The National Bank of Denmark has published March 2026 insurance and pension statistics showing that Danish insurance and pension companies continued to buy equities in the first quarter of 2026, but at a much lower pace than in 2025. Net stock purchases totalled DKK 13 billion and were concentrated in the first two months of the year, while total investment returns for the sector stood at negative DKK 68 billion at the end of the quarter. The purchases mainly covered Danish, Japanese and Canadian stocks and levelled off in March. Stock market volatility increased following the outbreak of war in the Middle East. Equity returns were positive in January and February but turned negative in March, leaving the sector with an overall stock loss of DKK 41 billion for the quarter. The published stock flow data cover listed equities in the United States, Europe including Denmark, and other countries, and include pension companies' equity investments made through Danish investment funds.
National Bank of Denmark 2026-05-05
National Bank of Denmark reports pension sector cut first quarter stock purchases to DKK 13 billion as total investment returns fell to DKK 68 billion loss
The National Bank of Denmark has published March 2026 insurance and pension statistics showing that sector equity purchases continued in the first quarter but slowed sharply from 2025, with net stock purchases of DKK 13 billion concentrated in January and February. Total investment returns were negative DKK 68 billion for the quarter, including an overall equity loss of DKK 41 billion amid increased stock market volatility following the outbreak of war in the Middle East.