The median solvency ratio of Canadian defined benefit pension plans declined in the fourth quarter of 2023, according to reports by Mercer and Aon. Mercer’s report, which tracked more than 450 DB pension plans, found the median solvency ratio declined to 116 per cent as at Dec. 31, 2023, from its previous high of 125 […]
U.S.-based defined benefit pension plan sponsors are increasingly looking to assess their liability-driven investment strategies as they reach fully funded statuses, according to a new study by Coalition Greenwich and commissioned by Franklin Templeton. The study found nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) of pension plan sponsors reported funding ratios of 100 per cent or higher, […]
An article on whether Canada should implement flexible working legislation was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com over the last week. Here are the five most popular news stories of the week: 1. Should Canada implement flexible working legislation for all workplaces? 2. How DC plan sponsors can prevent a Muslim pension gap 3. How employers can support employees impacted by […]
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 […]
The Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan is reporting an annual return of negative 8.6 per cent for 2022, citing declines in equities and fixed income markets. The HOOPP finished the year with net assets of $103.7 billion and, despite the economic challenges, maintained a funded status of 117 per cent. Its fixed income portfolio generated […]
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 […]
The funded ratio of the 100 largest U.S. corporate defined benefit pension plans is on the rise, jumping from 108.8 per cent at the end of September to 112.8 per cent at the end of October, according to a new report by consulting firm Milliman Inc. During the month, the funded status surplus increased to […]
Canada’s pension plans are weathering the coronavirus pandemic, with many plans currently in their best financial shape in several years. The early days of the pandemic painted a bleak picture for institutional investors. Between Feb. 19 and March 23, 2020, the S&P/TSX composite index dropped by 37 per cent — the latter date marking the index’s lowest point […]
An article on British Columbia’s paramedics and their need for enhanced mental-health benefits was the most read story over the past week on BenefitsCanada.com. Here are the five most popular news stories of the week: 1. B.C. paramedics seeking enhanced mental-health benefits 2. Canadian pension plans overcoming legislation, governance challenges: webinar 3. Ontario’s DB pension plans should take steps […]
With Ontario’s defined benefit pension plans in their best financial shape since 2009, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario is advising plan sponsors and administrators to better prepare for the future. “They need a good sense of investment policies as well as how the plan itself may be affected [by different scenarios],” says Lester […]