Asset Allocation – Page 222
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Features
Private pensions' two-pronged approach
After lagging behind its neighbours in private pensions and investment funds provisions, Lithuania has passed a comprehensive set of financial laws allowing for second-pillar pensions and clearing the way for third-pillar pensions and investment funds to operate on a level footing with life insurance. The significant legal changes took place ...
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Features
Switch to DC poses real problems
The UK has a long history of defined benefit (DB) pensions, but in recent years many employers have switched to defined contribution (DC) schemes, particularly for new members. As the requirements are different for each of these arrangements, changing from DB to DC presents companies with administration and governance challenges. ...
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Features
Irrational despondency follows exuberance
Pension managers are yearning for the old days, when they only had to worry about benchmarking and tracking errors. Today there are a variety of other issues to deal with, ranging from new regulations to yawning funding deficits. Such lean times, especially when they follow the fat years that pension ...
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Features
Is there a future for equities in institutional portfolios?
Three years of bear markets have plagued investors across Europe and around the world. In some instances falling bond yields, driving up the liabilities, have compounded the problem. Notwithstanding the recent rally in global markets, many investors continue to question whether there is a future in equity investment. This article ...
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Features
External managers still make sense
All over Europe, pension funds are handing over the running of their assets to third-party managers. Outsourcing has become a buzz word as regulatory reform, a clampdown on costs and risk, and a greater awareness of best market practice lead pension funds into new asset classes with new managers and ...
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Features
Using the P/E test
The number of investors questioning the sustainability of the stock rally over the past months is increasing. European stocks have gained nearly 40% since their low in mid-March and nearly 13% year-to-date. While the overall sentiment seems to remain positive due to improving macroeconomic news, especially in the US, investors ...
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Features
Pragmatic solutions
Companies in Luxembourg have, until recently, had little incentive to introduce supplementary pensions for their employees. The Grand Duchy has one the most generous state pensions in Europe, promising between 60% and 70% of final salary after 40 years’ contributions. This has meant that occupational pension plans in Luxembourg have ...
