A preference for passive management underpins the investment beliefs of the new UK defined contribution fund, NEST, which has finally outlined its investment approach. (more…)
Australia has one of the largest retirement fund pools per capita in the world. Given the significance of this relative to Australia’s total gross domestic product, the superannuation sector has come under unprecedented scrutiny with a series of major government reviews heightening the call for increased efficiency, greater engagement and ultimately improved returns. Understanding their implications will be critical for the industry as it looks to address the challenges and benefit from the opportunities this dynamic market presents.
The frontier markets sub-asset class, which completes the international opportunity set, exhibits low correlations to developed countries, high long-term economic growth potential and an attractive risk/return profile. These characteristics may appeal to sophisticated investors who want broad exposure to this asset class and understand the higher geo-political, regulatory and operational risks in these markets.
After the dramatic market events of the last decade, defined benefit plan sponsors are facing stricter accounting and regulatory oversight, and seek to control funded status volatility. Focusing on a plan’s liabilities, when contemplating asset decisions, is a good way to accomplish this task.
The Path Forward: Designing the Ideal Defined Contribution Plan poised the question: “How would you design the ideal workplace DC plan if you were freed from existing laws, structures, history and standard practices?” This paper shares the 10 characteristics that plan sponsors and consultants believe would define the ideal DC plan structure.
The OECD has warned that pension funds will come under increasing pressure as national governments cut old-age pensions, expecting the private sector to deliver ever-higher returns to fund increasing longevity, with a report citing Germany, Ireland, the UK, and New Zealand as addressing these issues in reform agendas. (more…)