North American DB Funds ‘Sliding into the Danger Zone’
A DBRS study of 451 defined benefit plans’ performance between 2002 and 2011 found the majority of funds are in worse shape than previous years.
News Archive: Aug - 2012
Irish Bank Fills Pension Hole with Balance Sheet Assets
An Irish bank instructed to deleverage has announced a solution to help restore its balance sheet and pension fund back to health.
Multi-Asset Leader Loses Key Manager…as Fund-of-Funds Staffs Up
The largest listed UK fund house has lost one of its key multi-asset managers, while the much maligned fund-of-hedge funds industry takes on new staff to cope with demand.
Real Estate Investing—Especially in Asia—Flourishes
Institutional investors are increasingly interested in sinking assets into real estate, according to a new survey by Preqin.
Risk Taker, Policy Maker: CalPERS' New Five-Year Plan
The new plan for 2012 to 2017 emphasizes the long-term goals and strength of the system, and suggests CalPERS will continue to engage with its critics.
Why Are Companies Rejecting Buyouts (Even When They Can Afford It)?
Companies have the cash, so why are they not derisking their pension funds? Maybe there is too much else going on.
MassPRIM: No Regrets Over Breaking Up with Funds-of-Funds
Massachusetts’ public pension system is in the midst of a massive asset shift from funds-of-funds to direct hedge fund investments, and Board Chair Steven Grossman is very happy about it.
What the Australian Super Industry Can Teach Us About Fees, Costs
Agency costs differ according to different governance structures, an academic study out of Melbourne concludes, and the differences may surprise you.
Bridgewater, World's Largest Hedge Fund, to Build $750 Million Headquarters
Maybe you will see billionaire hedge fund guru Ray Dalio at the Stamford Metro-North stop. Or maybe not...
Illinois Gov.: Pension Reform Vote Is a 'Date with Destiny'
The state's General Assembly has gathered for a special session to deal with the State Retirement System of Illinois' $83 billion in unfunded liabilities.
Direct Bond Market Developing for Investors, But Not at Any Price
Capital-rich investors are prime targets for companies whose usual lenders are hamstrung by regulation, but there are a couple of hurdles to overcome first.
SEI: Even Lower Interest Rates ‘Quite Possible’
SEI's Ashish Kapur won't predict when interest rates will rise, but advises institutional investors to ride out the low rates through allocations in long-duration bonds, emerging market debt, and high-yield bonds.
Survey: DB Plan Closures Slowing, Avg. Life Stands at 35 Years
A survey by Greenwich Associates has found that defined benefit pension plans in the UK are not closing as quickly as they have been.
State Street Shuffles London Team Following Scandal
Peter O’Neil and Karen Keenan have stepped into leading roles in the London office of State Street; Stephen Smit, long-associated with the firm’s transition business, has seen his role altered.
Risk Is Back – As Long as Central Banks Come Good on Promises
Investors are ready to get back on the horse as they have heard good things from central banks – all they need now is action, not just rhetoric.