Alternatives the winner of long-term allocation shifts

Allocations to alternative investments of the largest seven pension markets globally (P7) have increased by 15 per cent over the past 16 years, according to Towers Watson. Carl Hess, Towers Watson’s global head of investment, says the study reflects two investment themes in the past few years: globalisation and diversification. While alternatives have increased as … Read more

How many top100 sustainable companies do you invest in?

The most sustainable 100 companies in the world, as measured by Corporate Knights, outperformed the MSCI by 12.4 per cent since the list’s inception in February 2005, it was announced at Davos last week. From February 1, 2005, to December 31, 2011, the “Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations” list has achieved a total return of … Read more

Risk-based dynamic asset allocation

This paper proposes a unique dynamic portfolio construction framework that improves portfolio performance by adjusting asset allocation in accordance with a forecast market risk. It finds that modifying asset allocation to the market risk barometer offers investors the “promising opportunity” to meaningfully enhance portfolio performance across market environments.   To access the paper click below … Read more

Real economy the focus of bankers at Davos

A strong financial services sector is an integral part of solving the world’s “real challenges” of unemployment, poverty and global imbalances Josef Ackermann, chief executive of Deutsche Bank and chair of the financial services governor’s group at the World Economic Forum, says. Speaking at the 2102 annual meeting in Davos last week, Ackermann, says “we … Read more

Do you get what you pay for?

A pay-for-performance measure of chief investment officers in the US has revealed paying more for an executive does not translate to better performance. Developed by executive recruitment firm, Charles Skorina & Company, the index is calculated by assessing an institution’s investment returns over the past five years, and measuring it against the salary of the … Read more

How to tackle pay structures

The remuneration of pension fund investment executives is a sticking point in the industry. To compete with the open market, attract and retain a certain calibre of executive, and compensate them for the peculiarities of being a fiduciary, there is a certain minimum required. At the same time this has to be balanced with communication … Read more