August 2024

U.S. asset managers worried about interest rate uncertainty, cautious on AI

While worries about inflation have subsided, asset managers in the U.S. are concerned about uncertainties surrounding interest rates, capital funding and how generative artificial intelligence will play out across the industry over the long term, according to the latest “Asset Management Industry Pulse” survey from KPMG. The survey found that almost two-thirds (63%) of asset managers expect the Federal Reserve will commence cutting interest rates in the second half of 2024, while the remaining 37% think the central bank will hold...

South Korea. Measures to strengthen retirement security are urgently needed

Even if the national and basic pensions and personal pensions received by the elderly aged 65 or older are added together, the monthly income is only 650,000 won. Six out of 10 recipients received less than 500,000 won. Critics point out that it is nothing more than a "money pension" that is far from a practical retirement guarantee, and some point out that measures to strengthen retirement security are urgently needed. On the 22nd, the National Statistical Office released "2022...

Brazil’s population decline will happen sooner than predicted

The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) has periodically published findings from the 2022 Census. The population count flagged the fast and steep aging of the Brazilian population, and new projections from the IBGE now show just how steep this process is. According to the new calculations, which factor in indicators such as fertility rate (number of births per woman), life expectancy, and migration, the Brazilian population will increase from the current 203 million inhabitants to 220 million in 2041 — when it...

Nigeria. Delta Pensions Board Raises Alarm Over Scammers Targeting Pensioners, Issues Warning Against Fraudulent Payment Demands

In an interview with SaharaReporters on Thursday, Ogidi-Gbegbaje revealed that numerous pensioners have reported receiving suspicious calls from individuals claiming to facilitate quick payment of their gratuities and benefits in exchange for money. Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje, Chairman of the Delta State Bureau for Pensions, has raised concerns about a fraudulent scheme targeting pensioners in the state. In an interview with SaharaReporters on Thursday, Ogidi-Gbegbaje revealed that numerous pensioners have reported receiving suspicious calls from individuals claiming to facilitate quick payment of...

I’m 65 and have no pension – I’m stuck travelling the world forever

I’m officially homeless. For the first time in my life. At the age of 65. On 20 May, after putting all my worldly goods into storage, that’s what I became. By choice. Sort of. After owning property for over 30 years, both in the UK and Spain, I can no longer afford to live in the UK. I hold my hands up and admit I am responsible for the greater part of my debt. I’ve never been great with money. I...

US. Reduction in Pension Benefits Leads to Wider Income Inequality, Study Finds

The continuing decline of the number of defined benefit pension participants in the U.S. is widening America’s income equality gap, which in turn is stunting economic growth, according to a recent study from the National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems. The study also found that public policies aimed at cutting public costs by reducing pension benefits or switching to defined contribution plans may actually increase the need for public spending due to “the dynamic interrelationship between pension reforms, income inequality, the...

Canadian pension funds recognized for governance, sustainability practices: report

Four of Canada’s largest pension funds have been ranked among the top 10 global pension funds for demonstrating best practices in governance, sustainability and resilience, according to a new report by data platform Global SWF. The assessment tool, which reviews the practices and efforts of state-owned sovereign wealth funds and public pension funds, gave the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec and the British Columbia Investment Corp. perfect scores across the board alongside the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, Singapore-based...

DWP announces £780 payment increase for UK households to help with cost of living

UK households are set to receive a financial boost this year to help with the cost of living. With inflation slightly rising back to 2.2 per cent, additional financial support will be beneficial in managing the ongoing income squeeze, especially following the recent cut in interest rates to 5 per cent at the start of August. This extra support for households is due to changes implemented by the Department for Work and Pensions. It has applied a 6.7 per cent...

Impact of COVID-19 on Healthy Life Expectancy of Older Adults in the Region of the Americas

The Region of the Americas has experienced a significant decline in the health life expectancy (HALE) of older adults at age 60 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. New data from the WHO Global Health Observatory reveals that the HALE at 60 years old was reduced from 16.61 years in 2019 to 15.21 years in 2021 in the region. This dramatic decline underscores the severe impact of the pandemic on older populations, reversing years of advancements in public health and longevity. The...

UK. Almost four in 10 pensioners have retirement regrets

Almost four in 10 (39 per cent) pensioners have retirement regrets, research from Hargreaves Lansdown has found. The research revealed that the top regret for retired people was failing to put together a plan early enough (15 per cent). In addition to this, one in 10 said they regretted not boosting contributions early enough, while 1 per cent said they wished they had taken financial advice. The research also revealed that 3 per cent of pensioners said they wish they had kept...