interest rates

The 0.75% charge cap is forcing DC schemes to be creative in their investment strategy to generate adequate returns for members. One possible approach is factor-based investing, writes Michael Klimes

Inflation measured on the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) increased to 0.6% in the year to July 2016 according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Structural imbalances in the gilts market have worsened since the central bank's QE programme faced major setbacks. Supply is squeezed and prices are distorted, pushing down yields yet again. Stephanie Baxter asks if we should be worried.

The Bank of England's latest bond-buying programme has hit a wall on its second day of operations as investors refuse to sell their long-dated government bonds.

The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) has called for the Pensions Regulator (TPR) to "take a proportionate and flexible approach" to defined benefit (DB) scheme funding.

A round-up of the key points after yesterday's rate cut by the Bank of England, and the introduction of what one economist dubbed its "bazooka surprise".

This week's top stories were about speculation over a ban on defined benefit (DB) transfers, the Bank of England's interest rate cut, and the closure of advisory firm City Noble.

The Bank of England's decision to cut interest rates for the first time in seven years will keep gilt yields lower for longer, increasing scheme deficits which are already at record highs.

Additional QE and bond purchases

The industry has to be more flexible to make defined benefit (DB) schemes more sustainable during this time of economic uncertainty says Ros Altmann.