Not long ago, investors were asking how low interest rates could go. Now, with most central banks in neutral or tightening mode, investors are asking the opposite. Despite action from central banks, long-term bond yields are so far unimpressive. “The significant change in tone by several central banks has had little impact on the financial […]
Desjardins Insurance has named André Langlois its senior executive vice-president of life and health insurance. In the role, Langlois will lead operations across the company’s business lines, including individual, group and business and creditor and direct insurance, as well as group retirement savings. Langlois has been with Desjardins for almost 30 years. Read: Michael Doughty […]
The Ontario Superior Court has postponed a motion by Sears Canada Inc. retirees and employees to wind up the company’s defined benefit pension plan. On Tuesday, Justice Glenn Hainey issued an order noting the court wouldn’t hear the motion before Nov. 30, 2017 but suggesting it would otherwise “proceed as expeditiously as possible.” In the meantime, he […]
The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board has completed the sale of its 50% ownership interest in Constitution Square, an Ottawa office property. The property was sold to Greystone Real Estate Strategy and Canderel with net proceeds of about $240 million before closing adjustments. At June 30, 2017, the CPPIB’s real estate assets totalled $40.9 million. […]
When evaluating job options, Canadian employees rank company culture and career progression higher than pay, according to a new survey by Hays Canada. The survey, which polled more than 4,000 employees across Canada, found 74 per cent of respondents would take a pay cut for their ideal job, with generation Y the most likely to […]
Manulife Financial Corp. is making a number of structural and leadership changes, including the appointment of Michael Doughty as president and chief executive officer of the company’s Canadian business as of Oct. 1, 2017. Doughty has served as interim president and chief executive officer of Manulife’s U.S. business, John Hancock Financial Services Inc., since May. He […]
Mercer is introducing outsourced governance for employers with defined contribution pension plans. The offering, Mercer Future Wise, will delegate employers’ plan governance to a team at Mercer, providing access to investment managers, competitive fees and governance and oversight, according to a press release. It will also provide employers with insight into their plan members’ engagement […]
The OPSEU Pension Trust has completed the 1,000th trade from its in-house trading floor, which was launched in June. The decision to manage a large portion of public market assets in-house was part of the fund’s implementation of its member-driven investment strategy, notes a press release. “The reporting and reconciliation aspects of in-house trading are […]
Sun Life Financial has appointed Stevan Lewis as senior vice-president of digital transformation. The newly created role focuses on the company’s use of digital, data and analytics to develop new options for employers. “We’ve had tremendous success in making it easier for clients to connect with Sun Life using innovative technologies to enhance their experiences […]
Sun Life Global Investments Inc. has entered into an agreement to acquire Excel Funds Management Inc. and Excel Investment Counsel Inc. The investment manager, which specializes in emerging market funds, has about $700 million in assets under management. According to a press release, the acquisition will add Excel’s exchange-traded funds to Sun Life’s capabilities. “We […]