economy
Chancellor warns of 'economic emergency' in Spending Review as borrowing hits £394bn
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has warned that the UK’s “economic emergency has only just begun”, as he revealed that the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has forecast the economy will contract this year by 11.3% - the largest fall in output for more than...
Unhedged pension schemes face funding risks as yield curve inverts
Pension schemes that have not hedged their liabilities could face funding issues as long-dated bond yields have plummeted, industry experts have warned.
Uncovering the depths of hidden talent
The PLSA's Caroline Escott says investors and stakeholders must continue to ask for better information on issues that affect the motivation, skills and productivity of the workforce
The future of master trusts
Lesley Carline explains why the PMI is setting up an industry-wide master trust group and how it will help provide a collective voice for those running and providing services to schemes
Stepping up to the pensions positivity challenge
Jonathan Stapleton wonders why we are so gloomy about pensions when the picture is not as bleak as is often portrayed
We are letting down pension fund members
Colin Meech says lack of clarity means workers and their employers don't know whether they're getting value for money or how investments are performing
Inflation sees first rise since November to 2.5%
UK inflation has risen for the first time since November to 2.5% in July, up from 2.4% in June, thanks to rising fuel costs and the price of computer games.
UK Outlook: It's Not Just Brexit
Mike Amey of PIMCO explains why there is a lot more to the UK outlook than Brexit, important though it is.
Global lessons on financial wellness
David Harris says we should look to experiences and innovations in New Zealand, Australia and the US
We need to get better at explaining what trustees do
Peter Askins says it is important to communicate the role of trustee to members in a way they can understand
Schemes should look beyond sterling credit
Sorca Kelly-Scholte says the $5.1trn US investment grade corporate bond market offers greater opportunities to diversify.
Government demands commitments from Melrose over GKN bid
The government has pressed Melrose to make a series of binding commitments, including for pensions, over its hostile £8.4bn final takeover bid for GKN.
Have your say: Is pensions regulation reducing the number of lay trustees?
In this week's Pensions Buzz survey, we want to know whether regulation is forcing a reduction in the number of lay trustees.
TPR's new white paper powers could apply to Carillion retrospectively, says McVey
The secretary of state for work and pensions has told MPs clawback and avoidance measures could be imposed for the people responsible for driving Carillion over the cliff.
New powers for regulator 'will make no difference to members'
While the new powers are welcome, most respondents doubt it will make a difference to the outcomes for members, Pensions Buzz respondents say.
FCA and TPR launch joint strategy to tackle pension problems
The FCA and TPR have announced their joint strategy for tackling the key risks facing pensions in the next decade. Victoria Ticha explores the plan and the industry's initial reaction.
BT and CWU agree to new 'hybrid' pension scheme
The closure of the BT Pension Scheme (BTPS) to future accrual means 20,000 active members will move to an 'enhanced' defined contribution (DC) scheme, after the company reached a deal with the union.
Action against 'unscrupulous' company directors a 'gesture' policy with little prospect of success
Enhanced powers for The Pensions Regulator (TPR) to prosecute and fine company directors who "wilfully or recklessly" put their defined benefit (DB) pension scheme at risk will be hard to enforce, commentators say.
Melrose pledges £1bn to GKN schemes as part of final offer
Melrose has pledged to contribute up to £1bn to GKN's pension schemes as part of a final offer to acquire the engineering business.
Are asset managers delivering on their ESG claims?
Despite improvements in investment manager attitudes towards responsible investment, research reveals there is a way to go before the majority deliver meaningful action. Victoria Ticha explores why
Co-op gains £51.9m after switching pension scheme from RPI to CPI
The Co-operative Bank is set to continue de-risking pension schemes after it mitigated further losses by switching from the retail prices index (RPI) to the consumer prices index (CPI).
Prudential sells £12bn annuity book to Rothesay Life
Prudential has sold £12bn in annuity assets to reinsurance business Rothesay Life as part of its M&G demerger announced today.
May commissions taskforce to 'unlock capital to boost impact investment'
An industry taskforce aimed at boosting innovation in the finance industry to enhance the profitability of social impact investment has been commissioned by the prime minister.
P-Solve appointed Samworth Brothers' scheme investment adviser
P-Solve has been appointed as the investment advisor for Samworth Brothers' £450m defined benefit (DB) pension scheme.
