- The funding level of LCP Ireland’s sample DB scheme fell to 103 per cent in March, according to its monthly investment summary.

Over the month, annuity prices decreased as bond prices fell – all annuity rates are five-year guarantee and single life. In addition, its high risk, medium risk, and pension purchase DC strategies posted negative returns over the month, with equities and bonds down.

- Finnish earnings-related pension provider Ilmarinen has stated in a flagging announcement that on 4 April, its share of Oriola Corporation’s votes fell below 5 per cent.

It said the underperformance was due to the consolidation of share classes and the related directed share issue free of charge. As a result, Ilmarinen holds 6 153 033 shares in Oriola Corporation, corresponding to 3.32 per cent of the shares and votes.

- Legislation is being made to allow Romanian pensions to be invested in real estate, according to an update from the Association for Privately Administered Pensions in Romania (APAPR).

The legislation is expected to be decided on by Easter, and it is predicted that billions of Romanian Leu could soon be invested in the asset class. The law does not restrict which type of pension funds in the new pension scheme will be able to make these investments, but given the market situation, a yield of 3-5 per cent is expected, which is typical for balanced funds.

---