FSSA #1
Editorial
Best of 2025
From the DeepSeek-driven reassessment of the US’ AI leadership to the Liberation Day tariffs which plunged global trades into uncertainties, 2025 has tested asset owners’ theses around geopolitical stability, the dominance of the tech sector, and geographical diversification. Here are the top read stories of this year.
Amanda WhiteDecember 22, 2025
Investor Profile
How CalPERS aims to add 50-60 bps using TPA
Stephen Gilmore says he can add 50 to 60 basis points to portfolio returns by using a total portfolio approach. In a long interview, Amanda White spoke to the CIO of CalPERS about why a TPA mindset can add value, simplify accountability and open new opportunities for investments.
Amanda WhiteDecember 16, 2025
Investor Profile
Why West Virginia’s CIO is worried about its China divestment directive
The $28 billion West Virginia Investment Management Board will divest from Chinese state-owned companies and CIO Craig Slaughter has reservations about the decision. He outlines in an interview with Top1000funds.com about why the directive is an extension of a big threat facing investors: a decline in liberal democracy.
Darcy SongDecember 15, 2025
Sustainability
USS paper urges governments to do more to support climate policy
A new report from USS and the University of Exeter, argues that investors who focus on decarbonising their portfolios won't change real-world decarbonisation and would have more impact on climate change by buying transition investments.
Sarah RundellDecember 11, 2025
Asset Allocation
TRS strikes gold: Tiny allocation crushes its benchmark
This year, TRS doubled its tiny allocation to gold via a special fund that buys gold ETFs and mining companies. The strategy returned nearly 60 per cent, thanks to market conditions including inflation, geopolitics, government debt levels and de-dollarisation pushing gold higher.
Sarah RundellDecember 11, 2025
Opinion
Moving from risk 1.0 to risk 2.0
As investors move into 'risk 2.0', how should they change their modelling approach and investment toolkits? WTW global head of portfolio strategy Jeff Chee outlines in this column why investors should consider principles such as greater use of qualitative risk measures.
Jeff CheeDecember 10, 2025
Sponsored Content
Private asset funds are no longer fit-for-purpose
The surging interest in generative AI has triggered a technological arms race, driving demand for data centres. Investors are looking to capitalise on what is often described as a generational opportunity, but as Blue Owl’s James Clarke cautions, there are several important factors to assess in partners for the long-term.
James ClarkeDecember 9, 2025