Canadian pension investor IMCO is bracing for higher inflation and a weaker US dollar in 2026, as the $62 billion fund said investors need to protect diversification and liquidity in a volatile environment and be wary of risks in passive investments. In a podcast, chief strategist Nick Chamie unpacked the asset allocation insights, which were released in the annual IMCO World View paper, in conversation with Top1000funds.com editor Amanda White.
The CalPERS board is likely to wrestle back control of setting the pension fund’s discount rate, a process that has been done automatically since 2015. Board member David Miller amongst others said this investment rate of return shouldn’t "just happen" as a matter of course, without them stepping in.
Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs bats away criticism that the sole fiduciary model is outdated, arguing it is possible to wear a fiduciary and political hat if your sole purpose is to serve the people of the state.
Markus Aho, chief investment officer of the €57.4 billion Finnish pension fund, Varma, explains how the fund’s diversification with a large equity allocation balanced by hedge funds, fixed income and real assets has meant it has been resilient to the increasing investment challenges.
The $260 billion New York State Common Retirement Fund will divest and restrict approximately $26.8 million of corporate bonds and actively traded public equities in eight integrated oil and gas companies, including ExxonMobil; and is doubling its commitment to the Sustainable Investments and Climate Solutions program.
KIC is looking to boost its alternatives allocation - particularly private credit - both directly and through managers. Influenced by what it sees as an unfolding AI-led industrial revolution it is looking for opportunities in fast-developing sectors including AI, semiconductors and healthcare, and has opened an office in Mumbai.
Asset owners are preparing their portfolios for the climate transition, reducing holdings in companies with high emissions and pledging billions to climate investments. But climate proofing portfolios is proving one of the most arduous and complex challenges investors have ever faced. Top1000funds.com takes a close look at the progress.
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