Pension funds

Moody's warns the current economic turmoil poses more pension-related credit risks for Illinois and many of its local governments than did the Great Recession.

Christopher Philips, CFA, head of Vanguard Institutional Advisory Services, discusses the importance of asset allocation during uncertain times as the coronavirus hits investors’ portfolios. He talks about looking at the fundamentals while distancing from the day-to-day value fluctuations. John Hallacy hosts this podcast, which was recorded March 20.

A new study finds the impact of pension debt may not be as big as commonly believed.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker unveiled a $42 billion general fund budget for fiscal 2020.

The state's lookback at gambling revenues since 2012 comes as a large-scale expansion looms.

Three of the biggest New York City pension funds have selected advisors to help divest from fossil fuels.

Assets in the so-called Smart Plan have risen to $10.06 billion as of Dec. 30 from $4.5 billion in 2009, said state Treasurer Deborah Goldberg.

The state will pool the assets of 650 public safety pension funds outside Chicago into two new funds: one for police and one for firefighters.

The Illinois city faces garnishment of state funds to make up for pension shortfalls, threatening its ability to deliver core services, Moody's said.

Illinois lawmakers wrapped up the first half of their annual fall veto session leaving tough legislation for the second half, beginning Nov. 12.

J.B. Pritzker wants lawmakers to pool the assets of hundreds of local public safety pension funds outside Chicago into two statewide funds.

The continued low interest rate environment is compelling more cities to explore issuing the bonds.

Researchers found many pension plans have already taken significant steps to assure their long-term sustainabilty.

The Pritzker administration says it can now afford to make the full originally scheduled pension contribution without re-amortizing the funding timetable.

With a trillion dollar infrastructure deficit looming and a bill not yet on the table, many are wondering how pension funds could help.

Public pension funds are increasingly attracted to infrastructure investment.

The survey of securities firms showed pressures caused by unfunded pension obligations is expected to be the biggest issue for the muni market next year.

Peter Hayes, head of municipals at BlackRock, says liquidity is sound and muni funds can cope with outflows. He says that among the larger factors in their daily decision-making is the status of an issuers’ pension and OPEB liabilities along with bond structure. John Hallacy is host.

The New York City Comptroller is encouraging greater diversity among investment managers hired by the city’s pension funds.

One proposal is to use the Chicago water system to fund the Windy City’s public employee pension plans.