Asset allocation for a DC pension fund with stochastic income and mortality risk: A multi-period mean–variance framework

This paper investigates an asset allocation problem for defined contribution pension funds with stochastic income and mortality risk under a multi-period mean–variance framework. Different from most studies in the literature where the expected utility is maximized or the risk measured by the quadratic mean deviation is minimized, we consider synthetically both to enhance the return and to control the risk by the mean–variance criterion. First, we obtain the analytical expressions for the efficient investment strategy and the efficient frontier by adopting the Lagrange dual theory, the state variable transformation technique and the stochastic optimal control method. Then, we discuss some special cases under our model. Finally, a numerical example is presented to illustrate the results obtained in this paper.     

Equilibrium investment strategy for DC pension plan with default risk and return of premiums clauses under CEV model

This paper considers an optimal investment problem for a defined contribution (DC) pension plan with default risk in a mean–variance framework. In the DC plan, contributions are supposed to be a predetermined amount of money as premiums and the pension funds are allowed to be invested in a financial market which consists of a risk-free asset, a defaultable bond and a risky asset satisfied a constant elasticity of variance (CEV) model. Notice that a part of pension members could die during the accumulation phase, and their premiums should be withdrawn. Thus, we consider the return of premiums clauses by an actuarial method and assume that the surviving members will share the difference between the return and the accumulation equally. Taking account of the pension fund size and the volatility of the accumulation, a mean–variance criterion as the investment objective for the DC plan can be formulated, and the original optimization problem can be decomposed into two sub-problems: a post-default case and a pre-default case. By applying a game theoretic framework, the equilibrium investment strategies and the corresponding equilibrium value functions can be obtained explicitly. Economic interpretations are given in the numerical simulation, which is presented to illustrate our results.     

Worst-case robust decisions for multi-period mean–variance portfolio optimization

In this paper, we extend the multi-period mean–variance optimization framework to worst-case design with multiple rival return and risk scenarios. Our approach involves a min–max algorithm and a multi-period mean–variance optimization framework for the stochastic aspects of the scenario tree. Multi-period portfolio optimization entails the construction of a scenario tree representing a discretised estimate of uncertainties and associated probabilities in future stages. The expected value of the portfolio return is maximized simultaneously with the minimization of its variance. There are two sources of further uncertainty that might require a strengthening of the robustness of the decision. The first is that some rival uncertainty scenarios may be too critical to consider in terms of probabilities. The second is that the return variance estimate is usually inaccurate and there are different rival estimates, or scenarios. In either case, the best decision has the additional property that, in terms of risk and return, performance is guaranteed in view of all the rival scenarios. The ex-ante performance of min–max models is tested using historical data and backtesting results are presented.     

A possibilistic mean-semivariance-entropy model for multi-period portfolio selection with transaction costs

This paper deals with a multi-period portfolio selection problem with fuzzy returns. A possibilistic mean-semivariance-entropy model for multi-period portfolio selection is presented by taking into account four criteria viz., return, risk, transaction cost and diversification degree of portfolio. In the proposed model, the return level is quantified by the possibilistic mean value of return, the risk level is characterized by the lower possibilistic semivariance of return, and the diversification degree of portfolio is measured by the originally presented possibilistic entropy. Furthermore, a hybrid intelligent algorithm is designed to obtain the optimal portfolio strategy. Finally, the comparison analysis between the possibilistic entropy model and the proportion entropy model is provided by two numerical examples to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed approaches and the designed algorithm.     

Optimal investment strategies and risk-sharing arrangements for a hybrid pension plan

A continuous time stochastic model is used to study a hybrid pension plan, where both the contribution and benefit levels are adjusted depending on the performance of the plan, with risk sharing between different generations. The pension fund is invested in a risk-free asset and multiple risky assets. The objective is to seek an optimal investment strategy and optimal risk-sharing arrangements for plan trustees and participants so that this proposed hybrid pension system provides adequate and stable income to retirees while adjusting contributions effectively, as well as keeping its sustainability in the long run. These goals are achieved by minimizing the expected discount disutility of intermediate adjustment for both benefits and contributions and that of terminal wealth in finite time horizon. Using the stochastic optimal control approach, closed-form solutions are derived under quadratic loss function and exponential loss function. Numerical analysis is presented to illustrate the sensitivity of the optimal strategies to parameters of the financial market and how the optimal benefit changes with respect to different risk aversions. Through numerical analysis, we find that the optimal strategies do adjust the contributions and retirement benefits according to fund performance and model objectives so the intergenerational risk sharing seem effectively achieved for this collective hybrid pension plan.     

