OREANDA-NEWS. Fitch Ratings "2015: Analysis of the Pension Funds Industry; Dynamics of System Resources and Attractive Returns" discusses the evolution of the Saving for Retirement System (SAR) in 2015, as well as Fitch's expectation for the industry in 2016.

The agency highlights the positive evolution of the net assets of SAR from its inception and the increase of 8.3% from September 2014 to September 2015, when MXN2,469.6 billion were reached corresponding to 53.9 million of workers. This growth was boosted, among other factors, by mandatory and voluntary contributions, as well as the returns generated.

The report highlights the active role that the National Commission for the Pension System (Consar) had during 2015. The authority implemented regulatory modifications that will tend to benefit the net return and services offered to workers; and they also will continue strengthening the pension industry.

During 2015, the Pension Funds (Siefores) continued diversifying their portfolios, and as a result of months of uncertainty, the Afores (Pension Fund Managers) implemented a conservative strategy, which was reflected in a slight decrease in the weighted average term of the Siefores. Fitch believes that the tendency toward diversifying the portfolios will remain in order to benefit returns and that managers will seek flexibility in adapting their strategies to the existing environment and taking risk exposure into account.

The report also highlights the good performance of the Basic Siefores (SBs) in 2015. At the end of the third quarter of this year the SBs registered, in a five-year horizon, a 6.0% weighted compound average annual return, which was above inflation and other investment instruments in the market. The agency expects the returns remain positive and attractive for the workers in 2016.

Fitch estimates that Mexico's gross domestic product will increase more than 3.0% per annum, on average, as of 2016; after a lower than expected rise in 2014, and projected growth of 2.5% in 2015. Fitch expects the overview for this sector to be positive; however, the external environment will be a significant factor influencing the evolution of returns.

The special report "2015: Analysis of the Pension Funds Industry; Dynamics of System Resources and Attractive Returns", is available at www.fitchratings.com and www.fitchratings.mx.