Norway Boasts World's Safest Bonds
As investors have fled riskier assets for bonds in recent years, the International Monetary Fund has reported that only a handful of countries are really deemed as financially safe.
News Archive: Apr - 2011
Study: Amid Burgeoning Popularity, Infrastructure Viewed As Distinct Asset Class Within Alt Space
A survey of more than 30 fund managers across Europe, many of whom manage, advise or act on behalf of multiple European and global funds, has revealed that more than €20 billion ($29 billion) of private sector investment in infrastructure assets has been completed in Europe over the last 12 months.
FairPensions: US Schemes Voice Discontent With BP While UK Avoids Spotlight
Following the decision by two of the US's largest pension funds -- CalPERS and the Florida State Board of Administration -- to publicly vote against BP at its annual general meeting, FairPensions, a UK-based advocacy group, has asserted that while US investors are happy to voice their intentions, few investors in the UK are doing so.
PIMCO's Gross Isn't Just Treasury-Neutral –- He's Shorting Them
Bill Gross, who for months has spoken openly of a Treasury bubble, is now short US government debt.
UK Funds Are Hampered by Carbon Rules, But Will US Funds Face Similar Pressures?
The answer: No.
The Battle Over Inflation
As institutional investors fret over threats of rising inflation, the Federal Reserve is easing fears.
Pensions Sue JP Morgan for Allegedly Profiting From Clients' Loss
Breaching its fiduciary responsibility to clients in a "blatant disregard of this fundamental duty," JP Morgan knowingly profited from a troubled investment vehicle, according to a class action suit filed on behalf of several pension funds and obtained by The New York Times.
Lehman Aims to Impede CalPERS' Rival Liquidation Plan
Lehman Brothers Holdings, which went bankrupt September 2008 with $639 billion of assets, is asking a judge to delay a liquidation plan hearing drawn up by bondholders including CalPERS and the hedge fund Paulson & Co.
For PE & VC Fundraising, US Up and Europe Down
Research from Dow Jones shows that in the US, private equity and venture capital fundraising has rebounded.
Endowment CIO: Lengthy Asset Allocation Process a Non-Issue
The head of the $920 million University of Kentucky Endowment Fund notes that the months-long process of implementing asset allocation changes is not a major issue for the fund, due to its long-term time horizons.
Tainted by Deep Financial Woes, Illinois Pension Boosts Alts in Allocation Review
With the Illinois Teachers’ Retirement System facing severe shortfalls, the system has approved a new asset mix that raises its allocation to alternative investments.
Survey: Consultants Foresee Heightened Focus on Alts, Emerging Markets, LDI Strategies
A recent survey has demonstrated that investment consultants serving North American institutional investors expect a focus on areas such as alternatives, emerging markets, and strategies that provide a hedge against inflation to dominate 2011 search activity.
Norway's Finance Ministry Urges SWF to Lower Exposure to Europe
In an annual report on the management of Norway's Government Pension Fund Global, the government expressed plans to reduce exposure to European markets while increasing stakes in emerging markets.
SD Pension Recoups Investment Losses, Continues 'Focus on the Long-Term'
The $7.8 billion South Dakota Retirement System has recovered the entirety of its investment losses following the financial crisis, with the system's assets growing more than 23% since the state budget year began July 1.
Study: Canadian Funds Accelerate Move to DC
A new survey of more than 150 Canadian pension plan sponsors from global professional services firm Towers Watson indicated that the majority of executives believe that the defined benefit funding crisis will persist for the long-term.