Folketrygdfondet urges Norway to keep quarterly reports as Oljefondet pushes for removal

Norway’s two largest sovereign wealth funds are at odds over quarterly reporting of listed companies. Folketrygdfondet warns that eliminating quarterly reports could leave small investors without timely information, potentially turning them into losers. The fund’s chief executive Kjetil Houg and portfolio manager Tine Fossland argue that regular reporting supports long‑term investment decisions.

In contrast, the Government Pension Fund Global (Oljefondet) advocates for less frequent reporting, saying it would reduce administrative costs and encourage a longer‑term focus. The debate is sparked by a proposal from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to make quarterly reporting voluntary for listed firms, a move that could influence practices in Europe and the Nordics. Norway has not required quarterly reports since 2017, but many companies continue the practice voluntarily.

Folketrygdfondet fears that a shift to less frequent reporting would make it harder for small shareholders to obtain reliable information, undermining market transparency.