Finnish pensions insurer Elo posted a slim 0.8% investment return in the first half, with unlisted assets producing the highest returns in its portfolio.Elo’s assets rose in value to €23.4bn by the end of June, compared to €22.6bn at the same point last year, according to its interim report.The firm’s market position strengthened particularly as a result of the pension insurance companies’ transfer periods, it said. Elo’s new premiums increased by €18.1m over the first half, bringing its market share to 25%.Elo’s CEO Satu Huber said: “Our market share has seen strong growth since Elo began its operations. We have invested in customer experience and service development, in particular.” Hanna Hiidenpalo, CIO at Elo said unlisted investments had generated the best returns during the first half of the year.“This supported the overall rate of return as returns in the securities markets were weighed down by the volatile economic climate,” she said.During the first half, Elo’s private equity allocation produced 6.7% and real estate returned 3.1%. Listed equities generated 0.3%, while fixed income investments made a 0.9% loss in the three-month period.VER recovers from Q1 lossMeanwhile, Valtion Eläkerahasto (VER), Finland’s state pension fund, saw investment losses in the first quarter corrected in the second, leading to a 0.5% return for January to June as a whole.Commenting on the investment environment in the reporting period, VER said that – among other factors – the Finnish equity market had performed well, although the trend had been reversed in late spring. In Europe and emerging markets the returns were lower, it said.Listed equities produced a 1.8% return in the first half, while private equity investments returned 9%, unlisted equities produced 3% and VER’s real estate investment trusts allocation generated 0.8%.Liquid fixed income made a 1.6% loss in the six-month period, but the category of “other fixed income investments” – which includes investments in private credit funds and direct lending to companies – made a 1.5% return.The fund said future monitoring and evaluation of the its investment activities would increasingly focus on long-term outcomes and future prospects instead of quarterly reporting. “However, VER will continue to post quarterly figures and comments to the same extent as previously,” it said.Although in real terms, the rate of return in the first six months of the year was negative at -0.3%, VER said its five-year average real return was 5.8% and 10-year real return 4.5%.The pension fund’s assets totalled €19.4bn at the end of June, down from €19.6bn at the end of 2017. read more

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The Fort St. John C4 Flyers are the recent winners of the Atom C Champions.The C4 Flyers were the only team in the playoff pool to go undefeated winning game one 7-5 over Pomeroy Flyers, winning game two 4-3 over Bailey Helicopters, and winning game three 4-3 over Dawson Creek Peace Country Toyota.In the finals, the C4 Flyers met once again with Bailey Helicopters. The Flyers managed to beat them in a close game of 3-2, winning the Atom C B-POOL division.- Advertisement – read more

George Groves believes he can stop former world champion Glencoffe Johnson in their Commonwealth super-middleweight title clash this weekend.Johnson has faced a number of top fighters, including Bernard Hopkins and Britain’s world champion Carl Froch, and he pulled off a shock win over American superstar Roy Jones in 2004.His defeats include only one stoppage, which came in the 11th round against the much-decorated Hopkins 15 years ago.But Hammersmith’s defending champion believes he can beat Johnson inside the distance in Saturday’s fight at the ExCel Arena.Groves, 24, said: “Clearly Glencoffe knows how to survive, even if he doesn’t come to survive.“Stopping him would make a huge statement. I do expect to stop him but don’t expect him to just fall over.”A victory would keep Groves on course for a world title shot next year.The super-middleweight division contains some outstanding fighters, not least the highly-regarded American Andre Ward, who holds the WBC and WBA titles.Rugged German Arthur Abraham has the WBO belt and is very much on Groves’ radar, while IBF champion Froch is still going strong.“I’d love a crack at Carl. He’s been such a great champion and I’ve so much respect for him,” said Groves.“He’s said he only wants a few more fights and I’d love to be one of them. That would be a huge fight for Britain – and I’d fight Arthur Abraham anywhere, any day of the week.“Andre Ward is the elite of the division – the best by some way. Ideally, I’d prefer a few more before facing him.“No-one’s even got close. I’d like to be the first to really trouble him in about a year’s time.”Another West Londoner, Steve O’Meara, will also be fighting for a Commonwealth title on Saturday’s bill.O’Meara faces unbeaten Liverpudlian Liam Smith for the vacant light-middleweight crown.See also:Watch the press conference to announce Groves’ clash with JohnsonGroves to face former champion JohnsonConfident Johnson fires warning to GrovesO’Meara to fight for Commonwealth titleWatch the Groves v Johnson pre-fight press conferenceJohnson speaks ahead of his fight with George GrovesGroves discusses Johnson and a potential clash with FrochDuo weigh in ahead of title showdownsWatch Groves and Johnson square-up at their weigh-inGroves and DeGale in new war of wordsO’Meara ready to seize title chanceDeGale backs O’Meara to win 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 Follow West London Sport on TwitterFind us on Facebook read more

