September 2023
21Sep

The Future of Retirement: Predictions and Trends

Traditionally, retirement has been viewed as a time for relaxing, enjoying the fruits of your labor, and taking a break from work. It is likely, however, that retirement will look very different in the future. Here, we will analyze some of the trends shaping retirement’s future. In addition, we will offer some predictions about the future of retirement. 1. The retirement savings gap is widening. Future retirees face a growing retirement savings gap as one of their biggest challenges. Based on Census...

September 21, 2023
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21Sep

Higher fees for inclusion of ESG and private markets a ‘real barrier’ for DC schemes

The higher charges for incorporating environmental, social and governance (ESG) and private market investments is a “real barrier” for defined contribution (DC) schemes, which are reluctant to reverse the fall in charges seen over the past decade, according to WTW.The consultancy’s latest DC Pensions and Savings report found that average charges for DC schemes in the UK had fallen by 20 per cent, from 41 basis points in 2014 to 33 basis points in 2023.It noted that this was...

September 21, 2023
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21Sep

Sustainable investing that goes beyond divestment or engagement does most

In the sustainable investing world, motivating companies to do better has happened through two basic strategies: divestment and engagement — and new research shows that using elements of both can accomplish the most. That won’t be news to investment providersand advocacy groups that specialize in sustainable investing — some have spent decades refining ways to prod corporations into action, whether that’s improving environmental practices or treating workers more equitably. But to asset managers that offer only a taste of sustainable...

September 21, 2023
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21Sep

US. Fed holds interest rates steady

Federal Reserve officials on Sept. 20 held interest rates steady and signaled one more rate increase this year as the central bank continues its quest to tamp down inflation without overcooling the economy. The Federal Open Market Committee left the federal funds rate unchanged at a range of 5.25% to 5.5% following its two-day meeting. The committee in recent months has alternated between hikes and pauses — it approved a quarter-point increase at its last meeting in July but did...

September 21, 2023
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21Sep

The upside of living in Japan’s ageing society

For the first time more than 10 per cent of the Japanese population are aged 80 or older, according to new official data. This reinforces Japan’s reputation as the world’s oldest society with 29 per cent of the population now aged 65 or more, a full 5 per cent ahead of Italy in second place. The evidence is there for all to see: walk around a typical Tokyo neighbourhood in the mid-afternoon and all you’ll see is old, often ancient...

September 21, 2023
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20Sep

U.S. public pension funding falls in August – Milliman

The overall estimated funding ratio of the 100 largest U.S. public pension plans fell to 75.3% as of Aug. 31 from 76.8% a month earlier due to a decline in overall market performance, according to the Milliman 100 Public Pension Funding index. During August, Milliman estimated that public pension plans had an aggregate investment return of -1.6%, with an estimated range of -2.4% to -0.8%. "With August's results, only 17 of the 100 PPFI plans now stand over the 90% funded...

September 20, 2023
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20Sep

UK: Buying A Distressed Business With A Defined Benefit Pension Scheme

Alexandra Wood, Devi Shah and Andrew Block discuss the additional complexities which a PE firm will face when acquiring a distressed business with a defined benefit occupational pension scheme, in light of the protections afforded by both the UK legislative framework and the role and support of the Pensions Regulator. Mayer Brown is a global services provider comprising associated legal practices that are separate entities, including Mayer Brown LLP (Illinois, USA), Mayer Brown International LLP (England & Wales), Mayer Brown...

September 20, 2023
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20Sep

Netherlands Leads Europe in Green Bonds, While Dutch Pensions Cut Asia Investments in 2022

The Netherlands is the leader among eurozone nations in raising green debt securities, according to data from De Nederlandsche Bank, the central bank of the Netherlands. The Dutch green bond has doubled in size since October 2020, according to the DNB, rising to 122.9 billion euros as of the end of July 2023 and up 21% from one year earlier. In contrast, the overall Dutch bond market contracted 3.4% during that same time. Dutch firms and the Netherlands government are, among European...

September 20, 2023
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20Sep

AI ‘inevitable’ in pension master trust era – MHC

Large institutional investors, including pension schemes, are beginning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based platforms and machine learning models, a Mason Hayes and Curran webinar has heard (7 September). These tools are used to assist in long-term portfolio management in place of more traditional models based on financial theories. Accurate planning Fund providers have also begun using machine learning to predict scenarios such as an early withdrawal of the fund’s resources, which will allow for accurate planning. When it comes to individual retirement planning,...

September 20, 2023
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19Sep

Brits calling for state pensions to be raised to £416 a week for every person over 60

Brits are calling for state pensions to be raised to £416 a week in line with the National Minimum Wage after previous efforts failed. A new petition has been set up calling on ministers to increase the allowance to more than double the current figure, despite a previous one which racked up more than 36,000 signatures being rejected by the DWP. The latest calls are being made by Michael Thompson, who is also demanding the UK pension age is lowered...

September 19, 2023
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