The inherent breadth and ambiguity of environmental, social and governance issues has resulted in the integration of ESG considerations into portfolio design remaining largely a philosophical push, without clarity on the direct and indirect impacts on shareholder value. In this working paper, AQR Capital Management’s Jeff Dunn, outlines a simple framework for considering the impact of ESG issues with respect to their role in investment decisions, with the aim of providing a clearer path for further investigation of the impact of ESG policies on shareholder value and how they can be appropriately included in the investment decisions of both investors and fiduciaries.
Macro factors – the update: Watson Wyatt
For the first time since 2006, Watson Wyatt has written a report that revisits the macro-economic factors that may affect global returns over the next decade. It highlights the increasing influence of public policy and emerging wealth on the investment agenda, and draws some tentative conclusions regarding the implications for investment portfolios.
PGGM wins more pension fund clients
PGGM Investments, whose main client is the €75 billion ($107 billion) Pensioenfonds Zorg en Welzijn (PFZW) in the Netherlands, is well on its way to achieving its goal of becoming a commercial manager of pension fund assets, with more funds due to come on board soon. Else Bos, chief executive officer investments, spoke to Kristen Paech about PGGM’s commercial ambitions and the virtues of passive management.
Why emerging markets aren’t a tactical bet
Pension funds no longer view the emerging markets as a tactical play, instead considering the region a strategic allocation within their portfolios. Murray Davey, managing director and chief investment officer – global emerging markets at UK-based Rexiter tells Kristen Paech why.
Abu Dhabi SWF sends $1bn to Malaysia
The $14.7 billion Mubadala Development of Abu Dhabi is believed to be slating co-investments totalling $1 billion in the Malaysian energy, real estate and hospitality industries with a newly formed sovereign wealth fund from the Asian nation.
US instos call for new authority on market risk
The Investors’ Working Group (IWG) has urged the US Government to set up an independent authority to monitor the activities and risk exposures of dominant financial institutions and advise regulators on ways to mitigate current and emerging risks in the financial system.
