Regulation
Suggestions Sought for Retirement Plan Reporting, Disclosure
With a report on improvements due in 2025, the IRS, PBGC and EBSA are accepting feedback during a 90-day comment period.
News
Pensions
Seattle, Austin Pension Funds Seek Investment Consultants
SCERS and COAERS have both issued RFPs for consultants with terms starting in the new fiscal year.
Newsmakers
Ontario Teachers’ Promotes McLennan, Brown to CIO
The Canadian pension fund fills its CIO vacancy with two internal promotions and adds a new strategy role.
Regulation
Agricultural Interests Voice Opposition to SEC Climate Disclosure Proposal
The agricultural industry has long been among the chief opponents of climate disclosure, particularly scope 3 disclosure.
Asset Allocation
Abu Dhabi, Dutch, Indonesian Funds Invest in Major Southeast Asia Highway Project
The investments are the first under a 2021 agreement establishing Indonesia’s first toll road investment platform.
Research
Overstated Shelter Costs Pump Up Reported Inflation, Says Sage
The government blamed the recent upsurge on rising housing costs, but that’s hooey, Barry Ritholtz charges.
Pensions
US Corporate Pension Plans Ended 2023 at Record Funding Levels
A December stock rally outpaced the bond sell-off, improving funding in most pension measures.
Newsmakers
UK’s PPF Appoints Michelle Ostermann as CEO
Ostermann will move from PSP Investments in Canada in April to succeed Oliver Morley, who moved to MaPS.
Risk
Why Battered Biotech May Be Turning Around
This cyclical sector has suffered, post-pandemic, but signs of a recovery are appearing.
Asset Allocation
Institutional Investors Will Focus on Fixed Income in Search of Alpha, per Aeon Investments
Of surveyed institutional investors, 94% reported they will seek to increase holdings in the asset class.
Regulation
Anti-ESG Politics Affects Names More Than Strategies
While campaigns may have succeeded in shifting ESG naming conventions, their impact on actual investing strategies has been far more muted.
Risk
BofA Still Positive About 4Q 2023, as Other EPS Estimates Deflate
The pessimistic takes come after the third quarter’s rebound from the earnings recession.
Market Moves
BlackRock’s Purchase of GIP Deepens Its Alts Exposure
Global Infrastructure Partners adds $100 billion in assets to the finance giant.
Manager Selection
CalPERS Expects to Hold 1st Interviews for Vacant CIO Position Next Week
The selection subcommittee will meet between January 17 and 19.
Asset Allocation
Goldman: US Is the Place to Invest in 2024
The nation’s stocks out-run everyone else’s, and should continue to, per the firm’s outlook.