Attain Consulting - RSS Feed

Pensions News Update - April 2012:

Lousie Keveney — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:12:00 +0100

The Social Welfare & Pensions Bill 2012

The Department of Social Protection published the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill on 5 April 2012, containing a number of changes which will impact on the funding and operation of defined benefit schemes.

Perspective - April 2012

Lousie Keveney — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:23:00 +0100

Rally Continues Across Markets

Managed Funds in Ireland gained 0.8% in March and a notable 7.8% return in the first quarter of 2012.

The first 3 months of 2012 saw the continued rally in markets that began last September. The past 6 months has on average returned 16% for Irish Managed Funds.

Perspective - March 2012

Lousie Keveney — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:29:00 +0000

Further Good Progress Being Made

Managed Funds in Ireland gained 2.9% in February 2012 and 10.6% over the past 3 months.

Perspective - February 2012

Lousie Keveney — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:30:00 +0000

2012 – Off to a Good Start

Managed Funds in Ireland rose 3.9% in January 2012 and 6.5% over the past 3 months.
January saw an upward trend in equities and bonds as investors flight-to-quality eased and riskier assets gained from increased demand.

Perspective - January 2012

Lousie Keveney — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:19:00 +0000

All's Not Well That Ends Well

Managed Funds in Ireland gained 3.3% in December 2011 and 7.6% in Q4. Equities gained some lost ground in the last 3 months of the year with all major indices considerably higher.

To continue reading the report, please click below.

Perspective - December 2011

Lousie Keveney — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:23:00 +0000

The Debt Crisis Strikes Back

Managed Funds in Ireland fell in November 2011.

Pensions News Update - December 2011: Budget - Changes Affecting Pension Benefits at a glance

Lousie Keveney — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

There were many significant changes for pensions introduced in last year's budget, however this year's budget saw just a few relatively minor changes to pension benefits.

Perspective - November 2011

Lousie Keveney — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:42:00 +0000

Positive Returns – first time in 4 months

Managed Funds in Ireland grew in October 2011.

Pensions News Update (Part 3) - Nov 2011: Recovery Plan deadline of 16 December 2011 under current regime

Lousie Keveney — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:35:00 +0000

Following the announcement on changes to the funding standard for defined benefit schemes, which was made by Joan Burton TD, Minister for Social Protection, on 28 October 2011, recovery plans submitted to The Pensions Board by 12 noon 16 December 2011 will continue to be considered by the Pensions Board under the current fund

Pensions News Update (Part 2) - Nov 2011: Regulatory Changes to Defined Benefit Pension Provision

Lousie Keveney — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:00:00 +0000

The Department of Social Protection has recently provided further information on the upcoming changes to Defined Benefit Pension Provision and further information has also been provided by the Society of Actuaries in Ireland following a meeting with The Pensions Board on the announced changes.

Pensions News Update - October 2011: Defined Benefit Funding Changes

Lousie Keveney — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:32:00 +0000

The Department of Social Protection on 28 October 2011 announced a number of measures aimed at ensuring the sustainability of defined benefit (DB) pension schemes, enhancing security of member benefits, and increasing equity between members.

ATTAIN in the news: Call for fairer deal on pension savings

Lousie Keveney — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:17:00 +0100

The Irish Times - Thursday, October 27 2011

IRELAND NEEDS to create a more equitable regime for all pension savers, the Irish Association of Pension Funds (IAPF) said yesterday.

As the industry lobby held its annual conference, it suggested the pensions system should be redesigned to allow both

ATTAIN in the news: Expert group to find solutions for pensions retirement

Lousie Keveney — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:17:00 +0100

The Irish Independent - Thursday, October 27 2011

THE Government is to set up a commission to find solutions to the crisis in pensions, it emerged yesterday.

And tough rules on funding for company schemes are to be re-introduced by the end of the year, Social Protection Minister Joan Burton, who has re

Perspective - October 2011

Lousie Keveney — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:42:00 +0100

10% losses on Pension Funds since start of year

Managed Funds fell again in September.

Perspective - September 2011

Lousie Keveney — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 17:41:00 +0100

Worst Returns since Crash in 2008

News of an impending new recession came on the horizon and caused equities and bonds to lose substantial amounts of value throughout the month.

Perspective - August 2011

Lousie Keveney — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 12:52:00 +0100

Debt Crisis upsetting Funds

The debt crisis is understandably having a negative impact on managed funds. Returns were negative again for July 2011. Equities fell considerably throughout as investors remained cautious about the US sovereign debt ceiling and the European debt crisis.

ATTAIN in the news: John A Wood pension restructured on career average basis

Lousie Keveney — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 16:47:00 +0100

With our unique combination of actuarial and HR / IR experience, we have now been involved in over twenty five pension reviews in the past eighteen months. Having advised employers, trustees, unions and third parties, we have gained a complete understanding of all of the stakeholders&rsqu

Perspective - July 2011

Lousie Keveney — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 16:45:00 +0100

Continued financial unsettlement in Greece leads to a disappointing month to end Q2

Monthly returns were negative in June, with the continued financial unsettlement in Greece echoing across markets. The average managed fund fell 2.1% during June 2011 and fell 0.6% over the past 3 months.

Perspective - June 2011

Lousie Keveney — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 10:37:00 +0100

Lacklustre month for funds again

Monthly returns were marginally positive again in May despite the fact equities performed poorly across the month. The average managed fund rose 0.7% during May 2011, but were negative at -0.9% over the past 3 months. Longer term returns are still mixed.

Pensions News Update - May 2011: Finance Bill No. 2 - Pension Levy

Lousie Keveney — Fri, 20 May 2011 15:45:00 +0100

Pensions News Update - May 2011: Finance Bill No. 2 - Pension Levy

The Finance (No.2) Bill 2011 was published on May 19 and contains provisions to bring into force the widely debated and controversial Pension Levy.