The Canadian Institute of Actuaries is urging the federal government to reconsider its cessation of real return bond issuances, citing the potential financial impacts to defined benefit pension plans. “We request not only that the decision to cease issuing real return bonds be reconsidered, but also that the annual issuance of real return bonds be […]
During history’s turning points, fortune favours the innovators. As the world moves beyond the coronavirus pandemic and the global workforce entrenches the improved labour conditions it created, the need for businesses to welcome new ideas is at an apex. At the 2022 Investment Innovation Conference at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Scottsdale, Ariz. on Nov. […]
Climate change presents an ongoing challenge to institutional investors’ allocations to domestic corporate bond, according to Soami Kohly, fixed income portfolio manager at MFS Investment Management, speaking during a session at the Canadian Investment Review‘s 2022 Investment Innovation conference. “The way that we think about [environmental, social and governance issues] is that it’s just another […]
“What we’ve observed year to date is nothing short of historic in nature,” said Steve Guignard, senior director of client solutions at Sun Life Capital Management, referring to the poor performance of the FTSE Canada Universe Bond Index, which dipped 12 per cent in 2022. “The market’s erratic and unpredictable behaviour is very similar to […]
“There’s been some tremendous innovation in fixed income markets, especially in the last decade. Technology has made transparency and liquidity blossom in areas that have traditionally been very illiquid, such as high-yield,” said Paul Benson, head of efficient beta at Insight Investment, during a session at the Canadian Investment Review’s 2022 Investment Innovation Conference. “Today, […]
“I’m starting to become a glass half full person. . . . I think that at least one of the two anchors of the 60/40 [balanced portfolio] is going to start working. I wish I could tell you which one,” said Jurrien Timmer, director of global macro at Fidelity Investments, during a session at the […]
Few people have as clear a perspective on the differences between public sector defined benefit pension plans in Canada and the U.S. as Paul Matson. “I know the Canadian system,” said the executive director of the Arizona State Retirement System, during a session at the Canadian Investment Review‘s 2022 Investment Innovation Conference. “Before [the Alberta Investment […]
The world’s 42 largest public sector pension investment organizations saw their combined assets decline by nine per cent in the year ending June 30, 2022, according to a new report by data platform Global SWF. “The last time we saw a decline was 2015 but that was a small drop,” says Diego Lopez, founder and […]
The aggregate funded status of the largest U.S. corporate defined benefit pension plans ended 2022 at 95 per cent, unchanged from the beginning of the year, according to a new report by WTW. The report, which analyzed data from more than 350 Fortune 1000 companies that sponsor DB pension plans, found pension obligations declined 26 […]
Similar to 2022, the coming year will present both challenges and opportunities for defined benefit pension plan sponsors, with the rewards going to plan sponsors that are resilient, embrace change and are willing and able to act when opportunities arise. Several trends that will be top of mind in the year ahead are: Inflation The […]