Author Archives: Justin Harvey

Discount Rates Hit Record Lows in September – Large Contributions Likely Looming

Ouch! Ever since Solomon Brothers began indexing rates back in 1985, discount rates used for valuing corporate defined benefit pension plans have never been as low as they were as of September 30, 2011. Rates are down 80-90 basis points … Continue reading

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Defined benefit pension plans enjoyed second strong quarter in a row

The title of this post may seem odd considering equity markets have been on a tear over the past eight quarters (2009 Q2 through 2011 Q1). However, asset returns are only one consideration when monitoring the funded status of pension … Continue reading

Posted in Investing, Manager research | Leave a comment

Gambling on the Big Game with your Pension Plan

As a diehard Pittsburgh Steelers fan, I can’t wait for this year’s National Football League Super Bowl against the Greenbay Packers. I will be glued to the TV as a 60-minute game determines my emotional state for the foreseeable future. … Continue reading

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