Asset Allocation – Page 259
-
Features
Consolidation hints abound
In line with most other European exchanges those of eastern and central Europe have suffered a disappointing year. Although traditionally less dependent on hi-tech stocks, nonetheless they caught a cold when the larger western exchanges caught a cold earlier this year. There are, nonetheless, some bright spots with at least ...
-
Features
Troubled times for allocation
High volatility stress tests a strategic asset allocation. The dispersion of returns across managers will likely be wider and the dispersion of returns across the peer group against which the plan sponsor is judged will also likely be wider. Other events associated with high-risk environments greatly increase the chance of ...
-
Features
German pensions and the 'average' pensioner
Within the scope of the German pension reform (the “Riester-Rente”, named after labour minister Walter Riester) there will be a reduction of the state pension from 70% to 67% of the last net income after a complete career. The gap will be filled by additional tax relief for private savings ...
-
Features
Benchmarks are for beating
There was a time when British university lecturers carried around bundles of individual life assurance policies accumulated throughout their careers as part of their retirement arrangements. By the mid-1970s, the folly of this approach had become apparent, leading to the establishment of the Universities Superannuation Scheme. It is now the ...
-
Features
Currency change set to boost stocks
The physical introduction of the euro this month, when households, businesses and retail banks will start using and trading in euro-denominated bank notes and coins, is likely to have a positive effect on Europe’s equity markets, analysts agree “Though it is difficult to say what kind of impact the changeover ...
-
Features
Bulgarians still tied to home
Bulgaria’s first privately managed pension funds were established in 1994. But no special law regulated their activities until 1999. Unlike other countries, which did not allow foreign investment during the initial stages of their private pension systems, the Bulgarian legislature looked at this issue in 1999 when the special second ...
-
Features
Start of manager close down
From being joint top-of-the-class Poland is now the subject of disapproving looks from the headmasters of Brussels. Having taken on an enormous reform of the social security, education and health system in 1999, the new government which came to power in September last year is grappling with macro economic problems ...
