Brexit and Trump are low down the list of concerns for the over-55s, despite the fact they are concerned about market volatility and low interest rates in relation to their pension schemes.
New research from Fidelity International found that among people who had accessed their pension since April 2015, of those aged over-55 and in drawdown, Brexit and Trump scored the lowest of any potential fears around their retirement income.
Instead, low interest rates and market volatility weigh heavily on this group's mind, although, Fidelity said, pensions policy changes scores higher for women than men (70% vs 53%), coming in as their second biggest fear.
For men, this only just comes ahead of Brexit which was cited by exactly half of the men surveyed.
Richard Parkin, head of pensions policy at Fidelity International, said that it wasn't surprising that for those getting income from investments, market volatility and low interest rates scored highly.
He said: "To date the impact of Brexit and the change of president in the US has largely been the higher stock markets, so many people may see them as having a positive effect - but Brexit led to a fall in long-term interest rates that has resulted in lower yields.
"While we have seen some recovery from the lows of last year, fixed income yields are down sharply. Brexit is also starting to drive inflation higher, which will also impact those living on fixed incomes.
Parkin added that as the general election approaches in June, uncertainty around pensions' policy is never far from people's minds.
"For the past few years, there has never been a dull moment in the retirement industry and, if rumours are to be believed, it could get livelier.
"But constant change not only impacts those directly affected, but undermines overall confidence in the system.
"Wherever we end up, we must aim to create a framework that is simple, fair and sustainable which will give people the opportunity to plan their retirement with confidence."
First published 18.05.2017
Lindsay.sharman@wilmingtonplc.com
