Numerous regulatory and legislative activity is affecting 401(k) plans in the US. Fee disclosure, target date fund disclosure and a rule on the provision of investment advice are areas with consequences for plan sponsors and participants.
Average is OK in active management
At times when markets are moving around more than usual, such as in the past three years, institutional investors tend to pay more concern to the value of active management. New global figures from Mercer show that while they should be concerned there is still value to be found in active management.
Controversy dogs Australian system review
The Australian Government released its report of the review into the governance, efficiency, structure and operation of the superannuation system, last week. Some of the recommendations have been met with controversy by industry participants, with continued support of innovative and alternative investments at risk.
Temasek takes long view of Asia
The already heavy exposure to Asia of the S$186 billion ($134 billion) Temasek Holdings will be increased over the next decade as the investor favours the long-term secular growth of Asia over global growth. “Directionally, we are likely to increase our exposure to Asia over the next decade, but will continue to maintain the full … Read more
Infrastructure leads in steady alts demand
Infrastructure, commodities and private equity funds of funds (FoFs) were the fastest growing asset classes among alternatives invested by pension funds around the world last year, according to the annual alternatives survey from Towers Watson. The survey, conducted in association with the Financial Times of London, showed continued support for alternatives by institutional investor, although … Read more
Sovereign debt’s grave new world
Bonds have been the saviour for institutional investors in the global recovery, but a new bout of risk-aversion induced by concerns about sovereign risk threatens the stability of the traditionally defensive assets.
