Dan Mikulskis, CIO of People’s Partnership, provider of The People’s Pension to more than seven million savers, today called on the pensions industry to focus on developing robust systems for long-term investing, rather than reacting too strongly to headlines around global events such as the Iran war when making investment decisions.
According to today’s data on Employee Workplace Pensions in the UK from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), find that 8 in 10 workers (82%) were members of workplace pension schemes in 2024, with this trend stabilising over recent years.
This update provides the latest estimated funding position, based on adjusting the scheme valuation data supplied to The Pensions Regulator as part of the schemes’ annual scheme returns, on a section 179 (s179) basis, for the defined benefit pension schemes potentially eligible for entry to the Pension Protection Fund (PPF).
The Continuous Mortality Investigation (CMI) has released the latest annual update to the CMI Mortality Projections Model, CMI_2025. The CMI Model is used by UK pension schemes and insurance companies which need to make assumptions about future mortality rates.
32% of UK workers say that they don’t feel confident that they will retire with a comfortable income - rising to almost half (48%) of workers aged 45-54 Nearly one in five (17%) are approaching retirement without clear financial targets19% have never logged in to view their pension value
Oil prices may have eased and stock markets rebounded, but the fallout from escalating tensions in the Middle East continues to filter through to global economies. With oil still more than 25% above pre-conflict levels, concerns are growing about a return to stagflation - the toxic mix of rising inflation and weak growth - amid warnings that higher energy costs are likely to feed into household bills.
Oil prices fall back from worrying levels but remain more than 25% higher than before the Iran war. Relief flooded into markets after President Trump claimed the conflict was nearing the end. Indices in Asia have clawed back losses, and stocks on Wall Street ended higher. European indices are set for a positive start, but high uncertainty remains.
TPR sets out principles for how trustees can assess their scheme’s growth potential and prepare for proposed new scale requirements under the Pension Schemes Bill. TPR aims to support a smooth transition to scale and to reduce uncertainty as master trusts plan for future requirements. Employers and advisers considering pension switches are encouraged to take an evidence-based, saver-focused approach during the transition.
Markets continue sell-off as oil soars, gold drops, Clarkson in focus as shipping market takes centre stage and Nigel Farage invests in Kwasi Kwarteng-chaired roll-up vehicle]Be the first to like this
Last year saw persistent claims inflation in motor and home insurance, as well as rising natural catastrophe losses, high inflation and geopolitical tensions. Fragmented pricing and rating systems cannot keep pace with today's rapidly changing market conditions. As a result, we need to rethink how we structure our pricing and rating systems to ensure they are more streamlined and robust enough to handle these pressures.
Over two in five (43%) business leaders say that the minimum workplace pension auto-enrolment contribution level should rise, with nearly three quarters (73%) backing a phased timetable for gradually raising contribution levels if they were to be increased. Businesses that would consider a rise in contribution levels were motivated by supporting their employees’ wellbeing and financial security (37%), and as a way to hire and retain staff (34%)
Fully hedged scheme sees funding level increase by over 1 full percentage point through February to reach strongest position since 2022. 50% hedged scheme funding deteriorates very slightly over the month. Schemes remain in a strong position which should ensure they are well protected given international instability
There’s a big change coming to defined contribution pensions in April 2027, when the current inheritance tax exemptions fall away. The changes potentially see inheritance tax bills rise for beneficiaries other than a spouse or civil partner and more estates potentially being over inheritance tax thresholds. Each person’s situation is likely to be different and while there are some simple things that can be put in place, like taking out life cover to meet the potential inheritance tax bill, there may be opportunities to reduce IHT liability which can be highlighted by a regulated adviser.
Five-year review shows material rise in growth asset allocations across both accumulation and retirement phases. Retirement strategies increasingly aligned to drawdown behaviour, with reduced cash and broader credit exposure. Q4 market backdrop reinforces the benefits of diversified, growth-aware design
Aon have announced George Attard has been named global head of analytics for Reinsurance Solutions, in addition to his role as chief strategy officer for Reinsurance Solutions. The appointment reinforces the firm’s commitment to delivering differentiated value to insurer clients through the integration of analytics and strategy across its reinsurance business.
Selling pressure eases as oil prices slow their ascent. Market reaction suggests transitory narrative is the dominant one. Gold on track for weekly decline as inflation fears take over. Chip stocks could face new export rules
Discover four ways U.K. winter storms are changing, what’s driving the shift, and how re/insurers can respond. The winter of 2023/24 was one of the wettest on record for the U.K., bringing widespread flooding and disruption, contributing to record breaking weather-related insured losses according to the Association of British Insurers.[1] For many in the reinsurance industry, that season underscored just how vulnerable Europe is to prolonged periods of heavy rain.
More than 13 million members are now in DC schemes offering drawdown, new data reveals. Ahead of guided retirement duty, larger schemes are leading the way in supporting members at retirement. With over two fifths of DC schemes still offering no decumulation products, TPR urges smaller schemes to act or consolidate in savers’ interests
FTSE 100 opens down after mid-week bounce. UK earnings season reaches fever pitch. Endeavour profits boosted by strong prices in 2025Gold losses regains its lustre. US stock futures down. Oil prices up nearly 3% so far today
The Association of Professional Pension Trustees (APPT) has submitted its response to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) consultation on Trust-based pension schemes: Trustees and governance, building a stronger future.
Over a third (37%) of UK adults with a private pension who have experienced a major life event say they have reduced, paused or stopped pension contributions as a result. Career breaks (45%), redundancy (44%) and becoming self-employed (33%) are among the top life events that impact pension saving. The average time pension contributions are paused due to life events is two years. Yet 62% who are yet to retire believe they can still make up the difference
The defined benefit (DB) pensions landscape is undergoing transformation unlike anything seen in decades. Improved funding positions, legislative changes, and new consolidation options are reshaping the market - and trustees and employers need to respond.
Around 50% of companies see supply chain paralysis and a global internet outage as the two most plausible Black Swan scenarios in the next five years. Geopolitical noise around the globe masks risks from high-impact climate, health, and future technology risks. Different risk perceptions between multinational enterprises and small and medium-sized businesses. Almost 70% of UK respondents see a global internet outage as the most feared Black Swan event in the next five years.
Consolidating DC market puts more pressure on trustees to evolve rapidlyIn the DB market, Broadstone supports minimum standards for administration and encourages policymaking that supports both dominant end-game paths. Broadstone has responded to the Department for Work & Pensions’ (DWP) consultation on trustee and governance.