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Dark Pools—Opaque Off-Exchange Markets—Face Scrutiny
Dark pools, often a place for institutional investors to trade anonymously in large quantities, are now under pressure from the SEC.
Netherlands, Australia, Sweden, and Canada Top Global Pension Index
The United States and United Kingdom received only middling grades, with Japan and its massive defined benefit system coming in last.
In Third Quarter, Venture Deal Size Dwindles Alongside Fundraising
A likely result of weak fundraising, venture capital firms are doing smaller—but not fewer—deals than in Q2.
Gaining Clout, Top 10 SWFs Invest $1 Trillion in Stocks
Although still relatively small compared to total global stock market capitalization, SWFs are becoming more prevalent equity investors. A lack of compliance with the Santiago Principles, however, may stoke fears in some economies.
Rice University, Following Drawdown, Creates Investment Company
Following in the footsteps of Harvard and others, Rice has established the Rice Management Co., which will look after the school’s $3.6 billion endowment.
Former SEC Chairman Levitt Calls for Probe of Public Pensions
Following scandal at New York’s Common Fund and CalPERS, former Chairman Arthur Levitt is calling on President Obama to launch a countrywide investigation into middlemen and public pension funds.
Harvard Confirms Swap, Real Estate Losses
Although the fund was known to be down 27% on the year, the recently released annual report shows that the University lost big on interest-rate swaps and real estate in fiscal 2009—and that the University also was, unusually, investing much of its General Operating Account alongside the rest of the endowment.
As Europe Regulates, Study Shows Pensions Could Be Losers
A study by Charles River Associates states that European pensions could see limited investment options and weaker returns due to the draft directive on alternative asset management.
Eyeing His Next Target, Cuomo Goes after Sole Trustees
Moving his gaze from placement agents to the men and women who can exert uninhibited control over state pension systems, New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo moves to curtail the power of sole trustees.
Bucking Conventional Wisdom, Investors Largely Happy with Hedge Funds
A recent survey shows that institutional investors from around the globe are happy with their hedge fund holdings, despite average losses of 19% in 2008.
In October, Sovereign Funds Pursue Internal Stability and External Profit
Recent moves by the China Investment Corporation and the Qatar Investment Authority highlight sovereign funds’ dual role as stabilizers and profiteers.
Facing Possible Liquidity Issues, Stanford Initiates Private Equity Sale
Although the university is claiming that it doesn’t need the cash, Stanford has initiated a sale of up to $1 billion in private equity stakes in the secondary markets.
With Pensioners Refusing to Die, Trustees Move To Insure Against Longevity
A new study is showing that UK pension plans, faced with an aging population that relies heavily on defined benefit pension schemes, are expected to increasingly insure against such longevity risk.
Hurting Like Others, Gates Foundation Tries New Investments
Having lost 20% of its value, the mighty Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has turned to a novel investment approach to retain capital while still putting it to work.
