Netherlands Tops Global Pension Index for 2024

The Netherlands has been named the country with the best pension system globally for the second consecutive year, according to the 2024 Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index, scoring 84.8 points. Iceland follows in second place with 83.4 points, while Denmark retains its third position with 81.6 points. The index assesses 46 countries based on adequacy, sustainability, and integrity of their pension systems, highlighting the Netherlands for its strong adequacy score of 86.3. The report emphasizes challenges such as increasing longevity and rising care costs, which have affected scores across several nations, including a decline in Iceland's rating. The United States ranked 29th with a total score of 60.4, reflecting significant disparities in pension adequacy and sustainability. Mercer suggests that aligning public and private retirement income systems is crucial for improving outcomes for retirees.