Brexit
DB transfer activity rises as 60% show signs of possible scams
More members transferred out of defined benefit (DB) pension schemes in October after September's record lows while values were surprisingly stable, according to XPS Pensions Group's Transfer Watch.
A post-war approach to inflation?
Supply will need to be rebuilt following the forced shutdown, potentially pushing up inflation and reasserting the need for adequate hedges, writes James Phillips
Bulk annuities: Optimise the inputs to improve the outcome
Much like when selling a house, DB plans need to tidy up before approaching the bulk annuity market, says David Ellis.
Five stories you may have missed this week
This week’s top stories included a warning from Lincoln Pensions on the “triple whammy” faced by sponsor covenants, while MPs called for further input on the Pension Schemes Bill.
2021 will bring 'triple whammy' for covenant support
Sponsor covenants are facing a “triple whammy” moving into 2021 as the effects of Covid-19, Brexit and macro-economic conditions combine, Lincoln Pensions warns.
Brexit still 'a significant concern' say schemes
Brexit remains a key area of concern for pension schemes as discussions over a potential trade deal with the EU continue to intensify, according to a PP poll.
Modernising the SPP
The Society of Pension Professionals is looking to make dynamic changes in a bid to stand out from the growing number of trade bodies catering for a dwindling audience.
SPP names Fred Emden as chief executive
The Society of Pension Professionals (SPP) has named Fred Emden as its first chief executive.
Ian Scott: A cautious and flexible investment approach
PPF head of investment strategy Ian Scott tells James Phillips about the fund’s in-sourcing programme, recruitment, and investment risk management.
DB funding - January 2020: Gilt yield drop pushes up deficit by £64bn
Every month, several firms issue trackers of the aggregate defined benefit (DB) scheme funding position. See here for the January 2020 estimates on the various measures…
Chair's statement rules are too harsh, say Buzz peers
This week's 104 Pensions Buzz respondents agreed that the regulations surrounding chair's statements are too harsh.
Getting Brexit done: What next for schemes?
The UK will leave the EU on 31 January, Professional Pensions’ expert advisory panel tells James Phillips what pension schemes should now be thinking about.
Pensions commission would create durable policy
As both centre-left and centre-right political think tanks agree on the need for a pensions commission, Gregg McClymont says this could provide a refreshed model for future pensions policy.
Government must usher in decade of AE renewal
The government must take advantage of its majority to push through further reforms to auto-enrolment, says James Phillips.
Election result gives markets 'Boris bounce' but uncertainty remains
The Conservative Party’s election success has delivered a rally for UK equity markets and sterling but uncertainty over a future trade deal with the EU remains.
Tories win landslide majority in 'disappointing' election for Labour
After a tumultuous few weeks of campaigning, the Conservative party won their largest majority since Margaret Thatcher's 1987 victory in last night’s general election, while Labour is facing its worst defeat since 1935.
General Election 2019: The pensions manifesto pledges
All of the major political parties have now unveiled their policies on pensions ahead of the general election. Professional Pensions looks at what they have promised.
2019 has been frustrating for pensions but will next year be any better?
While the pension schemes bill was said to command cross-party support, Brexit and acrimonious parliamentary debates are leaving its success in doubt, says Malcolm McLean.
General election 2019: the pensions manifesto the industry wants to see
With political parties drawing up their manifestos for next month’s general election, Kim Kaveh explores the industry’s ambitions for future pensions policy.
UK CPI inflation falls to lowest level in two years at 1.5%
The UK’s consumer prices index (CPI) has fallen to its lowest level since November 2016, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
DB funding - October 2019: PPF 7800 index sees liabilities fall as gilt yields increase
Every month, several firms issue trackers of the aggregate defined benefit (DB) scheme funding position. See here for the October 2019 estimates on the various measures…
Interest rates held ahead of general election
The Bank of England’s monetary policy committee (MPC) has voted by a majority of 7-2 to maintain the interest rate at 0.75%.
Europe 'unloved and under-owned' as equity markets struggle
Increased certainty around Brexit deadlines and eventual terms could remove major overhang for European equity market investments, NN Investment Partners finds.
Pensions bill derailed again as general election called
The pension schemes bill will face yet another delay as the UK seems set to have its third general election in five years on 12 December.
