02/11/2017
Retire and stop? Not in the future says pension forecaster. As the way we live changes so will our pensions, but planning for a reimagined pensions future is more important than ever.
Retire and stop? Not in the future says pension forecaster. As the way we live changes so will our pensions, but planning for a reimagined pensions future is more important than ever.
Kristen Foran explains why, when it comes to women and pensions, things are not improving.
As a leading pension provider to SMEs, Zurich is sponsoring the ISME conference taking place on 3 November at the Citywest Hotel, Dublin.
Irish pension funds returned 2.5% on average during September. The first nine months of 2017 have seen pension funds gain a respectable 4.3% on average according to Fiona Daly from Rubicon Investment Consulting.
Equity markets continued to perform strongly and earnings season picked up speed, Ian Slattery writes.
Whether it's the market's reaction to global events, the US political situation or the implications of Brexit, when it comes to asset allocation, David Warren, Chief Investment Officer for Zurich Life is a firm believer in active management.
As people live longer it's more important than ever to take an active part in planning our retirement funds. Managing your income in retirement is key says Pòl Ó Briain.
No significant changes were announced when Paschal Donohue, Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure & Reform delivered the Budget for 2018 to the Dáil.
Zurich marks world Mental Health Awareness Day with the launch of Tackle Your Feelings Employee Ambassador videos.
Zurich's Ian Slattery discusses wealth management and explains how pension investments work, what an investor should think about before choosing a fund or portfolio and why advice is key to smart financial decision-making.
If introduced to Ireland, auto enrolment would be the latest in a number of initiatives designed to bring more people under the pension umbrella and boost retirement savings.
Four Ulster Rugby players join forces with Rugby Players Ireland to support the Tackle Your Feelings campaign.
If you're coasting along in retirement, wouldn't you prefer to do it in a yacht rather than a lifeboat, asks Niall Fitzgerald, head of retail pension sales at Zurich?
Equities take Fed tightening talk in their stride to move higher, writes Ian Slattery in what was a choppy but positive week overall for equity investors.
Don't ignore the power of dividends, writes Ian Slattery. He talks us through dividends and the significant impact they can have on returns.
It was a positive week for global equities and the situation in North Korea failed to have a negative impact on the S&P 500 which hit 2,500 for the first time, writes Ian Slattery.
Richard Temperley and Ian Slattery examine the investment markets and discuss the key performers this month in the latest edition of the Zurich Life Podcast.
When it comes to pensions, it's never too late to plan for your retirement. Envisage now the life you want to have in retirement and enjoy living it when you get there.
Rather than question whether active versus passive investment management is the best approach, at Zurich we believe that the real question should be how active do you want to be? Ian Slattery reports.
As part of our Tackle Your Feelings mental and emotional wellbeing initiative, we asked a number of experts to share their insights on the importance of promoting holistic healing.
Ian Slattery discusses wealth management and explains how pension investments work, what an investor should think about before choosing a fund or portfolio and why knowledge is key to smart financial decision-making.
As part of our Tackle Your Feelings mental and emotional wellbeing initiative, we asked a number of experts to share their insights on the importance of promoting nutrition and natural healing.
Typically light late summer trading volumes and a scarcity of economic releases meant equity markets once more took their lead from geopolitical events, writes Ian Slattery.
The debate around the pension time bomb and the challenges facing the economy when it comes to pensions continues unabated. So in this Podcast Rose Leonard explains why an early savings habit will set you up for the future.
Students have long been the biggest demographic of renters in Ireland, traditionally leaving home to attend college for third level education. The problem now facing students and parents is the growing cost of student living, including escalating rents and a lack of adequate housing.
In his latest markets update, Ian Slattery reports on how global stocks finished slightly higher despite uncertainty over the US administration's pro-business agenda.
As part of our Tackle Your Feelings mental and emotional wellbeing initiative, we asked a number of experts to share their insights on the importance of promoting a healthy life.
According to Savills 18% of people in Ireland now live in private rental accommodation, which is 497,111 households. With no real history of long-term letting or leases and the introduction of Rent Pressure Zones to try to slow down rent increases, what next for renters?
