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.
Newsmakers
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.
Pension Proposal Seeks Removal of Goldman CEO Blankfein as Chairman of Board
The pension plan of the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees has filed a shareholder proposal, saying that an independent chairman would provide checks and balances in the structure at Goldman Sachs.
CalPERS Censures Board Member, Implements Governance Reforms
CalPERS has publicly censured a board member for alleged involvement in a personnel action based on complaints filed by coworkers in addition to adopting governance reforms.
ADIA Opens Up, Reveals Rising Long-Term Returns
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) has issued its yearly statement, documenting its investment strategy and holdings.
BlackRock CEO: European Equities Trump Debt
Laurence Fink, CEO of BlackRock, says that European equities and stocks that pay dividends are still a wise bet amid current tumultuous markets.
Caxton Founders Retire, Tap CIO as Successor
Caxton Associates co-founders Bruce Kovner and Peter D'Angelo are retiring from the $10 billion hedge fund, and will be succeeded by Chief Investment Officer Andrew Law.
Following Obama's Infrastructure Push, CalPERS Echos Commitment to Asset Class
The California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) has targeted $800 million for investment in California Infrastructure.
Little-Known Hedge Fund Manager Joins Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway
Warren Buffett has chosen a second little-known hedge-fund manager to handle a portion of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.'s colossal investment portfolio.
Cover Story: Sacramento's Kings
From aiCIO Magazine's Fall 2011 Issue: An exclusive interview with two of the most influential chief investment officers in America - Chris Ailman of CalSTRS and Joe Dear of CalPERS.