Valuation of the interest rate guarantee embedded in defined contribution pension plans

In this research, we derive the valuation formulae for a defined contribution pension plan associated with the minimum rate of return guarantees. Different from the previous studies, we work on the rate of return guarantee which is linked to the δ-year spot rate. The payoffs of interest rate guarantees can be viewed as a function of the exchange option. By employing Margrabe’s [Margrabe, W., 1978. The value of an option to exchange one asset for another. Journal of Finance 33, 177–186] option pricing approach, we derive general pricing formulae under the assumptions that the interest rate dynamics follow a single-factor HJM (1992) [Heath. D. et al., 1992. Bond pricing and the term structure of interest rates: a new methodology for contingent claims valuation. Econometrica 60, 77–105] interest rate model and the asset prices follow a geometric Brownian motion. The volatility of the forward rates is assumed to be exponentially decaying. The formula is explicit for valuing maturity guarantee (type-I guarantee). For multi-period guarantee (type-II guarantee), the analytical formula only exists when the guaranteed rate is the one-year spot rate. The accuracy of the valuation formulae is illustrated with numerical analysis. We also investigate the effect of mortality and the sensitivity of key parameters on the value of the guarantee. We find that type-II guarantee is much more costly than the type-I guarantee, especially with a long duration policy. The closed form solution provides the advantage in valuing pension guarantees.     

Minimization of risks in defined benefit pension plan with time‐inconsistent preferences

In this paper, we investigate the defined benefit pension plan, where the object of the manager is to minimise the contribution rate risk and the solvency risk by considering a quadratic performance criterion. To incorporate some well‐documented behavioural features of human beings, we consider the situation where the discounting is non‐exponential. It leads to a time‐inconsistent control problem in the sense that the Bellman optimality principle does no longer hold. In our model, we assume that the benefit outgo is constant, and the pension fund can be invested in a risk‐free asset and a risky asset whose return follows a geometric Brownian motion. We characterise the time‐consistent strategies and value function in terms of the solution of a system of integral equations. The existence and uniqueness of the solution is verified, and the approximation of the solution is obtained. Some numerical results of the equilibrium contribution rate and equilibrium investment policy are presented for three types of discount functions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Precommitment and equilibrium investment strategies for defined contribution pension plans under a jump–diffusion model

In this paper, we study an optimal investment problem under the mean–variance criterion for defined contribution pension plans during the accumulation phase. To protect the rights of a plan member who dies before retirement, a clause on the return of premiums for the plan member is adopted. We assume that the manager of the pension plan is allowed to invest the premiums in a financial market, which consists of one risk-free asset and one risky asset whose price process is modeled by a jump–diffusion process. The precommitment strategy and the corresponding value function are obtained using the stochastic dynamic programming approach. Under the framework of game theory and the assumption that the manager’s risk aversion coefficient depends on the current wealth, the equilibrium strategy and the corresponding equilibrium value function are also derived. Our results show that with the same level of variance in the terminal wealth, the expected optimal terminal wealth under the precommitment strategy is greater than that under the equilibrium strategy with a constant risk aversion coefficient; the equilibrium strategy with a constant risk aversion coefficient is revealed to be different from that with a state-dependent risk aversion coefficient; and our results can also be degenerated to the results of He and Liang (2013b) and Björk et al. (2014). Finally, some numerical simulations are provided to illustrate our derived results.     

Pension funds as institutions for intertemporal risk transfer

A continuous time overlapping generation model is used to analyse defined-contribution pension plans. Without intergenerational risk transfer between employees the optimal investment strategy results from the Merton model. Introducing intergenerational risk transfer leads to an increase in the risk tolerance of future employees and allows us to improve their anticipated expected utility resulting from accrued retirement benefits. Of course, this leads to a risk of temporary underfunding. But even for an underfunded pension plan one can guarantee that in the long run, the median of the funding ratio exceeds one.     