So was “Hard Knocks: Training Camp With the Oakland Raiders” a big hit for HBO — or flop?It probably depends on who you ask.The annual fly-on-the-wall series produced by NFL Films finished its five-week run on Tuesday with mixed reviews from fans, TV critics and NFL observers. As for the audience, HBO and Nielsen report that an estimated 749,000 viewers watched the finale — a 13 percent increase over the previous week’s audience of 664,000.But you have to be careful with ratings reports … read more

The Supreme Court on Monday granted time to former Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to file his additional reply to the CBI’s claim that he withheld information relating to call data records of the accused in the chit fund scam. A Bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, which was to hear the CBI plea seeking custodial interrogation of Mr. Kumar in the scam, adjourned the hearing to April 30. “List the matters on April 30 by which time respondent No.3 (Kumar) may file additional affidavit, as prayed,” said the Bench, also comprising Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the CBI, said that despite getting the complete CDRs from mobile service providers, Vodafone and Airtel, Mr. Kumar withheld information with some ulterior motive. The CBI has alleged that on perusal of the CDRs and the information received from Vodafone, it has come to light that despite getting the complete records, Mr. Kumar did not provide all information to the central agency. Earlier, Mr. Kumar had alleged that he was targeted by the CBI due to “mala fide intent” and “conflict of interest” of former interim CBI director M. Nageshwara Rao as his family members were under the scanner post-demonetisation. He had alleged that in November 2016, a probe was initiated into some shell companies that prima facie were involved in receiving huge deposits and a FIR was registered. During the probe, role of one firm Agela Mercantiles Pvt. Ltd., came under the scanner and names of wife and daughter of Mr. Rao had come to light, he had said. read more

