When it comes to managing investments, diversification is key. Diversification can be achieved through a single investment fund - such as a balanced or target date fund – or through portfolio construction. Within asset classes, it’s important to diversify equities geographically. Exposure to equities in different economies, such as Canada, the US, Europe,...
In our introductory article on volatility, A Real-Life Stress Test , we argued that the capital markets have entered a prolonged cycle of higher expected volatility. We suggested this was a time of opportunities. Indeed, a well-designed investment policy and skilled managers would surely turn this volatility into a value-add for institutional investors. In...
Join us at the Pension & Investments Canadian Pension Risk Strategies Summit, May 5th, at the Four Seasons Toronto. The summit will provide an overview of growing financial risk and increased market volatility of plan liabilities. Top experts will share their strategies for retirement plans considering whether to undergo a risk transfer transaction or...
Finance Minister Bill Morneau announced the 2016 federal budget on March 22nd. The budget forecasts big deficits over the next five years, which includes financing a new tax-free monthly child benefit, more money for First Nations, infrastructure spending and extended employment insurance benefits to hard-hit regions.(1) The pension-related highlights from...
Join us at the following conferences and hear us speak, we would love to connect! April 4th: Opal Group's Canadian Pension Congress To read more and understand what this all means, . Martin Leclair will be speaking on a panel at 4:45 p.m. regarding 'Manager Selection Strategies' April 5th: Opal Group's Family Office and Endowment Investment Forum Martin...
The year 2016 started out with a bang, to say the least. The past year marked a transition in financial markets as the U.S. hiked overnight interest rates for the first time in nine years, releasing volatility and, with it, the rally in equity markets we’ve enjoyed so much over the last five years began to fizzle. It can be difficult to adjust to the end of...
Every Friday we share a pension fact, relevant to the majority of Canadians. We call them #PensionFactFriday - follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook to stay up-to-date on weekly facts!
Are you a plan sponsor? If so, you are deemed the administrator of your pension plan (some exceptions apply to trusteed plans). While the record-keeper/custodian of your program is looking after the investment and funding allocation, they rely upon your inputs for information regarding membership and funding. Plan sponsors, please remember a couple areas...
The deadline for pension plans registered in British Columbia to file plan amendments to comply with new legislation has been extended to March 31, 2016. Among the new requirements, plan administrators will need to have a written governance policy and meeting prescribed content requirements in place by the deadline. Alberta pension plans, governed by...
Canadian Equities Canadian equities were down again this quarter, losing 1.4%. The same concerns over energy prices that plagued the market in Q3 continued in Q4. Canada’s economic growth prospects continue to suffer due to low oil prices, but the manufacturing sector increased exports over the quarter, aided by a strong U.S. economy and a weaker Canadian...