Multi-period defined contribution pension funds investment management with regime-switching and mortality risk

Using mean–variance criterion, we investigate a multi-period defined contribution pension fund investment problem in a Markovian regime-switching market. Both stochastic wage income and mortality risk are incorporated in our model. In a regime-switching market, the market mode changes among a finite number of regimes, and the market state process is modeled by a Markov chain. The key parameters, such as the bank interest rate, or expected returns and covariance matrix of stocks, will change according to the market state. By virtue of Lagrange duality technique, dynamic programming approach and matrix representation method, we derive expressions of efficient investment strategy and its efficient frontier in closed-form. Also, we study some special cases of our model. Finally, a numerical example based on real data from the American market sheds light on our theoretical results.     

考虑破产控制的多期模糊资产-负债组合优化模型

在实际的投资决策过程中,一些投资者需要同时管理资产和负债,因此本文研究考虑破产控制和偿债行为的资产-负债管理问题。假设风险资产的收益率和负债的增长率为模糊数,用资产-负债组合的可能性期望和下半绝对偏差度量其收益和风险,以最大化最终期望净财富和最小化最终累积风险为目标,建立了允许限制性卖空的多期模糊资产-负债组合优化模型。然后,设计了一个基于粒子群算法和模拟退火算法的混合智能算法对模型进行求解。最后,通过实例分析说明了所设计算法与传统粒子群算法相比具有更好的优化性能和稳定性。本文所提出策略可以为需要同时管理资产和负债的投资者提供决策支持。     

Pension funding problem with regime‐switching geometric Brownian motion assets and liabilities

This paper extends the pension funding model in (N. Am. Actuarial J. 2003; 7 :37–51) to a regime‐switching case. The market mode is modeled by a continuous‐time stationary Markov chain. The asset value process and liability value process are modeled by Markov‐modulated geometric Brownian motions. We consider a pension funding plan in which the asset value is to be within a band that is proportional to the liability value. The pension plan sponsor is asked to provide sufficient funds to guarantee the asset value stays above the lower barrier of the band. The amount by which the asset value exceeds the upper barrier will be paid back to the sponsor. By applying differential equation approach, this paper calculates the expected present value of the payments to be made by the sponsor as well as that of the refunds to the sponsor. In addition, we study the effects of different barriers and regime switching on the results using some numerical examples. The optimal dividend problem is studied in our examples as an application of our theory. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Optimal investment for a pension fund under inflation risk

This paper investigates an optimal investment problem faced by a defined contribution (DC) pension fund manager under inflationary risk. It is assumed that a representative member of a DC pension plan contributes a fixed share of his salary to the pension fund during the finite time horizon [0, T]. The pension contributions are invested continuously in a risk-free bond, an index bond and a stock. The objective is to maximize the expected utility of terminal value of the pension fund. By solving this investment problem we present a way to deal with the optimization problem, in case there is a (positive) endowment (or contribution), using the martingale method.     

基于Stein-Stein波动率和动态VaR约束下DC型养老基金的最优投资策略

研究了确定缴费型养老基金在退休前累积阶段的最优资产配置问题.假设养老基金管理者将养老基金投资于由一个无风险资产和一个价格过程满足Stein-Stein随机波动率模型的风险资产所构成的金融市场.利用随机最优控制方法,以最大化退休时刻养老基金账户相对财富的期望效用为目标,分别获得了无约束情形和受动态VaR (Value at Risk)约束情形下该养老基金的最优投资策略,并获得相应最优值函数的解析表达形式.最后通过数值算例对相关理论结果进行数值验证并考察了最优投资策略关于相关参数的敏感性.     

The effect of information in separable Bayesian semi-Markov control models and its application to investment planning

We consider a separable Bayesian semi-Markov control model to describe economic decisions under uncertainty. Our main interest is to examine the influence of the possibility of learning on the economic decisions and on the total expected return in a multi-period framework. We make use of the concept of Blackwell-sufficiency and apply the results to multi-period investment planing under uncertainty.     

