees and expenses average 24 cents per $100 managed, as compared to the 60 cents or more it would cost to manage the same $100 in a 401(k).
For additional information on NYSTRS' finances, see the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016, found in the Library at NYSTRS.org.