A Record Number of New Retail Investors Signed Up in 2020
They’re younger, more diverse, and they go to their friends and family for investment advice, a new report confirms.
Research
IMF Upgrades Global Economic Forecast for 2021
Amid ‘exceptional uncertainty,’ World Economic Outlook projects 2021 growth of 5.5% after a 3.5% contraction in 2020.
US Pension Spending Supports $1.3 Trillion in Economic Output
A new report assesses the national economic impact of benefits paid by defined benefit plans to retirees.
Funded Ratio for Canadian Pension Plans Improves in 2020
After plummeting during the first quarter, the funding level of Canadian defined benefit plans rebounded to end the year at 91.2%.
PBGC Pension Programs Continue Divergence
The pension lifeboat’s multiemployer plan is five years from insolvency, while the single-employer plan remains robust.
Texas Sees Sharp Rise in Troubled Funds
State and local pension funds with ‘infinite’ amortization periods increased 50% from last year.
4 Public Pension Funding Strategies Besides Employer Contributions
Issuing bonds or tapping gambling revenues are among the methods some states adopt, the National Institute on Retirement Security finds.
A Look Ahead to 2021: Institutional Investors Brace for a Bumpy Road
The majority of global allocators are planning defensive strategies, expecting slides in everything from stocks to SPACs, a Natixis survey says.
Huge Investment Gain Boosts Corporate Pension Funding by $12 Billion
Over 5% return in November helps raise funded ratio of 100 largest corporate pensions to 86.2%.
US Public Pensions’ Funded Ratio Declines More Than 2% in 2020
Despite funded levels falling to 70.7%, the 100 largest public plans have ‘shown great resiliency’ in the face of the pandemic.
If You Think the Dollar Has Lost Value Now—Just Wait
The buck, off almost 5% in 2020, could dive another 20%, Citigroup warns.
Why It’s Time to Make a Standalone China Allocation, Willis Says
Investors tend to invest there only as part of an emerging market strategy, which dilutes the potential return, the consulting firm concludes.
Institutional Investors Find Calm Amid Post-Election Chaos
The markets see stability ahead, despite a delayed election result, Senate runoff races, and voter fraud claims from the president.
Will Cutting Down on External Managers Make a Difference?
Sure, it can help lower investment fees. But those after-fee returns? Researchers say that’s a mixed bag.
Private Equity Fundraising Down But Not Out, Despite Pandemic
Deal-making is bouncing back after being shut down earlier in the year due to the COVID-19 outbreak.