Pensionskassen Arkitekter & Designere (PAD) has reported strong investment results up to the end of the third quarter, supported by broad diversification across asset classes and geographies, despite a year marked by turbulence in global markets.

The Danish pension provider found that a member with 15 years until retirement and a moderate investment profile achieved an 8.1 per cent return after the end of the third quarter, while a retired member with a moderate profile received a 4.7 per cent return over the same period.

The update comes as equity markets have rebounded since their April lows, with share prices enjoying renewed momentum in the US, Europe and beyond.

Denmark, however, has been a notable exception, with companies such as Novo Nordisk and Ørsted weighing on the domestic stock market.

The poor performance of these large-cap firms has made the Danish benchmark one of the weakest among developed markets this year.

PAD deputy investment director, Jesper Nørgaard, said the fund’s balanced investment approach had helped it weather these local challenges.

“The shares have provided good returns, despite headwinds in some Danish companies,” he said.

“With investments in everything from shares to properties, we are well equipped to handle the changing winds in the financial markets,” added Nørgaard.

The PAD noted that returns in bond markets have also been positive, even though the European Central Bank is unlikely to cut interest rates further this year.

The provider added that its fixed income exposure had continued to contribute to overall portfolio performance, underscoring the value of diversification during periods of market uncertainty.

The PAD’s assets are managed by SamPension, which reported an 8.2 per cent return for a typical customer after the third quarter of 2025, a 4.8 per cent improvement from the first half of the year, amid sustained momentum in global equity markets.

However, reports earlier this year suggested that the PAD was exploring options for finding a new partner with a sustainable focus, aligned with its members’ wishes.

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