We show empirically that there is no relation between funding of pensions and economic growth in a sample of OECD- as well as non-OECD countries over the period 2001-2008. This finding contradicts findings of earlier studies, which do not control for capital market returns of pension funds. Our...

We explore the implications of alternative methods of discounting future pension outlays for the valuation of funded pension liabilities. Measured liabilities affect the asset-liability ratio of pension funds and, thereby, their policies. Our framework for analysis is an applied many-generation...

Using a stochastic general equilibrium model with overlapping generations, this paper studies (i) the effects on both extensive and intensive labour supply responses to changes in fertility rates, and (ii) the potential of a retirement reform to mitigate the effects of fertility changes on...

This paper explores the introduction of collective risk-sharing elements in defined contribution pension contracts. We consider status-contingent, age-contingent and asset contingent risk-sharing arrangements. All arrangements raise aggregate welfare, as measured by equivalent variations. While...

In this study, we analyse the actuarial features of the Italian pension system after the 1995 reform. We consider both the old defined benefit, the pro-rata and the new notional defined contribution pension rules applied to private sector employees born between 1945 and 2000. In the...

Since the early 1990's the World Bank has utilized the multi-pillar framework as a model for the design and evaluation of pension systems. This model is derived from the principle that the primary functions of pension systems, (poverty alleviation, consumption smoothing and insurance) are most...

In this paper we use the actual rules and formulas of an occupational pension fund, the state pension fund and the tax system in the Netherlands to calculate net replacement rates at each age from 60 to 70 in full and partial retirement scenarios. We then vary the parameters of the pension...

How can public pension systems be reformed to ensure fiscal stability in the face of increasing life expectancy? To address this question, we use micro data to estimate a structural life-cycle model of individuals' employment, retirement and consumption decisions. We calculate that, in the case...

This discussion paper explores how EU law affects national pensions systems, be it directly (by regulating pensions explicitly) or indirectly (by providing a regulatory framework that must be respected in the field of pensions as well as in other fields). Moreover, the focus will be on some...

Financial literacy has important implications for economic reforms. Reforms are meant to change people's behavior and their effectiveness crucially depends on the ability of citizens to recognize and generally approve, their necessity, their general design and their “sense of direction”....