|
The California Public Employees' Retirement System is an agency in the California executive branch that "manages pension and health benefits for more than 1.6 million California public employees, retirees, and their families". In fiscal year 2007-2008, $10.88 billion was paid in retirement benefits, and in calendar year 2009 it is estimated that over $5.7 billion will be paid in health benefits.
As of March 31, 2013, CalPERS managed the second largest public pension fund in the United States, second to the federal Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund, with $257.4 billion in assets that represented a 1% decrease from the peak value of its assets of $260.6 billion in October 2007. CalPERS is known for its shareholder activism; stocks placed on its "Focus List" may perform better than other stocks, which has given rise to the term "CalPERS effect". Outside the U.S., CalPERS has been called "a recognized global leader in the investment industry", and "one of America's most powerful shareholder bodies".
|
