UTC (UK) Pension Scheme - Annual Report & Chair's Statement

THE UTC COMMON INVESTMENT FUND

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Credit risk

The CIF is subject to credit risk because it directly invests in bonds, derivatives, has cash balances, enters into repurchase agreements and holds units in pooled investment vehicles (PIVs). The CIF has indirect exposure to credit risks from the underlying investments held by the pooled investment vehicles.

Analysis of direct credit risk as at 31 December 2024

Non- investment grade

Cash, other and unrated

Investment grade

2024 Value

2023 Value

Bonds

1,032,594

2,136

9,397

1,044,127

1,172,762

Derivatives - net

- - -

- - -

1,277 2,895

1,277 2,895

2,679

Cash PIVs

971

430,551

430,551

464,673

1,032,594

2,136

444,120

1,478,850

1,641,085

Investment grade bonds are those with particular ratings specified by credit rating agencies and/or investment managers. For instance, the credit ratings agency S&P consider investment grade bonds to be those with rating of BBB- and higher. Investment grade bonds are expected to have a lower risk of default than non-investment grade bonds, although some non-investment grade bonds may be classified as such because they do not have a specific rating attributed to them by a credit rating agency. The credit risk arising on bonds is mitigated by predominantly investing in government bonds and corporate bonds which are at least investment grade credit rated. The CIF also invests in high yield bonds, which are non-investment grade. The associated credit risk is mitigated by placing restrictions on the assets that may be held within the bond portfolio. Credit risk arising on derivatives depends on whether the derivative is exchange traded or over the counter (OTC). The CIF holds both exchange traded and OTC derivatives. OTC derivative contracts are not guaranteed by any regulated exchange and therefore the CIF is subject to risk of failure of the counterparty. The risk is reduced through collateral arrangements.

Cash is held within financial institutions which are at least investment grade credit rated.

Direct credit risk arising from pooled investment vehicles is mitigated by the underlying assets of the pooled arrangements being ring-fenced from the pooled manager, the regulatory environments in which the pooled managers operate and the ongoing due diligence of the pooled manager.

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