All Investment articles – Page 98
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OpinionUnderstanding interest rates is key to assessing their impact
From the blog: Changes in interest rates, and more specifically bond yields, can have profound influences on defined benefit and defined contribution schemes, so it is important trustees understand how they work.
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OpinionShould Britain’s pension schemes support the UK economy?
From the blog: UK pension schemes have no obligation whatsoever to help the national economy. Pension scheme trustees are legally bound to try and make investments that provide returns to pay pensions. And nothing more.
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News
PiP seedling poised to flower following FCA authorisation
The Pensions Infrastructure Platform has been authorised as an investment manager by the Financial Conduct Authority and is tipped by industry experts to be a top contender in fulfilling the role of “national infrastructure platform” for local authority schemes.
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OpinionSpeed dating for LGPS funds: How to choose your pooling partner
The government-imposed asset pooling of Local Government Pension Scheme funds forces committees to ask themselves on what basis they will choose pooling partners. Mercer’s Jo Holden gives tips on what schemes should focus on.
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OpinionSkip the all-you-can-eat buffet in 2016
Monetary intervention, a commodity slump and the US dollar will all shape capital markets this year. BlackRock’s Ewen Cameron Watt says what asset owners need to focus on.
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NewsAsset derisking could leave a funding gap
UK defined benefit pension schemes have removed nearly half of their funding level risk over the past decade, but new research has questioned whether asset derisking has gone too far.
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NewsTesting market conditions greet 2016
Market volatility is here to stay, experts have said, urging defined benefit trustees to assess their risk management frameworks and eliminate unintended exposures as the year kicks off.
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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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NewsLow for longer (but longing for higher) rates
Analysis: The US Federal Reserve’s decision on Wednesday to push rates up may mark the end of an era, but investment experts say UK pension funds should expect little more than a small amount of volatility as a result.
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Features
Secondhand annuity market takes shape but risk of poor deals looms
Analysis: The government has confirmed it will soften the tax hit for those looking to take advantage of the secondary annuity market, but some experts are concerned the financial services industry holds all the cards in getting the best deal.
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OpinionHow DC trustees can determine ‘good value’
From the blog: Trustees of occupational pension schemes that provide money purchase benefits are now required to assess and report annually on the extent to which member-borne charges and transaction costs under their scheme represent good value for members.
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OpinionAn outstanding year for pensions…
Editorial: And by that I mean we’re coming to the end of 2015 with several gargantuan issues left outstanding, hanging over the heads of schemes and providers.
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News
Net bond sales to institutions remain in the red
Data Analysis: Net retail sales of bonds have come back into the black, according to latest data from the Investment Association, but the asset class is still facing resistance from institutional investors such as pension funds.
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OpinionDerisking dead ends
Editorial: If you’re short of gift ideas for your favourite veteran trustee or scheme manager, the Pension Protection Fund’s Purple Book could be a good shout.
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FeaturesCash flow crisis: How to avoid becoming a forced seller
Sweeping closures of defined benefit schemes across the UK will limit the pain of future liabilities for sponsors, but have created a growing problem many pension funds have been slow to recognise: a cash flow crisis is on the horizon.
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News
DB funding pressure rises but scheme closures plateau
Data Analysis: The aggregate funding level of UK defined benefit schemes has deteriorated again despite asset allocation trends moving towards lower-risk investments, but the number of schemes open to new members has stayed level.
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OpinionCOP21: Three sectors pension funds should worry about after Paris
From the blog: With a binding climate agreement likely to be signed at the COP21 summit in Paris this month, UK pension funds need to be aware of which companies and sectors are managing their climate risks, and which are not.
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News
Tough timescales for asset pooling put LGPS on the spot
The government’s much-anticipated criteria for the reform of Local Government Pension Scheme investment contains few surprises, but industry experts have raised concerns over the tight timescales for funds to prepare and implement complex proposals.
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Features
Shropshire profits from infra but schemes struggle to fill targets
Shropshire County Pension Fund’s infrastructure investment gained 40 per cent during 2014/15, but entry into the asset class remains a challenge for some UK pension funds.
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OpinionHow underpricing political risk could hit pension funds
As the UK considers future relations with Europe, MFS Investment Management’s Madeline Forrester explores what a possible exit means for UK pension funds.