A decision by the Bank of Canada to hold its benchmark interest rate steady at 2.75 per cent could magnify the interest of corporate pension funds to pursue de-risking strategies, says Soami Kohly, fixed income portfolio manager at MFS Investment Management. “We’ve seen [institutional investors] that have been de-risking their portfolio — in other words, […]
Canadian employers in sectors that have been hardest hit by the U.S. trade war can support employees’ mental and financial wellness by communicating clearly about the potential impact and available benefits and resources. A recent survey of 400 Canadian employers by Mercer Canada found while half (48 per cent) of all respondents are still determining […]
The Saskatchewan Pension Plan is reassuring plan members its asset mix is designed to withstand shifts stemming from global disruptions and economic uncertainty. In a new note to members, the $829-million pension fund said recent developments are creating significant economic uncertainty, with potential for higher inflation, slower growth and greater market volatility. Read: Institutional investors […]
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 […]
Amid ongoing geopolitical tension, the U.S. trade war and the rising cost of living, it’s important for employers to provide a psychological safe workplace, says Alan King, president and chief executive officer of consultancy Workplace Options. “There’s a level of uncertainty that comes when you hear and experience the things that are going on. But […]
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 […]
Michael Montgomery used to check the balance on his retirement account once a week and smile. But lately, not wanting to get upset and question if he could retire in a few years, there was only one solution. “I’m not looking,” says the 66-year-old professor from Huntington Woods, Mich. As the White House simultaneously injects […]
After reaching new highs at the end of 2024, capital accumulation plan member outcomes have seen significant impacts following the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump and subsequent tariffs on Canadian imports, according to a new report by Eckler Ltd. The consultancy’s latest CAP income tracker found a typical male member retiring at the end of […]
An article on how flexible retirement savings plans can help employees retire early 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. Flexible savings plans, employer matching allowing employees to retire earlier than planned: survey 2. Are Canadian […]
The average solvency ratio of Canadian pension plans declined three per cent as at March 31, 2025, according to a new report by Normandin Beaudry. At the end of the first quarter of 2025, the average solvency ratio reached 111 per cent. The decrease was attributed to a combination of increased liabilities and investment performance, […]