Transfer values and activity stabilise over June

Transfer values fell slightly during June 2019, as the number of DB transfers over the month also fell marginally. The findings were according to XPS Transfer Watch, which monitors how market developments have affected transfer values for an example member as well as how many members are choosing to take their transfer value. XPS Pensions Group’s Transfer Value Index stayed steadier over June but ended the month at £240,800; down from £241,500 at the end of May. The fall was said to have been “driven by a slight reduction in expectations for future inflation”. XPS Pensions Group’s Transfer Activity Index showed a “slight decrease” in the number of transfers that the administration business processed during June, compared to May. The transfers processed would imply an annual equivalent of 0.87% of eligible members, compared to 0.94% last month. This remained below the average that we have seen over the last 12 months, of 1.18%. The FCA has published the results of its analysis of firms carrying out pensions transfer advice between April 2015 and September 2018. This covered 234,951 instances of advice across 2,426 firms, revealing that 69% of members were recommended to transfer out of their pension schemes. Mark Barlow, senior consultant, XPS Pensions Group, said: “June has seen a welcome stabilisation of the transfer market. “Transfer values remain relatively flat and activity continues to run at an annual rate just below 1%.“The results of the FCA study into DB transfer advice are concerning. “In particular, the recommendation rates are significantly higher than that seen by our clients who have appointed a financial adviser to support their members. “There is a risk that members are making decisions that are not in their best interests and we welcome the steps that the FCA is taking to improve the standards of pension transfer advice.”

Transfer values and activity stabilise over June

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