On Dec. 10 in Toronto, the Defined Benefit Investment Forum looked at the top challenges plan sponsors face in managing DB plans, and the investment tools and solutions that can help. Here are some of the highlights of the sessions: Economist doesn’t think recession is looming In a world of volatility, with markets driven by […]
In a world of volatility, with markets driven by trade wars, Trump tweets and talk of a potential recession on its way, Scotiabank vice-president and deputy chief economist is shining a light of optimism. “A slight slowing in growth is a very distinct thing from a recession,” said Brett House, speaking at the 2018 Defined […]
The complicated relationship between real estate and interest rates makes it important to know the role different types of properties play in a portfolio and to use public real estate for liquidity to keep a focus on core property, said Derek Warren, vice-president at Lincluden Investment Management. Speaking during a session at the 2018 Defined […]
While active managers outperform in some situations and not in others, when using active management, what characteristics can pension plans look for to stay on the outperforming side of the equation? Using an “active investing triad” — be patient, be different and be aligned — can help find managers that outperform, said Douglas Schein, managing […]
To find value in a competitive infrastructure market filled with dry powder, plan sponsors can look beyond equity and senior debt, focusing instead on junior infrastructure debt, according to Claire Smith, alternatives director at Schroders. “Canadian pension funds are no stranger to infrastructure equity investment, but we’ve seen valuations in this market getting higher,” she […]
In an increasingly challenging investment and regulatory environment, many pension plans are looking to a new model, delegating key investment management and service activities to third-party providers, said Ivor Krol, vice-president and lead of the institutional portfolio solutions group at Phillips, Hager & North Investment Management. Speaking at the 2018 Defined Benefit Investment Forum in […]
While many pension plan sponsors are moving away from defined benefit plans and favouring more affordable defined contribution structures, a new option for plans is merging the management of their assets and liabilities with larger plans. Since 2016, the Royal Ontario Museum, the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa and, most recently, Torstar Corp. have merged […]
The Public Sector Pension Investment Board is taking on a majority stake in B.F.B. Pty Ltd., an Australia-based agricultural business. Currently, BFB has taken on more than 441 square kilometres of arable land and operates businesses in grain storage, fertilizer, agronomy, livestock, farming and logistics. “We’re impressed with BFB’s team, performance and integrated business model, and we’re excited to […]
While there aren’t consistent definitions around the inclusion of environmental, social and governance issues in investing, factoring them into the investment process is now mainstream, which is increasing the demand for ESG data, according to a report by capital markets consultancy firm Opimas. Institutional investors, such as pension funds, insurers and asset managers, have been at the forefront of that […]
Sustainalytics, a research, ratings and analytics firm focusing on environmental, social and governance issues, is acquiring GES International, a provider of engagement, screening and fiduciary voting services to institutional investors. As ESG has become a more prominent part of institutional investing decisions, the combination of Sustainalytics’ materiality-focused ESG research and ratings with the services GES provides […]