Posts by River and Mercantile
Monthly macro update: April 2021
At the turn of the year, we discussed how record stimulus and low borrowing costs presented a great environment for equities. We’re pleased to see our view playing out, with equities having another good quarter.
Read MoreUS pension briefing – March 2021
Pension discount rates maintained their upward momentum, closing the month yet another 0.22% higher which should yield another 2-3% liability decrease for a typical pension plan.
Read MorePension plan annuity purchase update – Q4 2020
Pension buyout sales totaled $13.7 billion in Q4 2020, which represents the highest quarterly sales since Q4 2012 and a 21% increase from Q4 2019.
Read MoreMonthly macro update: March 2021
The economic environment is still positive for equities, and we continue to believe any inflationary pressure that comes from re-opening economies will be short-lived given still high unemployment and structural deflationary forces, such as an aging population.
Read MoreUS pension briefing – February 2021
Pension discount rates maintained their upward momentum, closing the month yet another 0.25% higher which should yield another 2-3% liability decrease for a typical pension plan. At 3.0%, this is the highest rates have been since the end of March 2020, when credit spreads had significantly widened and boosted these discount rates.
Read MoreMonthly macro update: February 2021
We have been talking for some time about the benefits of low borrowing costs, and we are now seeing companies act. Debt issuance has been significant throughout January, while over twice as much equity has been raised year to date compared to the same point in 2020.
Read MoreUS pension briefing – January 2021
Pension plans welcomed increasing interest rates in January with discount rates trending up toward the mid-2% range. This translates to a liability decrease of 2-3% for a typical pension plan.
Read MoreMonthly macro update: January 2021
Here we provide an overview of our current market views, and our recommendations for strategic portfolio positioning.
Read MoreUS pension briefing – December 2020
While many around the world were quite keen to put 2020 in the rearview mirror, equity investors will view 2020 as a good albeit volatile year.
Read MorePension plan annuity purchase update – Q3 2020
Article December 15, 2020 Pension plan annuity purchase update – Q3 2020 Written by River and Mercantile Share Market activity Group annuity risk transfer sales ($ millions) Source: LIMRA Secure Retirement Institute The pension risk transfer market began its recovery from the negative COVID-19 impact in the third quarter of 2020. Total pension…
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