Rising tensions between the US administration and North Korea led to a modest correction in risk assets last week, writes Ian Slattery as he delivers a round-up of investment news.
In this edition of the Zurich Life Ireland Podcast, Ian Slattery speaks to Richard Temperley about the performance of the markets as they give a comprehensive analysis for investors.
For renters looking to save and get on the property ladder, the big challenge is how to roll the dice and win.
Since its beginnings, the Zurich Apprenticeship Programme has been supporting apprentices through education and practical employment experience, and the results speak for themselves.
Ian Slattery examines what was a busy week for the markets as economic data from across the developed world continued to perform strongly.
Oil had its best week of the year so far as it rose 8.6% and was on pace to set a two month high going into the end of the week. But what were the other key performers, asks Ian Slattery?
If you rent your property you will still need the same protection as if you had a mortgage and by not having life insurance cover, generation rent could be generation lost.
Earnings from Facebook, Coca Cola, Nestle and Amazon are expected this week and a stronger euro is impacting equity returns for Eurozone investors. Ian Slattery reports.
Tackle Your Feelings is set to positively impact mental health in Ireland over the coming years, writes Richard McElwee from Rugby Players Ireland. He speaks to Elaine Hayes from Zurich's People Development team about the impact of Tackle Your Feelings in Zurich Ireland.
Through education and employment support, the Zurich Apprenticeship Programme has helped apprentices achieve their goals through learning and practical work experience.
Despite economic uncertainties, relative value still favours equities, writes David Warren in his Investment Outlook half year update.
Earnings season moved into full swing last week and the US market hit an all-time high, as Janet Yellen eases interest rate concerns. Ian Slattery reports.
Richard Temperley and Ian Slattery review the markets performance this month in the latest edition of the Zurich Life Podcast.
At Zurich we know how important it is to protect the things you love. That is why we are running a competition asking parents to share their stories of times they showed their protectiveness with the people they love.
The Cost of Education in Ireland report published by Zurich Life reveals that primary school education in Ireland is nearly twice as expensive as parents expect.
If you think you are too young to get life insurance, think again. You might be fit and healthy now but things can change. Wouldn't it be good to know that you have protection in place should something happen?
When taking out a life insurance policy questions often arise, and because circumstances can change, it's a good idea to regularly ask yourself if your cover is working for you.
The biggest sale in Europe this year, AIB's long awaited floatation sees the government set to raise €3.4 billion in the banks stake sale. Ian Slattery reports.
It's impossible to put a price on peace of mind. The good news is that life cover is not expensive and is a small price to pay for the reassurance that should something happen, you and your family are protected.
No one wants to think about what would happen if they became seriously ill or how they would continue to support themselves and their family. But it's important to plan now and be reassured that should the worst happen you are protected.
In this edition of the Zurich Life Podcast, Richard Temperley, our Head of Investment Development, gives insights and analysis on the investment markets with a focus on the strengthening of the euro currency.
It was a sluggish trading week for equities, as the market struggled to gain momentum in either direction, writes Ian Slattery.
The Dalkey Book Festival, presented by Zurich took place from 15th-18th June and saw yet another stellar line up of internationally renowned writers from across the globe.
Zurich is proud to be the official exhibition partner for Vermeer and the Masters of Genre Painting: Inspiration and Rivalry at the National Gallery of Ireland.
The stock market managed to successfully sidestep political events last week, including Theresa May losing out on a majority vote and former FBI Director James Comey's testimony. Ian Slattery reports.
US, UK and German equities all hit record highs, writes Ian Slattery, and all eyes will be on the UK as we await the General Election results on Thursday.
A first of its kind in Ireland, Zurich Life is pioneering a wearable technology pilot scheme to support the health goals of its life insurance customers.
Stocks rallied once again last week and US investors seem comfortable with the prospect of an upcoming interest rate hike from the Fed, writes Ian Slattery.
The Dalkey Book Festival, presented by Zurich takes place from 15th-18th June and promises yet another stellar line up of internationally renowned writers from across the globe.