Optimal management of DC pension plan under loss aversion and Value-at-Risk constraints

This paper studies the risk management in a defined contribution (DC)pension plan. The financial market consists of cash, bond and stock. The interest rate in our model is assumed to follow an Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process while the contribution rate follows a geometric Brownian Motion. Thus, the pension manager has to hedge the risks of interest rate, stock and contribution rate. Different from most works in DC pension plan, the pension manger has to obtain the optimal allocations under loss aversion and Value-at-Risk(VaR) constraints. The loss aversion pension manager is sensitive to losses while the VaR pension manager has to ensure the quality of wealth at retirement. Since these problems are not standard concave optimization problems, martingale method is applied to derive the optimal investment strategies. Explicit solutions are obtained under these two optimization criterions. Moreover, sensitivity analysis is presented in the end to show the economic behaviors under these two criterions.     

Asset liability management for open pension schemes using multistage stochastic programming under Solvency-II-based regulatory constraints

Open private pension schemes are subject to risk-based regulation. In this context, asset and liability management (ALM) frameworks for pension plan operators are increasingly based on multistage stochastic programming (MSP). The significant advances in MSP modeling notwithstanding, previous works ignore risk-based regulatory constraints such as those in the Solvency II Directive. In this work, we propose an ALM model for open pension schemes based on an MSP model with a thorough representation of a risk-based regulation. Our proposal aims to define a dynamic optimal asset allocation including a detailed depiction of bond coupon payments, based on insolvency risk measures over a planning horizon. We present a realistic case study based on the Brazilian market, where the regulator imposes Solvency-II-compatible constraints on credit, underwriting, and operational risks. We develop a computationally tractable MSP model with explicit regulatory constraints, which induce risk aversion for even risk-neutral open pension plan operators.     

A utility-based comparison of pension funds and life insurance companies under regulatory constraints

This paper compares two different types of annuity providers, i.e. defined benefit pension funds and life insurance companies. One of the key differences is that the residual risk in pension funds is collectively borne by the beneficiaries and the sponsor’s shareholders while in the case of life insurers it is borne by the external shareholders. First, this paper employs a contingent claim approach to evaluate the risk return tradeoff for annuitants. For that, we take into account the differences in contract specifications and in regulatory regimes. Second, a welfare analysis is conducted to examine whether a consumer with power utility experiences utility gains if she chooses a defined benefit plan or a life annuity contract over a defined contribution plan. We demonstrate that regulation can be designed to support a level playing field amongst different financial institutions.     

Mean–variance efficiency of DC pension plan under stochastic interest rate and mean-reverting returns

This paper studies the optimization problem of DC pension plan under mean–variance criterion. The financial market consists of cash, bond and stock. Similar to Guan and Liang (2014), we assume that the instantaneous interest rate is an affine process including the Cox–Ingersoll–Ross (CIR) model and Vasicek model. However, we assume that the expected return of the stock follows a completely different mean-reverting process, which can well display the bear and bull features of the market, and the market price of the stock index is the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process. The pension manager thus has to undertake the risks of interest rate and market price of stock index. Besides, a special stochastic contribution rate is formulated. The goal of the pension manager is to maximize the expected terminal value and minimize the variance of terminal value. We will use the technique developed by Guan and Liang (2014) to tackle this problem and derive the closed-forms of efficient frontier and strategies. Numerical analysis is given in the end of this paper to show the economic behavior of the efficient frontier and strategies.     

A new defined benefit pension risk measurement methodology

Defined benefit pension plan sponsors have taken on greater risks for sponsoring these plans in the last several years. Due to ever increasing concerns of longevity risk and the weak economic environment, sponsors are eager to understand their pension-related risks to facilitate optimal enterprise decision-making. Borrowing an analytical framework from the life insurance and annuity industry where the amount of risk is framed in terms of the total assets required to remain solvent over a one-year period with a high level of confidence, i.e., the economic capital approach, this paper develops a benchmark risk measure for pension sponsors by obtaining a total asset requirement for sustaining the pension plan. The difference between the total asset requirement and the actual trust assets thus provides a measure of sponsor assets at risk due to plan sponsorship. Two factor-based approaches are proposed for this calculation. The first approach develops a set of pension-specific factors as if the pension plan were a group annuity. The second approach directly simulates the risk drivers of the pension plan and develops a framework for obtaining factors and calculating the pension risk given a desired confidence level. Our approach is very easy to implement and monitor in practice.