AQR Launches Annual Competition for Academic Finance Papers
AQR Capital Management, a $40-billion asset management firm with a focus on alternatives, has launched a $100,000 annual competition for academic finance papers.
Newsmakers
PIMCO Exec: Global Expansion Weak at 1.5% Over Next 18 Months
In PIMCO's latest quarterly outlook, the firm has revealed that it is cutting its exposure to riskier assets and shifting to relatively high-quality investments.
PIMCO Names New Head of Alternatives Product Development
PIMCO's newly created role will expand the scope of alternative investment solutions for clients worldwide, the firm said in a statement.
Japan Encounters Calls for Creation of a Sovereign Wealth Fund
Seiji Maehara, Japan's ruling party's policy chief, has asserted that the country should set up a sovereign-wealth fund to fight the high yen.
First Pension Risk Transfer Database to Serve US Defined Benefit Plan Sponsors and Advisors
CAMRADATA Analytical Services has announced the launch of a new pension risk transfer (PRT) product database.
aiCIO Announces 2011 Asset Management/Servicing Award Winners
NISA Investment Advisors, Bridgewater, and RREEF are among the winners of the 2011 aiCIO Industry Innovation Awards.
aiCIO Announces 2011 Pension, E&F, and SWF Award Nominees
CalSTRS, the Ford Foundation, and the Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board are among the nominees for the 2011 Industry Innovation Awards.
GSAM Snags Richard Quigley From Albourne Partners
Goldman Sachs Asset Management has announced that Richard Quigley, previously head of portfolio advisory at Albourne Partners, has joined its Alternative Investments & Manager Selection (AIMS) Group.
Harvard University Endowment Boasts 21.4% Return
Harvard University, the largest endowment in the US, earned a 21.4% return and a profit of $4.4 billion in fiscal 2011, growing to $32 billion.
Amid Rising Interest in Alternatives, Former JPMorgan Exec Starts Hedge Fund Advisory in Japan
As Japanese institutional investors -- generally bearish on hedge funds -- increasingly aim to up their hedge fund allocations in the near term, a former prime brokerage executive at JPMorgan Chase & Co has set up a hedge fund advisory firm in Japan.
As UBS's Largest Shareholder, Singapore's GIC Voices Disapproval With Rogue Trading Loss
In a rare show of expression for the usually intensely private sovereign wealth fund, Singapore's Government Investment Corporation has voiced concern with UBS's trading loss.
Coalition of Institutional Investors Urges UN Declaration Requiring Sustainability Breakdowns in Annual Reports
A coalition of institutions led by Aviva Investors has called on United Nations’ member states to develop a global policy framework that requires listed and large private companies to integrate sustainability information throughout their Annual Report and Accounts.
Soros Names Bessent as New CIO to Run $25 Billion Firm
Soros Fund Management has appointed Scott Bessent, a former employee of the firm, as its new chief investment officer.
Pittsburgh Avoids Pension Takeover
The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania municipal pension plan had been threatened with a state takeover; by achieving a funding status over 50%, they have avoided it – for now.
Amid Competitive Outsourcing Landscape, PIMCO to Disband Endowment-Style Fund-of-Funds Group
Pacific Investment Management Co. (PIMCO) may fold its fund unit championing endowment-style investment, Bloomberg has reported.