Defined benefit outperforms defined contribution: PIMCO



Defined benefit (DB) default funds outperformed defined contribution (DC) default funds by over half a per cent per year over the past 15 years, with less volatility, according to global bond fund manager PIMCO .
Although they have fallen out of favour in Australia, DB funds have outperformed DC funds by 0.57 per cent per year for a cumulative total of 9.12 per cent over the past 15 years, according to PIMCO research paper 'Defined Contribution Funds: Target setting can pay off'.
This demonstrates the benefits of an investment approach with a clearly defined target, or minimum required internal rate of return, in achieving superior investment returns, said PIMCO account manager Sara Higgins.
"Research suggests that a focus on target setting for overall portfolio performance and risk outcomes leads to better performance. We need to think about the objective of a super fund to determine what constitutes a good outcome," she said.
A desired outcome could be the likelihood of meeting a replacement income target for a certain proportion of members, based on liability that lowers the level of risk as it approaches the target. "This adds to the discussion around the evolution of a dynamic target date or lifecycle approach," Higgins said.
Recommended for you
Shadforth CEO Terry Dillon has told Money Management the time is right to pursue inorganic growth as it seeks to double in size by 2030 and acquires a Melbourne advice firm.
Entireti has announced the rebranding of PFS Investment Management, bringing together the group’s investment capabilities to support its licensee network.
Licensees have been urged by ASIC to ensure their advisers’ FAR records are updated, as ASIC’s latest estimates find more than 3,000 advisers could be unable to provide advice next year.
Major licensee Count has enacted its latest M&A deal, acquiring the accounting and audit client base of a Sydney accounting firm.