Long-Term Rates of Interest in the Valuation of a Pension Fund

1. It seems to be a common misconception outside the actuarial profession that those within that illustrious body are mysteriously able to peer into their crystal balls and come up with prophetic answers about the future progress of pension funds, insurance companies and other allied matters. The appearance of an actuarial report with its air of finality and disclosure of a definite surplus, deficiency, bonus declaration or whatever it may be, only endorses the impression that the actuary is reporting on the unique and unquestionable answer to the problem in hand.