CalPERS Lowers Risk in Bond Portfolio; Revises Placement Agent Disclosure
The nation's largest pension is seeking to cut risk in its $46 billion bond portfolio by 50%.
Asset Allocation
Aging Population Pushes Japan Oversees for Infrastructure
Japan's private pensions, which
oversee more than JPY60 trillion, are in search of a reliable stream of
returns to meet the retirement needs of the world’s fastest-aging
population.
Study: Global Retirement Market to Grow 66% by 2020
Despite the financial crisis, the global
retirement market is expected to grow over the next decade, with total
pension assets increasing from €22 trillion to €36 trillion.
Northern Trust Opens Beijing Branch
The bank and asset manager has been given permission by the Chinese government to open a new custody office for institutional clients in Beijing.
Survey: Sentiment for US Stocks Among HF Managers Grows Bearish
Amid concern about slowing economic growth, a new survey shows more than a third of managers are increasingly bearish about the US stock market and upbeat on 10-year Treasuries.
Pension Deficits Haunt 32% of FTSE Firms
A study by KPMG shows 32% of firms "can now not payoff deficits in any realistic time frame from discretionary cash flow."
Activists Urge Gates Foundation to Shift to Socially and Ecologically Appropriate Practices
Activists are organizing a campaign to urge the $33 billion Gates Foundation to sever ties with agribusiness giant Monsanto and other firms involved in developing bio-engineered crops, encouraging the foundation to shift its funding priorities from industrial agriculture to socially and ecologically appropriate practices.
Corporate DB Plans Aim to Minimize Global Investment Risk, Survey Says
The survey of 114 cross-border organizations found that more than three-quarters (77%) are seeking to make changes to promote better management of risk globally, while many are considering changes to elements of their governance frameworks.
UK's Pension Protection Fund Plans for 110% Funding by 2030
Britain's Pension Protection Fund (PPF), created in 2005, aims to build its solvency ratio to 110% over the next 20 years, from 88% in March 2009.
Norway's SWF Drops Israeli Companies Citing 'Grossly Unethical' Actions; Africa Israel Says Claims Are Groundless
Norwegian Finance Minister Sigbjorn Johnsen said the oil fund has excluded two Israeli firms for ethical reasons.
Pensions Should Follow the Leads of CalPERS and Utah Retirement Systems Over HF Fees
Research house Lipper is encouraging schemes to demand greater explanation and justification on hedge fund fees.
PBGC Sees Hike in Multiemployer Benefit Payments Ahead
The US public body that insures pensions says it expects five-fold rise in multiemployer benefit payments.
Number of FTSE Firms Providing Final Salary Benefits Drops
Researchers have found that the number of defined benefit pension schemes in the UK has continued to plummet over the past year.
Survey Shows Investor Pessimism Shifts to Japan, US
A new study shows fund managers are moving out of Japan and the US and into Europe.
Survey: Infrastructure Investors Step Up Investment; Find PE Model Inappropriate
While more investors are looking to invest in the asset class, many are questioning whether the management fees and fund carry structure of private equity are appropriate.