Whilst these headlines can be alarming, it is important to remember that saving for a pension is a long term journey and it is normal for there to be periods of volatility along the way.
Whilst the value of the Scheme’s underlying assets vary, your core defined benefit (DB) accrued value does not change with market movements so the value of your pension is not impacted by the current volatility.
By contrast, the Scheme’s defined contributions (DC) do move up and down with market movements. The majority of our membership paying AVCs are invested in the LHPS ‘blended’ funds, either through our Lifestyle strategy or by choice from our ‘pick & mix’ range. These funds, and the funds used within the Scheme’s core defined benefit investment portfolio, are designed so that our investment manager, River and Mercantile, can move between a diversified range of assets and take account of market conditions with a view to making the journey as smooth as possible. The LHPS trustees meet River and Mercantile at least once every quarter to review the progress made and have been receiving more regular updates in light of the current volatility.
If you want to check how your AVC fund is doing you can sign into your account at mypension.com/LHPS. It is possible to opt in or out of the Lifestyle strategy, governed by the trustees, or make your own adjustment to the level of risk by switching between the funds in the ‘pick & mix’ range.
Remember it is a long-term journey and what matters is the value when you retire and not the day-to-day fluctuations.
For more information on the blended funds please see here