Canadian defined benefit pension plans generated second-highest returns in a decade: RBC Investor & Treasury Services

Equity markets advanced in all regions

TORONTO, Feb. 12, 2020 /CNW/ - To mark the end of a decade characterized by fintech disruptors, geopolitical tensions and regulatory changes, Canadian defined benefit pension plans returned 14.0 per cent in 2019, according to the RBC Investor & Treasury Services All Plan Universe. This was the second highest annual return over the past 10 years, in large part due to an upsurge in Canadian and global equity markets.

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"Over the past 10 years, the average Canadian Defined Benefits plan has generated an annualized return of 8.0 per cent on its assets. These results are quite impressive, though we can't discount the impact of global uncertainty and trade tensions in the years ahead," indicated David Linds, Managing Director and Head of Asset Servicing, Canada. "While the performance of equity markets suggests that investors expect to see continued growth, plan sponsors need to continue building robust strategies to prepare for higher volatility as earnings and fundamentals begin to slow."

RBC I&TS Defined Benefit Pension Plan Survey results
An RBC Investor & Treasury Services report based on survey data from 119 Canadian defined benefit pension plans indicates a small increase in the plans' median funded status to 101 per cent (as compared to 100 per cent in 2018). The report, Preparing for the Silver Tsunami, reveals that a significant majority of pension plans (71 per cent) now hold alternative investments within their portfolios, with real estate and infrastructure cited as the most popular (95 per cent and 91 per cent respectively). The overall outlook of respondents has improved regardless of plan size or type.

Additional results

• Canadian defined benefit pension plans returned 2.0 per cent in Q4 2019, versus 1.7 per cent in Q3 2019 and a loss of 3.5 per cent in Q4 2018.
• Canadian equities returned 3.1 per cent in the quarter (+21.4 per cent for the year), while global equities returned 6.8 per cent (+20.7 per cent for the year). The TSX composite rose to 3.2 per cent in the quarter (+22.9 per cent for the year) and the MSCI World Index to 6.3 per cent (+21.2 per cent for the year).
• Canadian bonds decreased 1.6 per cent over the quarter, but were up 10.3 per cent for the year.
• Canadian fixed income broad market benchmark fell 0.9 per cent in the quarter (+6.9 per cent for the year).

About the RBC Investor & Treasury Services All Plan Universe
For the past 30 years, RBC Investor & Treasury Services (RBC I&TS) has managed one of the industry's largest and most comprehensive universes of Canadian pension plans. The "All Plan Universe" currently tracks the performance and asset allocation of a cross-section of assets under management across Canadian defined benefit (DB) pension plans, and is a widely-recognized performance benchmark indicator. The RBC Investor & Treasury Services "All Plan Universe" is produced by RBC I&TS' Risk & Investment Analytics (R&IA) service. R&IA work in partnership with best-in-class technology to deliver independent and cost effective solutions designed to help institutional investor clients monitor investment decisions, optimize performance, reduce costs, mitigate risk and increase governance capability.

About RBC Investor & Treasury Services
RBC Investor & Treasury Services (RBC I&TS) is a specialist provider of asset services, custody, payments and treasury and market services for financial and other institutional investors worldwide, with over 4,500 employees in 17 countries across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. We deliver services which safeguard client assets, underpinned by client-centric digital solutions which continue to be enhanced and evolved in line with our clients' changing needs. Trusted with CAD 4.3 trillion in client assets under administration, RBC I&TS is a financially strong partner with among the highest credit ratings globally.

About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 85,000+ employees who bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada's biggest bank, and one of the largest in the world based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to 17 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 34 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.

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RBC Investor & Treasury Services™ is a global brand name and is part of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC Investor & Treasury Services is a specialist provider of asset servicing, custody, payments and treasury services for financial and other institutional investors worldwide. RBC Investor Services™ operates through the following primary operating companies: Royal Bank of Canada, RBC Investor Services Trust and RBC Investor Services Bank S.A., and their branches and affiliates. These materials are provided by RBC Investor & Treasury Services (RBC I&TS) for general information purposes only. RBC I&TS makes no representation or warranties and accepts no responsibility or liability of any kind for their accuracy, reliability or completeness or for any action taken, or results obtained, from the use of the materials. Readers should be aware that the content of these materials should not be regarded as legal, accounting, investment, financial, or other professional advice, nor is it intended for such use. ® / ™ Trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence.

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SOURCE RBC Investor & Treasury Services

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