State Steet’s newly launched research centre will look to provide long term strategic insights into the investment management industry,with an initial focus on regulatory changes, distribution, products, fees and technology. (more…)

This IMF working paper makes an assessment of the progress made in developing local debt markets in emerging Asia. Market development has been limited by hurdles confronting borrowers and lenders, current and potential liquidity providers, and insufficient support from government policies and regulations. The papers says, with rapid economic growth in Asia, a key challenge is to generate financial assets that can provide the underlying collateral for expanding fixed-income markets, and hence domestic and regional investment opportunities. (more…)

Renowned American economist and writer Burton Malkiel has dismissed fears that the Chinese economy may falter and says he expects China to continue to grow strongly for at least a decade. (more…)

Pension plans are doubtful that product innovation will boost returns and want asset managers to improve what they already offer rather than create new products, a survey across 30 countries has found. (more…)

This summer the Washington State Investment Board will conduct two “deep dives” using its new risk tools to examine the portfolio exposure to US debt, and the impact of turmoil among the European Union. Executive director, Theresa Whitmarsh, discusses the board planning session, which will also include a review of the fund’s resource constraints. (more…)

The Netherlands’ biggest pension fund has said it will not be able to maintain its current asset allocations and risk/return profile if proposed Dutch pension reforms do not go ahead. (more…)