‘We are too hospitable,’ says Sotto amid SEA Games woes “He has taken interest in chatting with some of the game’s all-time greats and we’re supportive,” Brand told ESPN.The issue began Sunday when the Lakers lost at Philadelphia and Lakers president Johnson, a legendary player in his day, told reporters that Simmons had reached out wanting to set up a chat for after the season.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSPrivate companies step in to help SEA Games hostingSPORTSUrgent reply from Philippine ‍football chiefSPORTSPalace wants Cayetano’s PHISGOC Foundation probed over corruption charges“I said, ‘Hey, you’ve got to clear that with the league,’ and if everybody — the Sixers sign off, we sign off, the league signs off — fine, I will do that,” Johnson said.“I love his game. I love his vision. I love also, too, he’s very, in terms of basketball IQ, very high.” Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James, left, goes up for the shot as Philadelphia 76ers’ Ben Simmons, center, of Australia, and Jimmy Butler, right, look on during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, in Philadelphia. The 76ers won 143-120. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)Brand said he spoke briefly with Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka on the subject and knows Simmons’s agent, Rich Paul, is a long-time pal of James, but isn’t worried about any tampering, even though an NBA spokesman told ESPN the league is looking into the contact between the Lakers and Simmons.“No issue,” Brand said. “I have a great relationship with Ben and Rich and we expect him to be a Sixer for a long time.“I had brief dialogue with Rob Pelinka, who I’ve known for a long time, but nothing is planned. Our collective focus is on making a post-season push.“Again, we’re not sweating this — end of story.”Brand said he told Johnson more than a month ago he would not allow Johnson and Simmons to work out together. Both are large point guards and versatile playmakers.ADVERTISEMENT PH underwater hockey team aims to make waves in SEA Games PLAY LIST 02:42PH underwater hockey team aims to make waves in SEA Games01:44Philippines marks anniversary of massacre with calls for justice01:19Fire erupts in Barangay Tatalon in Quezon City01:07Trump talks impeachment while meeting NCAA athletes02:49World-class track facilities installed at NCC for SEA Games02:11Trump awards medals to Jon Voight, Alison Krauss Grace Poe files bill to protect govt teachers from malicious accusations Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. LATEST STORIES View comments US judge bars Trump’s health insurance rule for immigrants Private companies step in to help SEA Games hosting SEA Games hosting troubles anger Duterte Healthy Derrick Rose, Jeff Teague lead Timberwolves past Clippers ‘We are too hospitable,’ says Sotto amid SEA Games woes Philadelphia 76ers’ Ben Simmons reacts after being fouled during the second half of the team’s NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets, Friday, Feb. 8, 2019, in Philadelphia. Philadelphia won 117-110. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)NBA officials are investigating whether any tampering rules were violated following reports of the Philadelphia 76ers’ Australian star Ben Simmons seeking a meeting with Los Angeles Lakers president Magic Johnson, ESPN said Monday.Sixers general manager Elton Brand said Simmons had expressed an interest in talking to Johnson, but the team will not allow a workout for the Lakers. Simmons shares an agent with Lakers star LeBron James.ADVERTISEMENT Oil plant explodes in Pampanga town The Lakers were recently in talks with New Orleans for another of Paul’s clients, Anthony Davis, but no deal was struck by last week’s trade deadline.Johnson was fined $50,000 last year after comments made about Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next MOST READ Oil plant explodes in Pampanga town read more

TagsTransfersAbout the authorPaul VegasShare the loveHave your say Bournemouth due tidy Mings windfall from Aston Villaby Paul Vegas10 days agoSend to a friendShare the loveBournemouth are due a tidy cash windfall from Aston Villa.The Telegraph says are set to receive £250,000 from Villa as a result of Tyrone Mings making his England debut last night.Mings made a permanent switch to the Villans in the summer, in a deal the Daily Echo says could reach £26.5million.That includes an initial payment as well as performance-related add-ons.The first of those instalments is now due after Mings played in England’s 6-0 win over Bulgaria in Sofia. read more

jim harbaugh jameis winston crab legs storyLast April, Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston set the blogosphere on fire after it was revealed that he stole crab legs and crawfish from a Tallahassee Publix. Eventually, Winston was suspended from the baseball team, though he faced no suspension from the football team for his transgression. Still, it was a big deal.Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, who back then was the coach of the San Francisco 49ers, clearly hadn’t heard about Winston’s mistake. In a recent interview recorded for ESPN’s Draft Academy, Harbaugh and Michigan QB coach Jedd Fisch peppered both Winston and Baylor quarterback Bryce Petty with some questions they’ll face from real NFL teams. When Fisch brought up Winston’s “stone crab” issue, Harbaugh, who definitely had no clue what he was talking about, gave Winston a bewildered look. It’s incredible.Here’s a Vine of his reaction, per Barstool. Winston made a number of mistakes in his short time on campus – a few of which weren’t even mentioned in the clip. It’d be interesting to hear whether Harbaugh would be willing to take a chance on him – if he were still in the NFL. read more

