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Defensive setting, anaemic growth

Global pension funds continue to have a defensive asset allocation, reflected in the anaemic growth in the total assets of the world’s largest 300 pension funds by less than 2 per cent in 2011, new Towers Watson research reveals. The P&I/ Towers Watson Global 300 research reveals that concerns about ongoing uncertainty in global markets […]
SAM RILEYSeptember 5, 2012
Asset Classes

Past volatility making way for future steady yields

The role of emerging markets debt is evolving from a return-enhancer to providing some buffer against volatile markets. Emerging markets debt has been one of the best performing asset classes in the last decade but experts say those spectacular returns may be a thing of the past. There are signs emerging markets debt is becoming […]
SAM RILEYJuly 11, 2012
Emerging Markets

Investors look to broaden debt exposures

At a time of increasing risk and diminishing returns from traditional government bond investments, a growing number of large investors are beginning to cast their eyes toward emerging markets as a way to broaden their fixed-income portfolios. Paul O’Brien, head of fixed-income strategy at The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), considered by many to be […]
SAM RILEYJuly 11, 2012
Uncategorised posts

Laws add to
de-risking push

Recent legal changes governing how US corporate pension plans calculate their funding liabilities could increase moves to de-risk pension plans, particularly through lump sum payments to participants, says Matt Herrmann a retirement risk expert at asset consultant Towers Watson. Herrmann, leader of Towers Watson’s retirement-risk-management group, says the legislative changes that passed through both houses […]
SAM RILEYJuly 6, 2012
Uncategorised posts

Mercer: think laterally on bonds

The angst in Europe has calmed down, relatively speaking, but according to Mercer, it will be a long haul, with deleveraging there and in the US taking many years. Investors need to act accordingly. Part of the problem is that conventionally safe assets, such as US Treasuries, are expensive. “That will take years to work […]
Amanda WhiteApril 24, 2012
Uncategorised posts

Pimco advocates emerging markets

The flight to quality was not limited to certain developed-country debt during the volatility in the second half of 2011. Indeed, Pimco’s global co-head of emerging-markets portfolio management Ramin Toloui says that some emerging-market government bonds are potential safe havens during times of market stress. He says that the bond giant’s Global Advantage Government Bond […]
SAM RILEYApril 18, 2012
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