PIMCO Chief: Low Interest Rates Present Little Economic Upside
The “great global interest rate convergence” is hurting institutional investors without lifting the global economy, PIMCO’s CEO has argued.
Newsmakers
UK Businesses Urge Relaxation on Pension Rules
As the UK slips back into recession, business leaders cry for some leeway on pensions to help heave the economy back into the black.
CalPERS Pushes Back Against Media Firestorm
CalPERS has offered a vigorous response to media critics that have faulted the fund for only returning 1% in the 2011 fiscal year.
Eurozone Slips Closer to the Abyss
There are more problems in the Eurozone as investors look for safe havens without the expensive price tag.
China National Pension Onboards 12 Asset Managers
China's National Council for Social Security Fund has approved contracts with 12 global asset managers, including JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Schroders.
Kay Review: Busting the Alpha Myth
Equity markets are rife with short-termism, but there are other problems too – relative performance is killing alpha creation, leading economist John Kay claims in a far-reaching review.
Swiss Corporate Pension Funding Squeezed
In fiscal year 2011, funding ratios of Swiss corporate pension funds fell back to their 2008 lows, underscoring the universally difficult climate for pension funds.
Russell: Corporate Pensions Are NOT Better Funded With Legislation
Funding relief by Congress is no panacea for corporate plan sponsors and, in the end, could mean muddy waters for investment programs, according to Russell Investments.
‘Goliath’ Leads Giant Canadian Pension Purchases
Canada’s thirst for real assets has seen international purchases this week, including one of the largest since the onset of the financial crisis.
PIMCO Warns Investors to Rethink Asset Allocation
Amid a volatile market environment, PIMCO's Curtis Mewbourne offers some recommendations on how investors should rethink their approach to asset allocation.
Dutch Pension Slams Regulator as Funding Slips Further
Dutch pensions see positive returns in the short and medium term, but they are still suffering the consequences of falling interest rates.
S&P 500 Pension Underfunding Hits Record Levels
In fiscal year 2011, the S&P 500’s pension and other post employment benefit underfunding broke the level reached in 2008.
Investment Managers, While Still Negative on US Economy, Don't See Recession in Sight
Investment managers are less confident in the US economic outlook, but are not expecting a recession, according to Northern Trust's latest survey.
AIMCo’s New Toy Draws Peers’ Envy
The Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo) has a new gadget that should help it run more efficiently – and others seem to want one too.
Snapshot of Sector Pensions Shows Wide Divergence
Similar staff, similar conditions, and similar pay – why are assumptions for sector-wide pensions so diverse?