What is the main function of pension funds within the investment landscape?

The primary function of pension funds is to invest for future retirement benefits. These funds collect and manage contributions from employees and employers during an individual's working life. The goal is to grow these contributions through various investment strategies to ensure that the fund can provide sufficient income to retirees once they reach retirement age.

Pension funds typically invest in a diversified portfolio that may include stocks, bonds, real estate, and other assets, aiming to balance risk and growth to meet future payout obligations. This long-term investment strategy is crucial for ensuring the financial security of individuals in retirement, which is the core purpose of a pension fund.

The other options do not align with the fundamental role of pension funds in the investment landscape. Trading on the primary market and providing venture capital are activities more closely related to investment firms or venture capital funds, while engaging in direct investments suggests a narrower investment strategy that doesn't encompass the primary objective of pension funds.