The stockpicking view of Mark Tinker, global portfolio manager of Axa Framlington, has been greatly influenced by his career on the sell side of the investment management business. He spoke to Amanda White about a thematic approach to global equities and why, uniquely, two new themes have emerged in the wake of the financial crisis and why China fits into all 12 of them.
Bahrain SWF may sell 25pc of Gulf Air
The $9 billion Mumtalakat, Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, is considering selling a stake in national carrier Gulf Air as it eyes more liquid investments.
Mubadala builds stadium for Abu Dhabi
Mubadala Development, the $14 billion strategic investment arm of the Abu Dhabi, has invited contractors to submit design and construction plans for a 65,000-seat sports stadium in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) capital.
ESG and performance
According to academic research analysed by the Mercer Responsible Investment business unit in its latest report, there is a growing engagement by the investment community in responsible investment, just as the link between environmental, social and governance issues and performance proves to be a positive relationship. Amanda White spoke with Helga Birgden, head of responsible investment, Asia Pacific about the research, and the growing awareness by managers that ESG factors are a genuine source of alpha.
CalPERS backs internal, external FI managers amid liquidity ‘conundrum’
After missing the strong rally in the US high yield debt market, the $201.3 billion CalPERS’ global fixed income program, which manages about a quarter of the fund’s assets, has extended its mandates with external managers and will continue actively managing its US debt portfolio internally.
Arizona targets commodities, emerging markets in allocations overhaul
This month the $24 billion Arizona State Retirement System completed an asset allocation overhaul resulting in new dedicated allocations to commodities and emerging market equities. Amanda White spoke with director Paul Matson about the decision-making process and the exposure and implementation decisions, including manager selection, still to come.
