gilt yields
Three charts that show how the coronavirus has hurt pension schemes
Coronavirus (Covid-19) has rattled investors of all kinds, but the market reaction poses some challenges unique to pension funds, Duncan Lamont writes.
Most schemes targeting self-sufficiency over buyout
The majority of pension schemes that are using a long-term funding target are focused on self-sufficiency, Aon research has revealed.
Don't name and shame Star Initiative non-participants, says industry
It would be inappropriate to name and shame schemes which do not sign up to the Star Initiative, a majority of Pensions Buzz respondents said in backlash to comments made by the pensions minister.
Falling gilts could 'cause pension fiduciary dilemma'
Pension funds could face a dilemma over their fiduciary duties as falls in gilt yields mean they may have to buy securities that are guaranteed to lose money, according to Cambridge Associates.
Five stories you may have missed this week
This week's top stories included Legal & General acquiring MyFutureNow to provide a dashboard service to customers, while also agreeing a hybrid buy-in with a Hitachi scheme.
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.
DB funding level drops on back of US-China trade war fears
The aggregate defined benefit (DB) funding level worsened in March, hitting its worst level since last August, the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) has said.
Are DB deficits on a downward spiral?
The PPF 7800 deficit was slashed in half last month as gilt yields rose. Victoria Ticha asks if this is the start of a longer trend
Transfer values 'fell steadily' by just 2% over January
Defined benefit (DB) transfer values fell from £236,000 at the end of December, to £231,000 by the end of last month, according to Xafinity Punter Southall.
PPF 7800 deficit falls 20% over June
The aggregate deficit of 5794 schemes in the Pension Protection Fund's (PPF) 7800 Index is estimated to have decreased to £186.2bn by the end of June.
How the markets will react to a weak government
Political uncertainty is back after the shock general election result, with the markets pricing in a softer Brexit. Watch out for the impact on sterling and gilt yields, warns Stephanie Baxter
Centrica's pensions deficit balloons by £1bn over 2016
Centrica's defined benefit (DB) pension deficit soared by 855% in 2016, its latest annual accounts have revealed.
Transfer values at highest level since last November
Defined benefit (DB) transfer values reached their highest level since early November 2016 due to a fall in gilt yields and more bearish inflation expectations.
AE is Sir Steve Webb's most notable achievement, industry says
Pensions Buzz respondents believe auto-enrolment is Sir Steve's legacy, but others questioned if he could claim credit for the policy.
DB transfer values soar 15% over 2016
Defined benefit (DB) transfer values rose by £31,000 over 2016 thanks to a fall in gilt yields, according to Xafinity's monthly index.
Transfer heaven or transfer hell?
Henry Tapper discusses the highs and lows of DB transfers.
PPF 7800 deficit falls £81.2bn in November as yields rose
The funding deficit of defined benefit (DB) schemes dropped almost 30% to £194.7bn over November, according to the Pension Protection Fund's (PPF) latest update.
PPF brings in s143 and s179 assumption changes
The Pension Protection Fund (PPF) has put into effect changes to actuarial assumptions used in sponsor insolvencies and to calculate risk-based levies.
Strange Ideas
Con Keating takes a look at different approaches to evaluating pension liabilities.
PPF 7800 deficit falls for second month in row amid higher yields
The aggregate deficit of all schemes in the PPF 7800 index fell for a second month in a row on the back of rising gilt yields.
September brings end to PPF 7800 'downward spiral'
The aggregate funding deficit of defined benefit (DB) schemes in the Pension Protection Fund's (PPF) 7800 Index fell over September as gilt yields rose.
Gilt yields pass 1% for first time since Brexit vote as sterling slump continues
Benchmark 10-year gilt yields passed 1% yesterday for the first time since June's referendum, as overseas investors continued to shed sterling assets over fears of a 'hard' Brexit.
Higher DB costs could wipe £2bn off FTSE 350 profits
The 350 largest UK listed companies could see their 2017 profits fall by £2bn as the cost of new defined benefit (DB) scheme benefits rises.
Is EM debt still a good investment?
Fixed income investors have flocked to emerging market debt to take advantage of higher yields but risks are coming through which could threaten the asset class. Stephanie Baxter reports
