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Optimal Portfolios In Defined Contribution Pension Systems

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  • EDUARDO WALKER

    (Escuela de Administración, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile)

Abstract

We study optimal portfolios for defined contribution (possibly mandatory) pension systems, which maximize expected pensions subject to a risk level. By explicitly considering the present value of future individual contributions and changing the risk-return numeraire to future pension units we obtain interesting insights, consistent with the literature, in a simpler context. Results naturally imply that the local indexed (inflation-adjusted) currency is the benchmark and that the investment horizon is long. Optimal portfolios have a hedging component with an even longer duration than a deferred (real) pension, which begins its lifetime payments upon retirement. Results are illustrated with the parameters obtained for the United States by Campbell and Viceira (2001). It also discusses the implications for emerging market reformed pension systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Eduardo Walker, 2006. "Optimal Portfolios In Defined Contribution Pension Systems," Abante, Escuela de Administracion. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile., vol. 9(2), pages 99-129.
    • Handle: RePEc:pch:abante:v:9:y:2006:i:2:p:99-129
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    File URL: http://www.abante.cl/files/ABT/Contenidos/Vol-9-N2/Walker.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Castaneda, Pablo, 2006. "Long Term Risk Assessment in a Defined Contribution Pension System," MPRA Paper 3347, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 30 Apr 2007.
    2. Cristian Escudero & José L. Ruiz, 2021. "Life insurance companies’ investment abroad and the internal rate of return on Chilean annuities," The Geneva Papers on Risk and Insurance - Issues and Practice, Palgrave Macmillan;The Geneva Association, vol. 46(4), pages 688-709, October.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Optimal portfolio; Defined contribution; Pension reform; Deferred pension; Emerging markets;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • G18 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Government Policy and Regulation
    • G23 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Non-bank Financial Institutions; Financial Instruments; Institutional Investors

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