EPF investment income jumps 48% to RM57.5 billion in first half as global equities rally

The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) reported a 48% surge in investment income to RM57.5 billion in the first half of 2026, driven by stronger global equity markets, though the fund cautioned that such favorable conditions may not continue through the remainder of the year. This marks a jump from RM38.92 billion for the same period in 2025.

The increase was attributed to unrealised mark-to-market gains and losses on securities, primarily influenced by foreign exchange movements. For the second quarter alone, EPF saw investment income rise 44% to RM29.77 billion, from RM20.61 billion year-over-year. CEO Ahmad Zulqarnain Onn highlighted EPF's disciplined, long-term investment strategy, noting that the fund capitalized on robust global equity markets while acknowledging market and geopolitical risks could not be anticipated.

Equities contributed the most, generating RM20.94 billion, up 52% from RM13.77 billion a year earlier, followed by fixed-income instruments at RM6.91 billion, real estate and infrastructure at RM1.30 billion, and money market instruments at RM620 million. International investments, comprising a significant portion, generated RM19.29 billion, representing 65% of total income.

EPF's total assets reached RM1.54 trillion, with 39% invested overseas. Membership saw a 52.9% increase, totaling nearly 18.5 million, with 441,846 new members registered. Total contributions also rose 8.5% to RM33.87 billion.