Q4 losses bring DB pensions into the red for 2018: RBC

Fourth-quarter losses for defined benefit pension plans in Canada reversed gains from the rest of 2018, resulting in an annual return of -0.7%, according to a survey from Toronto-based Royal Bank of Canada Investor and Treasury Services.

In Q4 2018, plans posted a 3.5% loss after a 0.1% gain in Q3. In 2017, DB plans’ annual return was 9.7%, RBC said.

Canadian equities were hit hard in the fourth quarter, with the TSX Composite Index returning -10.1%, bringing annual returns down to -8.9%. That compares to a 9.1% annual gain in 2017.

“Geopolitical and economic uncertainty reverberated through the market all year,” said Ryan Silva, director, head of pension and insurance segments, global client coverage at RBC Investor andTreasury Services, in a statement.

“With the Fed pausing on rate hikes as well as trade negotiations between the U.S. and China showing progress in January, markets have started the year strong but investors need to remain vigilant as we are approaching the end of the market cycle and volatility is unlikely to go away.”

The RBC survey found Canadian fixed income returns performed better in Q4, returning 1.8%, bringing annual returns to 1.2% after a negative third quarter.

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