The average Canadian defined benefit pension plan posted returns of 0.8 per cent in the second quarter of 2023, according to RBC Investor and Treasury Services’ universe. Foreign equities emerged as the top performing asset class, boasting a median return of 2.9 per cent. In comparison, the MSCI world index returned 4.5 per cent, primarily […]
With the Muslim population steadily growing in Canada, employers that offer defined contribution pension plans can avoid unintentionally creating a pension gap by providing these members with access to retirement savings solutions that align with their faith. Under Shariah law, Muslims can’t hold investments that would bring social or environmental harm, such as shares in […]
Manitoba’s Teachers’ Retirement Allowances Fund returned negative 0.42 per cent in 2022, exceeding its benchmark return of negative 5.04 per cent. “While we are pleased with these short-term results, our longer-term results are equally favourable,” said Jeff Norton, the TRAF’s president and chief executive officer, in its annual report. “Over the past 20 years to […]
An article on the federal government’s plan to scrap Canada mortgage bonds and the potential impact on pension funds was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com over the last week. Here are the five most popular news stories of the week: 1. Feds’ plan to discontinue Canada mortgage bonds may limit pension funds’ abilities to mitigate risk: PIAC […]
Since municipalities and provinces fund public services and infrastructure with clear environmental and social benefits, as well as having substantial power to shape policies in their jurisdictions, municipal and provincial bonds are useful tools for institutional investors pursuing a thematic environmental, social and governance approach, according to a new report by the United Nations’ principles […]
The federal government’s plan to consolidate Canada mortgage bonds into the Government of Canada bond program could limit pension funds’ ability to mitigate risk through diversification, according to the Pension Investment Association of Canada. In an open letter to Finance Canada, the PIAC said the move may force institutional investors to choose between accepting lower […]
The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec is investing in a Quebec-based company that develops, sells and rents pre-fabricated modular buildings for the educational market. According to a press release, the investment will enable AMB Modulaire, in which Lise Bernier and Jacques Latreille have been shareholders for more 15 years, to finalize the transfer process […]
Canadian institutional investors are optimistic about the prospects of emerging markets bonds, with more than half (52 per cent) saying they’re likely to increase their exposure over the next two years, according to a new survey by Vontobel Asset Management Inc. The survey, which polled more than 200 global institutional investors across Asia-Pacific, Europe and […]
Canada Post Corp.’s defined benefit pension plan’s assets declined 6.7 per cent in 2022, according to its latest annual report “2022 was a turbulent year for financial markets,” said Jan Faryaszewski, chief financial officer at the Canada Post pension plan, in the report. “The DB component of the plan fell from $32.3 billion to $29.5 […]
The British Columbia Investment Management Corp. saw a return of 3.5 per cent and increased its assets under management from $228.6 billion to $233 billion during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023. According to the investment organization’s annual results, the $3.9 billion increase reflected investment gains of $6.8 billion and $2.8 million in net […]