In the face of increasing risk, large asset owners are turning to private market allocations, according to a new report by Mercer. The report, which surveyed asset owners representing more than US$2 trillion in assets collectively, found nearly half (45 per cent) of institutional investors increased their allocation to private markets. In the next year, […]
A decision by the Canadian Securities Administrators to step back from the development of a mandatory climate-related disclosure mandate could impact decision-making at one of the largest pension funds in Canada. Jennifer Coulson, senior managing director and global head of environmental, social and governance at the British Columbia Investment Management Corp., says the regulator’s decision […]
The average Canadian defined benefit pension plan returned 1.1 per cent during the first quarter of 2025, a slight decrease from 1.6 per cent in the previous quarter, according to a new report by RBC Investor Services. It found Canadian equities returned 1.2 per cent, slightly underperforming the TSX composite index, which rose 1.5 per […]
Under unprecedented economic volatility, institutional investors are leaning on diversified asset mixes that are less reliant on public markets, says Claude St-Laurent, principal of pension and savings at Normandin Beaudry. He notes institutional investors are more frequently pushing beyond traditional equities and bonds to incorporate real estate, infrastructure and other alternative assets. Indeed, in the […]
The Nova Scotia Teachers’ Pension Plan is reporting a one-year investment return of 9.76 per cent, according to its annual report. At the end of 2024, the plan’s total net assets increased to $6.17 billion, compared to $5.75 billion in 2023. The actuarial liabilities at the plan reached $7.61 billion in 2024. Read: N.S. Teachers’ […]
An article on how Canada’s federal election could impact employees’ retirement savings was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com this past week. Here are the top five human resources, benefits, pension and investment stories of the last week: 1. How Canada’s federal election could impact retirement savings 2. How the coronavirus pandemic shifted employees’ retirement planning […]
With a second Donald Trump presidency unleashing global uncertainty, emerging markets nations are forging new alliances and building a foundation for sustainable long-term growth. Indeed, despite the alarming headlines, the view from institutional investors is one of optimism with a healthy side of skepticism. A report by RBC Global Asset Management Inc. found emerging markets […]
In an increasingly uncertain investment landscape, the Nova Scotia Pension Services Corp. is aiming to become more hands-on with its investment implementation. “Each asset class is at a different phase of that structure,” says Steve Mahoney, the NSPSC’s chief investment officer. “We’re looking at each one asking, ‘What’s the next step for us to be […]
The Ontario Pension Board scored at or above the median for the Principles for Responsible Investment Reporting Framework assessment tool, according to its latest sustainability report. The OPB earned its highest score (87 per cent) for its policy governance and strategy, followed by passive listed equity and active listed equity, both at 81 per cent. […]
Six in 10 (60 per cent) global institutional investors say interest rate changes were the No. 1 factor behind portfolio adjustments in 2024, according to a new report by the International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds. The report, which was based on the activities of long-term institutional investors representing more than $46 trillion in assets […]