Real estate is evolving fast as increased global investment opportunities emerge. Property prices in key markets have begun a tentative upswing that may offer scope for capital gain. There is also evidence of rental growth in some locations, which has had a positive effect on capital values. However, as the effects of the global financial crisis continue to be felt, investors are demanding greater control over their investments. This paper examines the opportunities and challenges facing institutional investors, as well as favoured strategies in the current market.
Asset Classes
Real Estate: New Opportunities for Institutional Investors
Equities
China’s $420b social security fund eyes ‘AI+’ theme in A-shares
China’s $420 billion National Social Security Fund is scoping out technology-related investment opportunities in domestic equities, particularly the so-called “AI+” theme where artificial intelligence is married with traditional industries to enhance profitability, which has been gathering market and political momentum.
Darcy SongAugust 28, 2025
Equities
New study flags risk in Dutch pensions’ concentrated stock strategy
Under strict ESG guidelines and pressure to closely engage with their investee companies, Dutch pension funds have developed an affinity for concentrated equity allocations with some owning as few as 65 stocks in their entire portfolio. But the Erasmus University flagged the diversification risk and higher volatility the strategy introduces.
Darcy SongJuly 31, 2025
News
GIC ups US equities allocation despite valuation worries
Singapore's GIC boosted its US equities allocation in the year to March 2025 despite the expectation that high valuations could "provide a challenging backdrop for forward returns”, according to the fund's latest annual report released on Friday.
Darcy SongJuly 25, 2025
Private Equity
TRS eyes threat of retail investors in private markets
The growing amount of capital from retail investors flowing into private equity and real estate has consequences for institutional investors. The private markets team at the Teacher Retirement System of Texas pondered the risks in a recent investment committee meeting.
Sarah RundellJuly 24, 2025
Equities
Rebalancing at UTIMCO: Why investors should worry about corporate earnings
In a recent board meeting, University of Texas Investment Management Co's head Rich Hall explained why he is concerned about corporate earnings' impact on equity returns. He also warned that as consumer and company spending slows, a recession can become self-fulfilling until new facts emerge to break the pattern.
Sarah RundellJuly 16, 2025
Infrastructure
Temasek chases core-plus infra, creates private credit offshoot
The $338 billion Singapore state investor Temasek is contemplating allocating more capital to core-plus infrastructure projects, especially those related to data centres, energy transition and ageing facilities. The fund also spun out a standalone private credit platform called Aranda from its in-house credit team last fiscal year.
Darcy SongJuly 11, 2025
Digital assets
North Carolina opens the door to bitcoin but state treasurer remains wary
North Carolina state treasurer Brad Briner tells Top1000funds.com in an interview that bitcoin will need to be less volatile for it to attract state investment, and points to a longer-term worry in digital assets that could have “a profoundly negative implication for our country”.
Sarah RundellJune 26, 2025
