Research
Connecticut Task Force in Extra Innings to Find Pension Fixes
Commission still grappling over plan to tap state assets like office buildings to feed ailing retirement program.
News
Market Moves
Market Shrugs at Government Shutdowns, Sam Stovall Says
Historically, the S&P 500 has been flat when federal functions grind to a halt, and the index is up 7.5% since the latest closure.
Asset Allocation
Texas Teachers’ Closes Out Year with $1.8 Billion in New Commitments Across 12+ Strategies
Commitments primarily focused on real estate and infrastructure.
Regulation
Swiss Regulator Facing Criticism over Public Employee Pension Revamp
The OAK prefers a uniform interest rate for the public workers and two other retirement plans, which a lobbying group says is wrongheaded.
Newsmakers
San Diego to Pursue Managed Futures Strategies in Diversification Quest
The pension is now studying the impact of a 2% to 4% allocation to managed futures on the total fund.
BlackRock Laying Off 3% of Staff Amid Market Concerns
The asset management titan plans to make ‘additional changes’ in the coming weeks.
ESG Provider ISS Acquires Strategic Insight, Owner of CIO
Companies merge as a consolidation move under their joint owner, Genstar Capital.
Newsmakers
San Francisco Retirement Plan Connects with China
Disclosures show SFERS has invested in two Chinese venture capital funds and another China-based fund focused on media and entertainment.
Risk
Illinois Teachers’ Pensions Return More than 8% in 2018
Investment returns fell by 50% from 2017 for state and university educators.
Newsmakers
Kuwait Pension Fund Suing Man Group
The Public Institution for Social Security says the British firm made secret deals with one of its heads between 1996 and 2013.
CFOs Expect a Recession by 2020, Deloitte Says
Survey finds 55% of corporate financial chiefs expect a downturn, a marked decline in optimism.
Ohio Police & Fire Pension Targets Real Assets in 2019
Pacing plan expects the pension will make three $50 million to $75 million investments this year.
CalSTRS Board Approves $300 Million Campus Expansion
A second office tower is aimed to attract and accommodate new investment staff, part of a strategy to manage more of the plan’s assets in-house.
Regulation
New Mexico Considers New Solvency Proposal
Proposes three-year suspension on COLA adjustments to help attain 100% funded status by 2043.
Risk
Bridgewater Wins Big in 2018 Despite Peer Struggles
Leader Ray Dalio attributes portfolio balance to flagship Pure Alpha fund’s 14.6% returns.