Almost identical letters by two separate investor groups in the US have urged President Obama to act now to avoid the US debt downgrade. Institutional investors should get involved in this crisis, but the lack of collaboration highlights how far the institutional investor community has to go if it is going to be an effective lobby movement.
BlackRock sees reward in risk of fund of funds
While high fees and a lack of transparency have left many investors cool towards fund of hedge funds, BlackRock risk management expert Mark Everitt says the asset class is staging a comeback.
Human rights custom index explained
MSCI has constructed a new index, based on client-specified customised ESG screening criteria, which aims to exclude companies directly implicated in certain serious human rights violations. This paper outlines the index methodology.
CIC weighs into alternatives
The China Investment Corporation deployed nearly 30 per cent of its cash, or $35.7 billion, in 2010, mostly into private equity, real estate, infrastructure and other direct investments with its alternatives allocation increasing from 6 to 21 per cent in the year.
Mercer goes global and adds more to plate
Two new global roles have been added to Mercer’s investment business executive suite, with Russell Clarke appointed global chief investment officer of mainstream assets, and Cara Williams global head of wealth management.
Hedge Funds: Rebuilding on a New Foundation
Institutional investors once preoccupied largely with fund performance now take great interest in the manner by which hedge funds manage operational infrastructure, choose administrators and provide governance centered on best practices. Bearing this in mind, the hedge fund industry is reinventing business models and best practices, with investor-friendly policies designed to enhance fund transparency, liquidity … Read more
