How do I know if my pension is being well managed during market turbulence?

First, a crucial caveat: "well managed" depends heavily on your age. A 35-year-old should have a very different portfolio to someone retiring next year.

A useful rule of thumb: think about when you'll actually spend each chunk of your pot - not just when you retire, since most people draw down

gradually over years. For each year until you need that money, hold roughly 10% in equities. So 5 years away: 50% equities, 50% bonds. More than 10 years away: equities throughout. Spending it soon? Keep it out of equities entirely.

• Compare performance against a benchmark

  The standard against which an investment is measured in order to judge its relative performance, asset allocation or risk. It’s usually an index or fund that is used as a point of comparison for investments made up of similar assets.
   — Trustnet and Morningstar both let you do this free

• Default funds often auto-adjust as you age ("lifestyling") check if yours does, and whether that automation fits your actual access plans

The markets context: Volatility

right now reflects genuine global uncertainty, but here's the counterintuitive bit: as long as your asset allocation is right for your timeframe, falling markets mean your current contributions are buying units at lower prices. Volatility can be your friend. Some short-term pain is normal, and panic-switching funds often locks in losses. Look through the noise and stick to a long-term plan.