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Fund flows demonstrate a defensive 2011

Analysis of asset class and sector fund flows in 2011 reveals investors’ propensity to flock to defensive assets, according to data from EPFR Global. Emerging market equities revealed the biggest difference year on year, with outflows of $47.7 billion for 2011 contrasting with inflows of $95.6 billion for the previous year. The emerging markets equity

Real Estate: New Opportunities for Institutional Investors

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

MSCI improves factor risk modelling for equities

The most recent Barra US Equity Model, USE4, contains some important innovations in factor risk modelling, including the introduction of country risk factors, volatility regime adjustments, and eigenfactor risk adjustments. Amanda White spoke to executive director and head of equity factor model research at MSCI, Jose Menchero, about what that means.

Property survey highlights green stars

The Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) is being actively used by its investor supporters, including PGGM, to make service providers accountable for ESG performance, with the second annual survey finding a larger proportion of managers in the top quadrant this year.