Conn. pension fund posts negative return

The $24 billion Connecticut Retirement Plans & Trust Funds had a negative 0.9 percent return for the 2012 fiscal year ending in June, with its $2.2 billion emerging markets fund suffering a 14.2 percent decline.

The state pension fund is overseen by Treasurer Denise Nappier and Chief Investment Officer Lee Ann Palladino. Christine Hall was recently promoted to deputy treasurer.

The Connecticut pension fund is finalizing a $100 million commitment to Cornerstone Patriot Fund L.P., a real estate investment fund, and $25 million to a vehicle managed by Smith Whiley & Co. Both Smith Whiley and Cornerstone are based in Hartford.