New investment plan for pensions

China National Social Security Fund (NSSF) said it would reveal details of plans for investing RMB 140 billion (US$16.86 billion) in pension funds. One aim is to raise returns, which have been considered dismal. China recently released its first white paper on the social security system. Like other economies facing a rising proportion of retirees, China faces the prospect of having fewer workers paying into a fund that will be called on to support more pensioners. One government official promised the fund would expand into more investment channels. Current rules allow up to 40% of the fund to be invested in equities. At least 25% must be invested in government bonds.