We understand that the well-documented recent market volatility may have caused concern and want to reassure you that your pension scheme is designed to withstand such fluctuations and is managed with a long-term perspective.

A summary of events

Earlier this month, the US government announced a new trade policy, introducing tariffs on imports from countries across the world to the US. These tariffs were higher and more widespread than the financial markets had been predicting.

The global share markets responded to this, and we saw a fall in the value of companies around the world. There have since been a series of further headlines regarding tariffs, and the stock markets have responded with large moves – both gains and losses. Markets continue to be more volatile than normal.  When stock markets are falling, it’s normal that the value of pensions that invest in stock markets will also fall.

Our investment approach

The investment strategy of The People’s Pension is designed to navigate through uncertain and volatile times by being globally diversified, meaning that we invest in lots of companies in many geographical regions and sectors. 

This sets your pension up to be as robust as possible at times of uncertainty.

How we diversify your investments

We also invest in different types of assets, not just share markets. Our investments in bonds (fixed interest investments) which are loans to companies and governments, are more defensive and have performed better than shares.

This has given some protection against these movements particularly for those members in our Pre-Retirement fund that is substantially invested into bonds and cash.

Next steps

We believe the best way to navigate through uncertainty is to stick to a clear investment process and to focus on the longer term – while every stock market fall feels unique it is important to remember there have been many such falls over the years, but remaining invested throughout has been a great strategy over the long term.

A long-term investment

Pensions are long term investments, and we know how difficult it can be to see the value of your savings fall in the short term.

Over the long-term there tend to be more good days than bad. As at the end of March 2025 the returns for the Global Investment (up to 85% shares) and Pre-Retirement funds have been positive over a year, three years, five and 10 years.

Your pension

If you are actively contributing to your pension, your contributions will be automatically invested into the markets at today’s prices.

If you are getting closer to retirement, then your pension will have been automatically shifted into more defensive assets (if you are in our default or one of our lifestyle profiles).

We’ll keep working hard to look after your savings and invest them across the world looking after them for the long-term.