Meanwhile, offshore investments have experienced a remarkable turnaround, transitioning from a 16.6 percent decline in the previous year to a substantial 37.3 percent return this year. However, the allocation to risky offshore investments remains modest at 2.36 percent, thus limiting their impact on the overall scheme returns.
Fixed income returns have remained relatively steady, hovering around 8.5 percent during this period, compared to 7.3 percent in 2022. This asset class constitutes the majority of pension fund investments, accounting for 80.6 percent of total assets, with equities following at 16.6 percent.
The stability of the government bonds market offers pension funds a secure, consistent income source that aligns with the long-term investment horizon of the funds they manage for employees.
The improved overall performance of pension schemes has helped mitigate the erosion of pension savers’ wealth due to an inflation rate averaging 8.7 percent over the 12 months leading up to June 2023.
Ultimately, the returns garnered from investments are instrumental in determining the interest pension funds can offer savers on their contributions annually, factoring in administrative and fund management expenses.
August 8, 2023
Delino Gayweh
Serrari Financial Analyst
photo source Google
