New editor, Kelvin Chamunorwa, believes 2014 holds great promise and that actuaries are well-placed to seize the opportunities available
06 FEBRUARY 2014 | Kelvin Chamunorwa
Economic recovery is widely expected in much of the developed world this year. In the UK and the US, unemployment rates are improving faster than expected and the focus has now moved on to the withdrawal of the respective central banks' quantitative easing programmes. I sense a generally positive outlook for 2014 - if only that meant we could all sit back and let the good times roll.
Economic recovery is widely expected in much of the developed world this year. In the UK and the US, unemployment rates are improving faster than expected and the focus has now moved on to the withdrawal of the respective central banks' quantitative easing programmes. I sense a generally positive outlook for 2014 - if only that meant we could all sit back and let the good times roll.
The reality is that any growth might not be strong or sustained and there are real concerns around the impact of 'tapering' on long-term interest rates and asset prices. There is no denying that central bank action has had a profound eff ect on fi nancial markets over the past few years and is likely to continue to do so in the coming months. Actuaries' analysis and advice will be invaluable in helping stakeholders understand and manage the risk posed by the financial uncertainty. As a profession we have reason to be upbeat.
On a personal note, I feel privileged to have this opportunity to serve members of my profession as editor of The Actuary, and I'm delighted to join an editorial team with such zeal and commitment to the production of the magazine.
The first item on my action list was to interview Nick Silver, an actuary whose work is international and also encompasses environmental issues, two of the editorial themes this month. Silver advises governments of developing countries on pension and social security policy and is involved with various initiatives on climate change. He is proof of how actuaries' expertise is expanding and highly regarded beyond the more traditional areas (p18).
The Actuary provides a platform for members of the profession, and those with an interest in the work we do, to share their views and opinions on a wide range of issues, in all areas of specialism. The results of the recent readership survey show that the magazine appears to meet most needs well, and there is more we can do (p30). Your input is instrumental to achieving rich content, and I look forward to hearing from you. There is every opportunity to have your say.
Kelvin Chamunorwa Editor