MPF breaks through $1.70 trillion for the first time ever

MPF Ratings’ 2026 August MPF Performance Survey shows that total MPF assets broke through the $1.70 trillion mark at end-August for the first time ever, setting a new all-time high since the system’s inception in December 2000.

Steady August return; YTD up 7.79%

August delivered an investment return of 1.46% (as measured by the MPFR All Fund Performance Index as at 31 August) — the system’s 6th positive monthly return in 2026 — lifting year-to-date returns to 7.79%. In absolute dollar terms, August’s investment gain was approximately $24.4bn (about $4,917 per MPF’s 4.97m members), taking year-to-date investment gains to $122.1bn, the system’s 2nd best on record.

Record assets and average balance

Inclusive of contributions, total MPF assets ended August at an all-time high of $1.71tr (up $27.4bn from July and up $152.3bn year-to-date), equivalent to an average MPF account balance of $343,420 (up $5,521 from July, and up $19,303 year-to-date).

Asian equities lead

Asian equities continued their strong 2026 run, ranking 1st in August with a return of 3.53% and taking year-to-date return to 25.58%. Francis Chung (叢川普), Chairman of MPF Ratings Ltd, noted that the superior investment earnings of major insurance scheme providers — AIA, Manulife and Sun Life — were the key driver behind the record asset size. History favours MPF to end the year positively: on the six previous occasions the system produced 6 positive monthly returns by end-August, only 2021 ended with a loss. He nonetheless urged members not to be complacent, to embrace diversification, and to make use of the MPFA-mandated low-cost Default Investment Strategy (DIS) funds.