Missouri pension plan shows mixed results

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri's retirement plan for state employees lost 19 percent of its value last year, but has gained 4 percent over the last five years.

The Missouri State Employees' Retirement System reported its earnings through June 30. Despite the past year's losses, the top investment official for the retirement system said it has outperformed most public pension plans over five, 10 and 15 years.

The employee pension plan has faced controversy over $460,000 in staff bonuses paid last year as the retirement system lost $1.8 billion. This month employees were paid $160,000 in incentives that had been put on hold over public criticism about the bonuses.