Low-Vol Investing Is Not Unique to US Equity Markets
The benefits of low-volatility investing are present on a global scale, according to Aye Soe, director of global research & design at S&P Dow Jones Indices.
Risk
Beware the Risk of Alternative-Weighted Indices
Alternative-weighted indices have been lauded as the next big thing – but do they deliver all they promise?
Cover Your Tail (Risk), Says AllianceBernstein CIO
Diversification isn’t enough to hedge against 'black swan' events, according to fixed-income strategist Joel McKoan.
US State Debt Stands at $4.19 Trillion, Pensions Largely to Blame
Total US state debt stands at more than $4 trillion, with public pensions accounting for nearly $3 trillion of the total amount, according to a report by State Budget Solutions (SBS).
Bridgewater's Prince: Embrace Risk Parity Across Entire Portfolio
If you're going to allocate to risk parity products as an investor, you should consider utilizing a similar portfolio construction philosophy for your entire fund in order to achieve balance, Bridgwater's Bob Prince tells aiCIO.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The 9 Firms Most Exposed to Risky Multiemployer Pensions
A list, courtesy of ratings agency Fitch.
Buyouts Level Off in Favor of ‘Cheaper’ Buy-Ins
Buyout volumes cooled off in the opening quarter of 2012, while insurers got creative with terms and de-risking strategies, according to pension de-risking consultancy JLT Pension Capital Strategies.
More Rate Pain Due for Investors?
Recessions are rife in the developed world, but will the efforts to kick-start growth spell more pain for investors with liabilities?
When Do Bonds and Equities Demand the Same Risk Premium? Right About Now, Actually.
Bonds are always the safe option, right? Wrong – at least according to a paper on the behaviour of assets in times of economic “disaster”.
Emerging Central Banks Provide Counterweight During Risk-On and Risk-Off Markets
A new paper published by the Bank for International Settlements sheds light on the role that central banks in emerging markets play during risk-on and risk-off environments.
Size of GM’s Pension Deal With Pru Determined Soon
By Friday, 42,000 General Motors retirees must choose whether to take a lump-sum payment or receive an annuity from Prudential Insurance, thereby determining the size and scope of the GM’s watershed pension risk transfer deal with Prudential.