___Trump comments upend US approach to Huawei, trade talksWASHINGTON (AP) — The United States and China have taken pains this week to emphasize that their trade talks are entirely separate from the U.S. case against a top Chinese technology executive. In the space of a few words, President Donald Trump obliterated the distinction, saying he would intervene in the case against Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of telecom giant Huawei, if it would help produce a trade agreement with China.___US officials: China poses serious national security threatWASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. national security officials say China’s cyber threats and the theft of intellectual property from American companies pose large economic and national security challenges for the United States. Assistant Attorney General John Demers says the U.S. “cannot tolerate a nation that steals the fruit of our brainpower.” Demers was among several officials testifying Wednesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee.___AP: Ivanka, Kushner could profit from tax break they pushedWASHINGTON (AP) — Government watchdogs say Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner created an ethical minefield when they became close advisers to President Donald Trump without divesting from their real estate investments. An Associated Press investigation finds the president’s daughter and son-in law could benefit from a program they pushed that offers massive tax breaks to developers. An ethics counsel for the couple says Ivanka Trump “adheres to the ethics advice she has received from counsel.”___Tencent Music shares rise on first trading dayNEW YORK (AP) — Shares in Chinese streaming music giant Tencent Music Entertainment rise nearly 8 per cent in their first day of trading. The company’s IPO of 82 million shares priced at $13 each and is expected to raise between $1.07 billion and $1.23 billion.___Britain’s May wins confidence vote, remains PMLONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Theresa May has won a confidence vote by Conservative Party lawmakers that could have brought her leadership to an abrupt end. In secret ballot on Wednesday, 200 lawmakers backed May and 117 voted against her.___States ask court to stop Trump from reviving US coal salesBILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Four states that say burning coal will hurt their residents as it makes climate change worse are trying to stop the Trump administration from selling vast reserves of the fuel that are beneath public lands. Attorneys for California, New Mexico, New York and Washington state argue the sales put the climate at risk and shortchange taxpayers. Administration officials say ending a moratorium on coal sales imposed under Obama was critical for the nation’s economy.___AP Interview: Jones says farmers scared by Trump’s tariffsWASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic Sen. Doug Jones says President Donald Trump’s talk of tariffs is sparking questions and anxiety back home in Alabama. Jones said in an Associated Press interview on Wednesday Democrats should work to improve trade and health care policies, but not focus now on impeachment. It’s the anniversary of his surprise election win in the red-state. Ahead of 2020, he says his old friend Joe Biden is best qualified to help Democrats win back heartland voters, but others will likely emerge.___Virgin Galactic aims to reach space soon with tourism rocketMOJAVE, Calif. (AP) — Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic is gearing up to finally send its rocket ship to the edge of space. If successful, it would be a major step toward the long-delayed dream of commercial space tourism. That test flight could come as early as Thursday with the spaceship soaring high above California’s Mojave Desert.___Wall Street ends higher with help from tech and health careNEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks gave up much of an early rally but still ended higher, led by gains in technology and health care companies. That helped reverse some of the market’s big losses from the week before. Traders were encouraged after the Wall Street Journal reported that China’s government could make changes to its “Made in China 2025” economic development plan. That could be one step toward easing dispute between the world’s two largest economies.___The S&P 500 index rose 14.29 points, or 0.5 per cent, to 2,651.07. The Dow gained 157.03 points, or 0.6 per cent, to 24,527.27. The Nasdaq composite jumped 66.48 points, or 0.9 per cent, to 7,098.31. The Russell 2000 index of smaller-company stocks added 15.19 points, or 1.1 per cent, to 1,455.32.Benchmark U.S. crude oil fell 1 per cent to $52.15 a barrel in New York. Brent crude, the international standard, lost 0.1 per cent to $60.15 per barrel in London. Wholesale gasoline dipped 1.3 per cent to $1.42 a gallon and heating oil was unchanged at $1.85 a gallon. Natural gas dropped 6.1 per cent to $4.14 per 1,000 cubic feet.The Associated Press read more