JOURNAL OF APPLIED BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS
Pension Plan Asset Allocations in an Age of Zero Interest Rates: Risks
Author(s): Thomas T. Amlie
Citation: Amlie Thomas T., (2016)"Pension Plan Asset Allocations in an Age of Zero Interest Rates: Risks," Journal of Applied Business and Economics, Vol. 18, Iss.4, pp. 11-15
Article Type: Research paper
Publisher: North American Business Press
Abstract:
Since the financial crisis of 2008, the financial markets have been subject to some unusual strains and
influences. Many observers believe US equity markets are overvalued, while yields on high-quality debt
instruments are at historic lows. In such an environment, managers of defined benefit pension plans may
have difficulty finding investments which can yield the levels of returns which are expected, without
shouldering excessive risks. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the problems and perils faced by asset
managers for defined benefit pension plans, to examine changes in asset allocations over the past 10
years, and to discuss the risks faced in the current environment.