Crossing the Rubicon

The latest news and opinion from Rubicon Investment Consulting

February a volatile month for Irish Pension Funds

Stock markets around the globe experienced quite a volatile month in February, as uncertainty over Chinese economic growth, still-falling oil prices and the calling of a referendum in June on Britain's possible exit from the European Union, weighed on investor sentiment. February was a disappointing month overall for Irish pension …

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Bleak start to 2016 for Irish Pension Funds

Global stock markets declined again during January, as oil prices continued to fall and the Chinese yuan weakened over concerns regarding a slowing economy. Bonds rose, as investors' increasing risk aversion saw a flight to safety. January was another disappointing month for Irish pension funds, which fell back 4.3% on …

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2015 ends on a bum note for Irish pension funds

Global stock markets declined during December, as oil prices fell sharply to a near seven-year low and amid uncertainty over whether or not the Fed would actually increase rates as anticipated. There was an upturn toward month-end, as markets reacted positively to the decision to increase US interest rates by …

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Further gains for Irish Pension Funds in November

November was another positive month for pension funds, which rose 3.2% on average. Merrion Investment Managers and Zurich Life were ranked top this month with returns of 3.6%, while New Ireland propped up the league table with a return of 2.5%. The first eleven months of 2015 have seen very …

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Strong gains in October offset third quarter losses

Irish pension managed funds made strong gains during October, with the average gain being 6.7%. Standard Life Investments were ranked top this month with a return of 7.8%, while Merrion Investment Managers propped up the league table with a return of 5.6%. This month's gains have broadly offset the losses …

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August the worst month for Irish pension funds since 2008

August saw the shockwave from the falling Chinese stock market spread globally. During the month, the Chinese stock market continued to decline, while economic data weakened further. In response, the Chinese government unexpectedly devalued the Yuan, and global panic ensued. Both equity and bond markets declined over the month, which …

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Pension funds rally in July as “Grexit” avoided

At the start of the month, both equity and bond markets declined in response to the rejection by the Greek people of the bailout package on offer at a referendum on 5 July. However, subsequent to this, agreement was reached in principle between the Greek government and its creditors for …

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Irish Pension Funds decline as Greek crisis continues

June saw both equity and bond markets deliver negative returns as investors focussed on negotiations to resolve the Greek crisis. The unexpected calling of a referendum to be held on July 5th (which ultimately resulted in a “No” vote), and the temporary closing of the Greek banking system, further unsettled …

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