All Default funds articles – Page 8
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Opinion
Is it time for DC defaults to embrace ESG?
Large defined benefit funds and defined contribution mastertrusts have long been using their investments to engage with or divest from companies involved in controversial practices. Now, a renewed public focus on environmental, social and governance issues, as well as corporate reporting, could convince more to follow.
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Opinion
Pru exit doesn't signal death of annuities... yet
From the blog: Insurance giant Prudential is leaving the UK annuity market, but analysis of ‘at retirement’ product offerings show that guaranteed income still has a significant role in the post-freedom and choice savings world.
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FeaturesLafargeHolcim reconstructs DC scheme
Building materials giant LafargeHolcim has changed the default fund and administration of its defined contribution pension scheme following a value-for-money assessment.
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News
Defaults and dashboards: Top DC and AE stories from 2016
Year in review: The battle to make defined contribution a safer place for members proved to be an uphill struggle in 2016, as schemes, regulators and even the police were trying to keep up with developments in the market.
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OpinionA clearer picture of AE default funds
Nest’s Paul Budgen reveals what the government-backed mastertrust is doing to assess default fund quality across the sector.
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News
OECD calls for DC redesign and stronger education
The OECD, a Paris-based group of mostly wealthy nations, has stressed the need to strengthen defined contribution pension design, as well as the education and advice offered to members.
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Features
What changes are needed in the smart beta sector?
What risks still exist in smart beta investing, and how can pension funds spot them? Does the industry need to change to attract greater scheme interest? AQR’s Scott Richardson, Capital Cranfield’s Jonathan Reynolds, RPMI Railpen’s Steve Artingstall, SpenceJohnson’s Robert Holford and Xerox HR Services’ Simon Hill discuss.
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Features
Is there a place for smart beta in DC portfolios?
Are smart beta products suitable for default defined contribution funds, or are they too complex? Could reduced volatility address problems with DC saving? AQR’s Scott Richardson, Capital Cranfield’s Jonathan Reynolds, RPMI Railpen’s Steve Artingstall, SpenceJohnson’s Robert Holford and Xerox HR Services’ Simon Hill discuss.
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Features
HSBC pioneers ESG in DC with £1.85bn multi-factor fund
The HSBC Bank UK Pension Scheme has selected a multi-factor fund with a tilt towards low-carbon businesses as the equity component of its default offering, a switch that will see £1.85bn of defined contribution savers' money invested in line with green principles.
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OpinionActivating better DC outcomes
Defined contribution investment should not rely on the up and down of global stock markets alone, says AB’s Karen Watkin.
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Opinion
Active management of passive funds – a viable strategy for DC?
Since the introduction of freedom and choice, value for money has been high on the agenda for defined contribution schemes. As trustees try to keep on top of costs, could an active asset allocation approach work for schemes with underlying passive funds?
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News
DC default funds: Experts divided on best strategy
Huge variations in the risk profiles and investment strategies of DC default fund offerings are putting savers’ retirement provision at risk, according to a recent study.
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OpinionYou might have changed your default strategy, but have scheme members?
From the blog: Consumer group Which? recently questioned whether – following the pension reforms – it is still appropriate for workplace customers to remain in default strategies targeted at annuities. As ever there is no black and white answer.
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News
Tesco gears DC default towards freedoms
Supermarket Tesco has a new default investment structure aimed at allowing members to access the full range of freedoms in its recently established defined contribution plan, but administrative complexity still holds many schemes back.
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News
Honeymoon for DGF performance could come to an end, experts warn
Experts have warned diversified growth funds could suffer from lower returns in the future and called for increased innovation among providers, but others still expect the asset class to grow in coming years.
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Opinion
How to use bonds in default funds after freedom and choice
Bonds in default funds for UK defined contribution pensions have come under scrutiny since freedom and choice. While lots of schemes and workplace providers have already altered default fund strategies, many have yet to do so.
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FeaturesThe top 5 DC stories from 2015 reflect a challenging year
Year in Review: It was a massive year for defined contribution, with new pension flexibilities, the subsequent government guidance promise and of course the charge cap to contend with.
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NewsRBS banks on preferred provider for drawdown
Royal Bank of Scotland’s defined contribution scheme is exploring the addition of a drawdown option via an external provider to enable a seamless transition into retirement for its members.
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Opinion
DC design: Six graphs on employers’ direction of travel
From the blog: It’s time to turn words into action. While schemes have been extolling the feted ‘better member outcomes’, little movement is taking place to turn hopes and dreams into components of success.
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NewsTrinity Mirror reviews advisers ahead of DC default appraisal
Trinity Mirror Pension Plan has carried out a consultant review ahead of an appraisal of its defined contribution default fund, spurred by the introduction of the freedom and choice reforms.