Depressed bond yields are stoking institutional investor concerns over global growth prospects for the coming year. “We’ve seen a similar pattern across the world,” said Alec Young, managing director of global markets research at FTSE Russell, in a webinar on Tuesday. Alongside struggling yields, other leading economic indicators, including U.S. manufacturing data, have markets increasingly worried. However, […]
While some pension fund managers swear by hedge funds, others would never sink in a single cent. After the 2008 financial crisis turned some investors sour, is it time to give hedge funds a second chance? Colin Spinney, treasurer at Dalhousie University: The Dalhousie pension plan once had a stand-alone allocation to hedge funds, or […]
As institutional investors continue to wait for Brexit, will anything change as Boris Johnson becomes prime minister? Mere months ago, the consensus was Britain would most likely manage some kind of deal to accompany Brexit, but Johnson’s harder stance on Europe changes the rules of engagement. “Already, you’re seeing the financial impact,” says Talbot Babineau, […]
Global protectionism appears to be here for the long game. While investors may not want to start playing defence just yet, it might be time to start practicing again. In it’s mid-year outlook, the BlackRock Investment Institute noted risk reduction, including elevating the levels of cash in a portfolio, would be a prudent measure given the […]
Inflation must be taken into account when designing both plan sponsor and government retirement programs because, over time, it will undermine purchasing power. In terms of recruiting and retaining employees, workplace retirement plans are important, but they also represent a significant cost for employers. Inflation-adjusted government pension programs can help lower these costs. But plan sponsors and […]
Long-term disability claims are expected to fall by 3.6 per cent in 2019 compared to 2018 due to a slowing Canadian economy, according to research by RBC Insurance Services Inc. Since LTD claims impact both employees and business owners, knowing where these trends are headed can help employers plan for and manage costs related to claims and ensure they have adequate […]
Benefits Canada’s inaugural Investor Insight Breakfast, held on Jan. 10 in Toronto, highlighted the expectations and projections for the 2019 investment climate, including opportunities for the pension industry. Here are some of the highlights of the sessions: A look at macro trends driving DB pension investment strategies It’s too early in the rise of populism […]
For those worried the cycle is about to turn, it’s important to remember there’s no established length for a market cycle, said Avery Shenfeld, managing director and chief economist at CIBC, during a panel at Benefits Canada‘s and the Canadian Investment Review‘s inaugural Investor Insight Breakfast in Toronto on Jan. 10. Indeed, the typical recession signposts have yet […]
While a defined benefit pension plan’s main goal is to provide steady income for retirees, in doing so they also provide substantial benefits to local, state and national economies, according to a report by U.S.-based National Institute on Retirement Security. In 2016, retired Americans received US$578 billion in pension benefits with $294.7 billion paid to retired state and […]
The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec is entering into a strategic partnership with Mila, the province’s artificial intelligence institute, to support and accelerate the development of AI in Quebec. Mila will set up the new Axe IA in the O Mile-Ex complex in Montreal. The projects chosen to be housed there will have to demonstrate their potential for […]