The rapid spread of COVID-19 has created uncertainty here in Ontario and around the world. What effect are these developments having on OMERS and its investment portfolio? How is OMERS addressing movements in the market, and what steps are we taking to ensure normal levels of service to our members?
We have been actively monitoring the COVID-19 situation from the time of its emergence. With regard to OMERS investments – yes, we are seeing impacts, as are all investors worldwide. Specifically, we are seeing an impact on public markets, and we expect to see operating impacts on our private market assets.
However, our worldwide team of expert investors has been taking specific measures over the last several years to help safeguard our portfolio as much as possible in case of events just like this one. In the midst of all the COVID-19 news, it’s important to recall some key facts about OMERS:
While these markets are extremely difficult to navigate, we are confident that we will find our way through this cycle, and in selective ways, we will find opportunities to set ourselves up even stronger for the future.
As an organization with offices around the globe, we have a well-thought-out Business Continuity Plan (BCP) that comes into effect where our normal pension administration and investment operations face potential disruption. Through modified work arrangement measures such as working from home, we are pleased to say that we have been able to maintain operations worldwide.