Mental health is a growing health, social and economic concern in Ireland. Tackle Your Feelings (TYF) was established to encourage people to take preventative measures to maintain and improve their mental and emotional wellbeing.
In this latest Tackle Your Feelings campaign video, Connaught's most successful Rugby Coach Pat Lam explains why it's important to support people when they are under pressure or face challenges in their personal or work life.
In this edition of the Zurich Life Podcast, Ian Slattery looks at the performance of equity markets across the US and Europe, and discusses changes in asset allocation.
Every wanted to test your tackle strength? Tackle Your Feelings will be out in force this weekend with 'The Beast' tackle machine.
Ireland's rugby community was out in force last night as Conor Murray was voted the Zurich Players' Player of the Year 2017.
According to Rob Kearney, a previous recipient of the Zurich Players' Player of the Year Award, being nominated for the award is a huge achievement. So who will be crowned this year's Player of the Year?
Zurich won 'Best Use of Search - Finance' at the prestigious European Search Awards in Poland for the 'Cost of Education' campaign.
Following a landslide victory for Macron in the French presidential election, the initial reaction in equity markets appears to be muted, with the result broadly as expected, writes Ian Slattery.
Risk rating for individuals has also grown in popularity in recent years as another metric with which to help inform the investment decision, writes Ian Slattery.
Stocks moved higher over the course of the week as investors were buoyed by the French election results, writes Ian Slattery.
Ger Tyrrell explains how the State Contributory Pension is calculated, what the tax rates are currently and the reforms that are coming down the line.
The search for the next apprentice is on as Zurich launches its annual apprenticeship programme. University isn't the only option and starting an apprenticeship with Zurich means you can begin your career and earn while you learn.
Investors were caught off guard when Teresa May announced a snap election, and following the first round of the French elections, major exchanges traded in tight ranges, writes Ian Slattery.
Anthony Conroy, who is Associate Director of European Equities at Zurich Life, was featured in The Sunday Times where he spoke to Mark Channing about European equities, active fund management and investment strategy.
Ian Slattery reports that equity markets fell as volatility returned this week, sending the 'Fear Index' to its highest level since the US election in November.
In this edition of the Zurich Life Podcast, Richard Temperley and Ian Slattery give a comprehensive analysis of the investment markets and discuss Zurich's current fund position.
Group Risk has always been a great door opener when speaking to employers. But providing death-in-service benefits to employees is now becoming just the bare minimum, writes Kate McNamara.
It was a good week for eurozone bonds and equities held their own despite a volatile political backdrop and the continuing conflict in Syria. But will the super powers restore stability to the market, Ian Slattery asks?
Will you qualify for the State Pension and how many PRSI contributions must you make before retiring, are common questions many people ask when planning for their future retirement. Ger Tyrrell answers these and other age-old questions.
Equities closed out the quarter by posting a weekly gain as the S&P 500 gave a positive return for the sixth consecutive quarter, writes Ian Slattery.
Tackle Your Feelings seeks to emphasise the importance of preventative measures in maintaining good mental wellbeing. Elaine Hayes, CR spokesperson for Zurich Insurance, talks about the company's wellbeing agenda in Ireland.
US stocks were on the defensive last week as markets shifted focus to the prospects of the US administration implementing their economic plans. Ian Slattery reports.
On Friday 31st March, Zurich will mark National Wellbeing Day with the aim of encouraging employees to get active and improve their mental and physical health.
Confidence in the US economy was matched by further positivity with the Conference Board's index of leading economic indicators now sitting at its best level in over 10 years, writes Ian Slattery.
In this edition of the Zurich Life Ireland Podcast, Ian Slattery speaks to Richard Temperley about the performance of the equity markets and sector rotation, which is something that has been on the investor's radar recently.
Zurich won awards for Best Life Assurance Company and Best Innovation in Financial Services at the prestigious Longboat Analytics Financial Services Awards.
At Zurich we don't believe in settling for an average market return over the lifetime of an investment. Instead we are firm believers in a top-down active asset allocation approach that drives our investment decisions, writes Joe Creegan.
