Green properties are better financial performers, says of Maastricht University, who recently helped build a global environmental real estate index. But most property managers are either unaware of this dynamic or prefer to talk about sustainability rather than take action. However, some exceptions provide a ‘green’ benchmark for institutional investors in property. Simon Mumme reports.
New private equity head for New York Teachers
The New York State Teachers’ Retirement System has restructured its internal investment team creating a new role of head of private equity, to create five direct investment reports to the executive director, and has already made a number of additional investments in that asset class.
Investors take credit in Say on Pay reform
Investor action through letters and company dialogue has resulted in more than 40 companies in the US, including Goldman Sachs, State Street, BNY Mellon and Conoco, agreeing to implement Say on Pay reform, according to Timothy Smith, senior vice president, Walden Asset Management who recently coordinated a letter signed by investors including CalPERS chief investment officer Joe Dear, urging 17 financial institutions, including Bank of America, to adopt reform.
Dutch pension schemes show relative conservatism
Dutch pension schemes have the highest allocation to bonds, with an average weighting of 48 per cent, while US and UK funds favour equities, according to the 2010 Towers Watson global pension assets study.
Indiana PERS benefits from autonomous decision making
An extensive education and relationship building experience has resulted in the board of the $14 billion Indiana PERS fully outsourcing investment decision making to the executive staff. Amanda White spoke to executive director Terren Magid about the benefits of autonomous, and quick, investment decisions, particularly in relation to alternatives.
Neuberger Berman alternatives strategy outlook
This paper from the Neuberger Berman fund of hedge funds team analyses the near-term prospects of distressed investing and volatility arbitrage, offers observations on the importance of managing the beta profiles of long and short positions within long/short equity portfolios, and explores the effects of reduced competition on hedge fund managers.
