Pension Plan performance world wide is good

There are many who want to take away pensions and some cite poor performance as one of the reasons to allow the individuals to run their own plans. However when we look at the performance of Pension Funds Positive investment returns in 2014 and also over the last 5 and 10 years we can see that the growth of pension fund assets in 2014 was underpinned by positive investment returns. 

All the reporting OECD countries recorded positive real net 3 investment returns in 2014, ranging from 1.2% in the Czech Republic to 16.7% in Denmark, with an OECD weighted average of 5.0% (Figure 7).

The simple average is higher, at 6.8%. Twenty-one OECD countries experienced real returns higher than 5%. Outside the OECD area, the performance of pension funds in terms of real net investment returns was also positive, but returns were lower than in the OECD area on average: 1.2% for the weighted average and 4.6% for the simple average (Figure 8). 

India experienced the highest level of investment returns among non-OECD countries at 19.1%. Only four non-OECD jurisdictions had real negative investment returns in 2014: Armenia (-1.7%), Nigeria (-1.7%), Hong Kong (China) (-3.2%) and the Russian Federation (-7.4%). The existence of management costs reduces nominal returns which combined with high inflation may lead to negative real return

Figure 7. Pension funds' real net rate of return on investment in selected OECD countries, Dec 2013 - Dec 2014 In per cent Figure 8. Pension funds' real net rate of return on investment in selected non-OECD countries, Dec 2013 - Dec 2014 In per cent. Source: OECD Global Pension Statistics.

The results are positive and even more so when they are compared to real growth rates in these countries. (same source)

Know the Signs

If you think the main signs of a heart attack are clenched fists or chest pain and pressure, think again. In reality, this is only seen in about 50% of individuals, Other, more common symptoms include a sensation of heaviness in the chest without pain, a sudden onset of difficulty breathing and lightheadedness, fatigue and abdominal discomfort. If you think you’re having a heart attack, call 9-1-1. Better to be wrong and seek immediate medical attention than to risk missing a true heart attack,

What can cause a heart attack, here are some that may surprise you:

Do you have a hard time keeping your cool under stress? It could be hurting your heart. In a 2015 study, participants showed an 8.5 times higher risk of heart attack two hours after intense outbursts of anger – in situations such as family arguments, work conflicts or road rage -- compared to people who showed milder reactions.

In general, hot-headed people have a higher heart attack risk because repeated episodes of anger could affect blood pressure and blood vessel walls, 

Next time you feel your fists clench or your jaw tense up, Try counting to ten or taking deep breaths to calm down.

We all know exercise is good for the heart, but couch potatoes who suddenly jump into vigorous workouts are upping their risk for a heart attack. Doing too much too soon is dangerous, so talk to your doctor before starting any exercise routine. And remember, just because you look healthy on the outside doesn’t mean you’re healthy on the inside: Hypertension and other heart-related conditions often have no symptoms.

Marathoners aren’t off the hook, either. Extreme athletes may push their bodies too hard, bringing on heart problems that otherwise wouldn’t occur, 

This doesn’t mean you have to hang up your sneakers. Just talk to your doctor before signing up for your next race.

Die-hard sports fans, take note:  Getting upset over your team’s loss at the Super Bowl could spell trouble for your heart. In fact, a 2013 study found an increase in heart attacks and cardiovascular deaths days after the Super Bowl in football fans of the losing team. More specifically, there was a 20 to 24% increase in both circulatory and cardiovascular deaths in Boston after the Patriots lost to the Giants in 2008.

Try to remember it’s just a game. And if you’re a heart patient, go easy on the beer, pizza and hot dogs while you cheer on your team.  

Sphere of influence

As we move through life, we maintain a circle of influence that can range from a few people up  to about 300 people. The names of those in our circle or sphere of influence changes as we move along our life path, but the numbers surprisingly  do not change over time. Our sphere of influence is what makes us important to those who want to manipulate, sell to us or who want to use "word of mouth" to get their message out. 


 However, the greatest secret of all about our circle  is how deeply you're loved by the people within the circle. We have no idea of what we mean to these people nor do they know what  they mean to us. Remember you are loved, by more people than you realize and you are loved always, no matter what.

Pension 360 Blog

There is a great deal of interest in Canada in the expansion, or non expansion of the Canada Pension Plan. The Fraser Institute has put out a few press releases that claim that an increase in the contributions to the Canada Pension Plan, would not benefit seniors. The people who would not benefit are those who did not contribute to the plan and those who are collecting the Guaranteed Income Supplement (under current rules, increases in income are subtracted from the Income supplement). 

I found a blog post at Pension 360 that offers a counter argument to the Fraser Institute. The mainstream media has offered up the Fraser Institutes report as "truth" but have not looked at other views. The post 

Another Shot Against Expanding the CPP? was written by by Leo Kolivakis who is  a blogger, trader and independent senior pension and investment analyst. This post was originally published at Pension Pulse.

I would recommend The Pension 360 blog because it  is a comprehensive online resource for data, news, trends and analysis on public pension plans both in the US and Canada.  They focus on State and municipal systems.  They serve those with an interest in public pension funds: executive staff, pensioners, academics, trustees, actuaries, journalists and concerned citizens.  With all the noise, confusion and conflict surrounding pensions, their goal is to provide the facts, consolidate the commentary, and dispel the myths.