The much anticipated FOMC meeting takes place this week will include economic projections, GDP and inflation for the US. Over in the UK, Theresa May might decide to trigger article 50 so it could be an interesting week for the markets, writes Ian Slattery.
As part of International Women's Day, the Zurich Women's Innovation Network (WIN) hosted an event in Dublin that celebrated diversity and leadership.
Ian Slattery reports that US stocks hit record highs last week and an interest-rate increase is likely at the central bank's upcoming meeting if employment and inflation continue to meet policy makers' expectations.
Pax Financial Planning and Zurich teamed up to present a cheque for €10,000 to the Marie Keating Foundation. This significant donation will go a long way towards helping people who are undergoing treatment for cancer.
Despite a backdrop of political turmoil the markets have continued to perform strongly and 65% of companies have beaten their earnings per share estimates, writes Richard Temperley.
Recognising excellence in the investment and insurance industry, Zurich was rewarded for its strong performance with six awards at this year's IBA Insurance Service Awards.
Ian Slattery reports on the strong performance of the stock market as the FTSE All-World index hit a record high as economic data continues to be positive.
In this edition of the Zurich Life Ireland Podcast, Richard Temperley discusses the markets from a global macro perspective followed by in-depth analysis on how the movements affect Zurich's range of funds.
Zurich has been shortlisted in three categories for this year's Digital Media Awards, which recognise excellence in media and digital marketing.
Self-awareness is key to good mental and emotional wellbeing. IRUPA, in partnership with Zurich through the Tackle Your Feelings campaign, is equipping people with the tools and resources to reach their wellbeing potential.
Stocks rallied as tax policy reform proposals from the new US administration came into focus and the S&P 500 hasn't closed up or down by more than 1% in a single session since early December. Ian Slattery reports.
Zurich's Chief Investment Officer David Warren was featured in The Sunday Times where he spoke to Mark Channing about the economic outlook and the Prisma range of multi-asset funds, which are designed to suit investors with different attitudes to risk.
Rose Leonard explains how Zurich's Personalised GuidePath empowers employees to learn what their appetite for risk is, decide how they want to take their benefits in retirement and the date they plan on drawing down their pension.
Following the fallout and extensive media coverage of President Trump's travel ban, equities dropped as political policy concerns came to the fore. Ian Slattery reports.
St Mary's stand shoulder to shoulder with Tackle Your Feelings, a show of support that is indicative of rugby fans unwavering patronage, writes IRUPA's Richard McElwee.
Zurich's award winning protection solutions not only deliver many market leading features but are more affordable than ever with our discount offer.
In 2016, Zurich's multi-asset funds were the top performing risk targeted multi-asset funds in Ireland. This year the Pathway Funds are being rebranded as Prisma and although the name will change they will still have the same great performance.
European stocks performed well despite some surprises on the political front, and in the US it was a positive week for the markets as President Trump starts delivering on his election policy promises, writes Ian Slattery.
'Generation Rent' is in a precarious position financially and could end up being 'Generation Lost' if they don't adequately protect themselves, writes Niall Concannon.
The markets were cautious last week in advance of the US presidential inauguration, but this week all eyes will be on the UK and the US as Q4 GDP results are released. Ian Slattery reports.
Despite Brexit, the US presidential election, the Italian referendum result and a US interest rate rise, it was good news for equities as they remained attractively valued, Richard Temperley reports.
Do you have drive and ambition? Are your motivated to work for a global organisation and develop your career and leadership capabilities? Then Zurich's Insurance Graduate Development Programme could be for you.
Ian Slattery reports on uncertainty across the markets with the atmosphere on Wall Street cautious as it digested a mixed week of news.
The team at Zurich Investments look at the year ahead to see how the economic and political landscape will shape and influence the performance of the investment markets.
Whether you're moving house, saving for a wedding or your children's education, planning on buying a car, or looking to reduce your household bill, kick-start your new year saving plan with €100 from Zurich.
David Warren explains how Zurich navigated its way through times of market stress in 2016 and why volatility in investment markets and positive returns from equities are two main trends that will continue in 2017.
