QE
Ultra-low interest rates and QE 'broke 4% drawdown rule'
The 4% rule of thumb often used to define a sustainable approach for drawdown in retirement is no longer fit for purpose due to prevailing and sustained market conditions, says Lane Clark & Peacock (LCP).
Hermes fixed income head: UK could see rates cut next year
Hermes Investment Management's head of fixed income Andrew Jackson has warned the Bank of England (BoE) could cut interest rates next year, with rates having a bigger impact now than ever before.
The financial risks schemes need to prepare for
Various risks can have significant effects on DB scheme liabilities, but what should schemes prepare for? James Phillips reports on four investors' views on the biggest looming risks.
Are pension schemes prepared for political risk?
Last year put geopolitical risk on the map for pension schemes. Charlotte Moore looks at how this can affect their portfolios
Is spring on the way or more arctic blasts?
Andrew Milligan takes a look at the macro-economic environment and how it could develop.
Transfer heaven or transfer hell?
Henry Tapper discusses the highs and lows of DB transfers.
Treasury committee to probe impact of QE and low rates on pensions
The Treasury select committee is to investigate how low interest rates and quantitative easing have impacted the economy since 2008.
European pension plans see Brexit as headwind for global growth
European pension plans regard Brexit as a headwind for global growth according to a report by CREATE-Research and Amundi.
What MPs are being told about the future of DB
MPs are considering a wide range of views on how to solve the DB 'crisis'. James Phillips rounds up the responses.
BoE: No evidence QE damages businesses with DB schemes
Further quantitative easing (QE) and cutting interest rates to 0.25% have not hurt businesses with defined benefit (DB) schemes, according to the Bank of England (BoE).
Could factor-based investing improve value for money in DC?
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
Are deficits starting to spook investors?
The cost and size of pension deficits are increasing which has consequences for trustees, company directors and shareholders. Michael Klimes asks if investors are starting to worry.
Plebicide and Suicide
As deficits continue to grow Con Keating urges schemes to think carefully about what they do next.
CPI rise adds to post-Brexit woes for DB schemes
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).
DB contributions at highest level in any year since 2009
Sponsor contribution levels for the FTSE 100 defined benefit (DB) schemes are the highest since 2009 according to an LCP survey.
Ten take-aways from the BoE's 'bazooka' announcement
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".
BoE's rate cut is 'bad news' for DB schemes
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.
BoE cuts rates for first time since 2009, expands QE
Additional QE and bond purchases
Gilt yields hit record low
The yield on the benchmark 10 year gilt fell to a record low yesterday, dropping below 1.25% for the first time and bottoming at 1.22%.
Calculating the cost of Brexit
While many hope a Brexit can be avoided the result is currently too close to call. Helen Morrissey looks at the potential impact of a decision to leave the EU.
Tis the Season for Prognostications - Buyer Beware
Industry experts are busy putting together their predictions for how 2016 is likely to pan out. However, Anne Ford says caution is needed.
A world of low numbers
Andrew Milligan looks at recent market turmoil and how it can affect how investors navigate 2016.
Why financial repression is ruinously expensive and permanently damaging for pension schemes
Counting the cost of QE
How can schemes interpret BoE's inflation report?
Recent announcements from the Bank of England show a more cautious outlook for inflation. Helen Morrissey asks what this means for schemes.
