Northern Trust Pension Universe Data: Canadian Pension Plans Harness the Strength of Equity Returns During Third Quarter 2020
The Northern Trust Canada Universe reported a 3.2% return for Canadian defined benefit plans in Q3 2020, bolstered by resilient equity markets despite volatility. Canadian equities saw a 4.7% rise, while U.S. equities surged 6.8% in CAD. International developed markets produced a 2.9% return, and emerging markets led at 7.6%. The Canadian economy showed recovery signs with a drop in unemployment to 9.0%. Meanwhile, the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 7.9%. Northern Trust continues to adapt to evolving pension plan needs amid ongoing economic recovery.
- Canadian defined benefit plans returned 3.2% in Q3 2020.
- Canadian equities (S&P/TSX Composite Index) rose 4.7% for the quarter.
- U.S. equities (S&P 500 Index) generated a robust 6.8% gain in CAD.
- Emerging markets returned 7.6%, driven by Consumer Discretionary and Information Technology sectors.
- Health Care and Energy sectors in Canadian equities did not post gains.
- The real estate sector in U.S. equities remained flat amid overall strong performance.
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Strong global equity markets continue to augment pension plan returns with Canadian defined benefit plans returning
Equity markets navigated through pockets of volatility, maintaining resilience and closing the quarter in positive territory. Financial markets appeared to shrug off fears perpetuated by the coronavirus pandemic and recent sell-off in technology stocks, and focus on progress in vaccine development and hopes for further stimulus relief. Policymakers around the world continued to deploy the financial tools necessary in an effort to bridge economic gaps as global economies slowly regained strength while transitioning through the reopening phase.
“The global pandemic has undoubtedly accelerated the pace of change for many defined benefit pension plans over the course of recent months; namely in the form of financial, regulatory as well as technology transformation. As pension plan sponsors embrace this evolution of change and the adaptation to a virtual work environment, they remain vigilant on preserving plan assets while generating investment results supportive of long-term sustainability and growth,” said Katie Pries, President and CEO of Northern Trust Canada.
The Northern Trust Canada Universe tracks the performance of Canadian institutional investment plans that subscribe to performance measurement services as part of Northern Trust’s asset service offerings.
Once stressed by the economic impact inflicted by the spread of the coronavirus, equity markets shifted focus during the third quarter to the power of government-funded stimulus, a dominating theme prevalent in today’s environment. The convergence of accommodative monetary policy and expansive fiscal policy continued to drive global financial markets in a positive direction. These unprecedented stimuli combined with progress in vaccine development continued to propel further optimism, setting a cautiously positive tone for financial markets.
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Canadian Equities, as measured by the S&P/TSX Composite Index, generated a return of
4.7% for the quarter, with all sectors posting gains with the exception of the Health Care and Energy sectors. -
U.S. equities continued to extend solid gains with the S&P 500 Index recording a new all-time high in September and generated a robust
6.8% in CAD for the quarter. The majority of sectors posted healthy gains, while the real estate sector remained flat and the Energy sector retreating as a result of weaker oil prices. -
International developed markets, as measured by the MSCI EAFE Index, posted a
2.9% return in CAD for the quarter. With the exception of Energy and Financials, all sectors rose during the quarter. -
The MSCI Emerging Markets Index produced a solid result with a
7.6% return in CAD during the third quarter. Consumer Discretionary and Information Technology sectors led the way with attractive double digit returns, while Utilities, Energy and Financials remained the weakest segments.
The Canadian economy showed signs of progress as witnessed by an improvement in economic data, including monthly GDP growth. The labour market continues to be the beneficiary of government support programs as noted by the steady increase in jobs throughout the quarter, with the unemployment rate settled in at
The U.S economy was supported by positive fundamentals including stronger manufacturing and housing data as well as improving employment numbers. The unemployment rate fell to
International markets also witnessed a gradual improvement in labour markets. Germany and the UK continued to exhibit signs of recovery while other countries have reinstituted lockdowns due to the spike in coronavirus cases. The European Central Bank (ECB) and the Bank of England (BoE) continue to maintain an accommodative stance, leaving monetary policy unchanged. The European Union (EU) introduced additional stimulus relief measures in effort to bring further aid to the economy. In the Asia Pacific region, the Bank of Japan (BoJ) also followed suit maintaining its monetary policy stance during the quarter.
Emerging markets performed well during the quarter, demonstrating signs of economic recovery despite battling major pockets of coronavirus outbreaks. Consistent with other major central banks, China’s central bank as well as the Reserve Bank of India left interest rates unchanged. Brazil’s central bank lowered its benchmark interest rate to
The Canadian Fixed Income market, as measured by the FTSE Canada Universe Bond Index returned a modest
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