Equity markets open the year in positive fashion, writes Ian Slattery as stocks respond positively to GDP growth projections and the potential for fiscal stimulus.
IRUPA's Tackle Your Feelings campaign is receiving widespread coverage across a number of platforms. Campaign Manager, Créde Sheehy-Kelly talks to Conall O'Morain on Today FM's Sunday Business Show and explains the driving force behind the initiative.
Although market volumes were markedly lower in light of a shortened week of trading due to the holidays, the strong rally seen over the previous seven weeks should not be underestimated, Ian Slattery reports.
Learn some simple steps you can take to turn unnecessary household costs into cash. Read our A - Z guide now on how to make big savings in your home.
The cost of sending your children through school can be expensive. Our A-Z guide gives you pointers on how to budget for your children's education.
The cost of purchasing and running a car can quickly add up. It's important to make savings wherever you can when buying a new vehicle. Read our A - Z guide now on how to make big savings on the cost of your car.
From budgeting to boxing clever, find out how to make big savings and take some of the stress out of moving house. Read the A - Z guide now.
From the dress to the meal, find out how to make savings on your wedding costs while still enjoying your perfect day. Read the A - Z guide now.
There was a sharp rally in US equities as markets reacted positively to President-elect Donald Trump's expected reflationary policies, writes Richard Temperley.
The Federal Reserve's decision to raise the official borrowing cost by 0.25% on Wednesday evening was predictable, writes Ian Slattery, but the real surprise came when three rate rises in 2017 were forecasted.
From snowflakes and funny snowball fights, to building snowmen and tobogganing down snow-capped hills, the season of the snowmen is well and truly here.
Richard Temperley explains how investors can maximise their chances of achieving their objectives by taking an active selection approach and by using asset allocation as the driver of returns.
Tackle Your Feelings hits the big screen this December when a trailer will be shown in all 25 Omniplex cinemas nationwide before the new Star Wars film.
European stocks hit an 11-month high and US stocks reached fresh record highs as the post US election rally continued in earnest, Ian Slattery reports.
Zurich was recognised with the 'Best Life Assurance and Pensions' award at the 2016 InBusiness Recognition Awards ceremony in Dublin.
Zurich's fund manager Philip Duggan was featured in The Sunday Times where he spoke to Mark Channing about his responsibilities as part of the team at Zurich Investments.
Global stocks closed out the week on a cautious note in advance of the Italian referendum which the polls correctly predicted would result in a 'No' vote, writes Ian Slattery.
It was a throwback to the 90s last week, writes Ian Slattery, as record highs were reported for the top four US equity indexes.
Despite the industry's best efforts to increase awareness, pension coverage is still at relatively low levels in Ireland, writes Rose Leonard.
Despite uncertainty across the political landscape, the US market broke out of its long-term trading range on the upside in July and has held onto this position, writes Richard Temperley.
US markets stayed close to all-time highs as they continued to digest the potential policies that the new Trump administration may employ, writes Ian Slattery.
IRUPA's Tackle Your Feelings campaign has received widespread media coverage since it launched in March and Zurich has played a central role in encouraging conversations around mental and emotional wellbeing.
Following the initial shock of the presidential election result, equities rallied with the prospect of increased US government spending.
When Donald Trump won the 2016 presidential election it became apparent that the new president will govern a divided country.
Equities remain under pressure ahead of the US election but come Wednesday morning it will be clear who the next President of the United States will be.
With the US election upcoming it's a case of wait and see what the effects on the investment market will be, writes Ian Slattery.
How much is the State pension and what will I be entitled to on my retirement, are questions people ask when thinking about their financial future.
Ken Hughes shares consumer insights and gives a deeper understanding of millennials' behaviour, their interaction and engagement with brands.
Richard Saunders examines the changing landscape in the aftermath of Brexit and explores what the economic future might look like.
In an interview with Dan O'Brien, Niamh Mac Sweeney asks how the economy is performing and how growth prospects will affect the millennial generation.
Minister Varadkar highlights the challenges for State pension provision and puts forward suggestions that could bridge the pension divide.