COVID-19
Professional Pensions and Mercer Deskflix Event: Covid-19
Dealing with the impacts. The event examines how the pandemic has amplified some of the challenges DB and DC pension schemes have to overcome, and how you’ll now need to rise to a new set of challenges that, whilst created by Covid-19, are probably here to stay.
Why schemes must avoid overreacting to disrupted CMI Model
While the CMI Model of longevity improvements has proved reliable, Covid-19 threatens to cause it to show an unrealistic falls in life expectancy. Tim Gordon explains why the industry should not overreact
Market Movers Blog: HSBC share price takes hit in Asian trading after allegations of money laundering emerge
In this live blog, Professional Pensions' sister title Investment Week collates all the breaking market news, analysis and opinion on equity, bond and currency movements as well as the impact of trade wars, tightening monetary policy and the Brexit negotiations....
A Covid-19 tax relief raid could exacerbate generational pensions divide
With rumours once again swirling around the future of pensions tax relief in the run up to this year's Budget, any reduced incentive for long-term savers could risk further exacerbating the generational divide in pensions, says Tom Selby
Federal Reserve: No interest rate hikes until end of 2023
The US Federal Reserve sent out "strong, powerful guidance" on Wednesday (16 September), as it predicted interest rates would stay near zero until at least the end of 2023.
Nest Insight and DWP to investigate impact of Covid-19 on savings behaviour of self-employed
Nest Insight and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are set to conduct research to examine the financial impact of Covid-19 on self-employed people.
Overloaded bulk annuity market to kickstart superfunds
A burgeoning superfund market could be on the cards within three years as defined benefit (DB) scheme trustees and sponsors face myriad legislative, economic, and capacity issues, says Lane Clark & Peacock (LCP).
Keep messaging simple and follow the science
Simplicity and cohesion are key to effective pension communication and will help get us through this time of uncertainty, says Henry Tapper.
Spot the Dog: Number of underperforming funds jumps by 'staggering' 65%
A record-breaking 150 ‘dog’ funds have been identified in the latest bi-annual Bestinvest Spot the Dog report, with total assets of £54.4bn sitting in these vehicles.
Industry Voice: Credit research looms large in the era of Covid-19
In the wake of severe credit-market dislocations earlier this year, Wellington Management’s Mahmoud El-Shaer shares his thoughts on the growing importance of credit research in a still-uncertain environment.
Aegon, Aviva, and Scottish Widows top 2020 workplace pension solutions and AE ratings
Offerings from Aegon, Aviva, and Scottish Widows have taken the crown in the Financial Technology Research Centre’s (FTRC) annual workplace pensions and auto-enrolment (AE) ratings.
Hedge funds agile and resilient in the wake of Covid-19
Hedge funds are emerging from disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic more resilient, adaptable, diverse, efficient, and productive, according to the Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA).
Credit downgrades pose 'serious challenge' for UK schemes
A falling average quality of fixed income indices combined with intensifying competition for high-quality assets could make it more challenging and costly for pension funds using benchmarks.
Planning in a pandemic: The effect of Covid-19 on pension schemes
Schemes need to be prepared for the potential longer-term health impacts on those who contract Covid-19, says Steve Leake.
USS launches 2020 valuation consultation; Universities and staff face vast hike in annual pension costs
The Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) has launched a consultation on its 2020 valuation and ‘technical provisions’ laying out options to reduce its expanding deficit.
Is there a future for the amateur trustee?
Stuart Southall looks at whether Covid-19 has hastened or reinforced the role of member-nominated and other lay trustees.
In a post-Covid world, pension funds need to cast a wider net
Blair Reid looks at how multi-asset credit can help pension funds through the economic crisis provoked by the pandemic.
Why schemes need a managed approach to currency hedging
Gareth Gettinby looks at how static and managed currency hedges compare in crisis scenarios.
Climate change action among schemes surges four-fold
European pensions funds’ awareness of, and desire for, action on climate change related investment risk has surged, Mercer says.
The Covid-19 fallout for DB schemes, and how to deal with it
Three investment professionals tell Professional Pensions how the pandemic has impacted scheme portfolios, what opportunities may arise post-pandemic, and the key lessons for trustees
LCP posts record income as DC revenues grow 18%
Lane Clark & Peacock (LCP) reported record income of £126.5m for the financial year ending 31 March 2020, up 10.1% on last year’s figure of £114.9m, also a record at the time.
Managing retirement solutions: How to find opportunities behind closed doors
Focusing on the key building blocks of retirement strategies will help improve saver outcomes amid the Covid-19 crisis, says Dominic Byrne.
Capita defers £31.7m of DRCs as revenue drops 9%
Capita has deferred a £31.7m deficit recovery contribution (DRC) due to the Capita Pension and Life Assurance Scheme in June 2020 to the second half of the year.
Resilience in credit: All calm for now, but big tests are ahead
The resilience of credit investors will be tested as the world recovers from Covid-19, says Colin Purdie.
