Low rates, northern lights and net zero

Pension schemes will confront a different set of challenges as they mature, not least around cashflows. How these problems are managed now will affect the financial health of the schemes far into the future.

Attendees at Aviva Investors’ annual institutional investor conference gave their take on some of the key themes impacting pensions schemes, from ESG to asset allocation shifts.

More retailers are turning to corporate voluntary arrangements to restructure their estates - but a dynamic landscape is no surprise for seasoned real estate investors.

As transfers out of UK Defined Benefit (DB) pension schemes reach record levels, John Dewey assesses the implications for pension schemes with alternative income allocations.

Real estate investors should focus on global demographic trends to ensure their portfolios stand the test of time.

In our latest alternative income update, we look at opportunities in structured finance as stringent capital requirements continue to rein in banks’ activities in certain areas, including long-term lending and derivatives.

With UK retail parks facing an increasingly perilous future, turning the sites into vibrant residential-led developments offers land owners an opportunity to bolster investment returns.

The European economy continues to grow above trend rates, but investors should be wary of rising bond yields and rapid development in some markets, says Vivienne Bolla.

The growing importance of megacities, the largest and most productive metropoles, is likely to have significant implications for investors, says Souad Cherfouh.

The UK wants to attract private sector investment into its fragmented rail network, but the pathways for injecting capital are not yet clear.

Supply-side factors are often underestimated by real estate investors with demand drivers receiving more attention, says Monika Sujkowksa.

Investors able to spot developing trends and create fit-for-purpose assets in London’s emerging locations could generate enhanced returns.