Ping An’s alt debt exposure drops amid China asset dearth
China's second-largest life insurer also upped its investments in a selective number of stocks, according to its latest interim results.
Asset Owners
Why investing in Asia’s education sector is tricky
Investors ready to tap into the education sector in Asia via private equity should tread carefully despite appealing returns as the regulatory landscape continues to evolve.
China asset owners ramping up for private equity push
Institutional investors – most notably insurance firms – in China are increasingly looking to step up allocations to private equity, with the encouragement of regulators.
Allianz adds India property on improving fundamentals
The transparency and liquidity of the Indian commercial real estate market are moving in the right direction, says the Asia-Pacific head of the German insurer's property investment arm.
China insurers facing “more flexible” ALM assessment
But they may be less sure about the investments they will be able to make after the regulator updated the asset-liability management framework last week.
Market Views: Could Hong Kong be a black swan event?
If the Hong Kong crisis escalates and Beijing intervenes, what would the repercussions be?
ESG-focused bond investing gaining momentum
Institutions such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank – and recent studies – are showing why and how investors should analyse the ESG performance of bonds and issuers.
GPIF’s foreign investments save blushes after weak Q1
Sizeable exposure to overseas markets has helped the huge Japanese pension fund stave off a rout after a turbulent period, underlining why others are following suit.
US family investors keep faith in Asia despite worries
The prospect of a prolonged US-China trade war and the unrest in Hong Kong are concerns for American family investors, but they are not ready to cut allocations to Asia.
Insto roundup: Korean pensions shore up local stocks, shun Japan assets
GIC, AustralianSuper, Ontario Teachers pour into Indian infrastructure; CIC to bail out local lender; Tokio Marine eyes RHB insurance unit; Myanmar approves more insurance JVs, and more.
Sentiment indicator: How Asian instos are allocating
Nearly 40 pension plans, sovereign funds, insurers and endowments indicate their outlooks and asset preferences for the coming months. G3 bonds and private debt are looking popular.
HK insurers urged to review lower-rated bond exposure
Hong Kong's incoming solvency rules for insurers will have a big impact on their fixed income portfolios just as they will on their higher-risk asset holdings, warn industry experts.
How Michigan’s muni pension is reviewing its portfolio
The $11.6 billion fund’s CIO explains how his organisation is responding to the prevailing environment, how it employs passive strategies and why he is wary of property assets now.
Rate cuts, trade spats place instos on back foot
A string of rate cuts by countries trying to catch up with the US Federal Reserve is narrowing investment options.
Alts assets shortage could disappoint Chinese insurers
After a surge in alternative investment products late last year, the investment arms of Chinese insurers could find it harder to source the right assets to feed new issuance.
RMB plunge spotlights key risks for global investors
The Chinese currency's breaching of a key level against the dollar has sparked market turmoil and will be posing some tough questions for asset owners.
Japan pension funds’ flight overseas posing challenges
Low yields on local government bonds have led Japanese corporate pension funds to diversify into foreign assets. But they face new challenges offshore too.
Hong Kong family offices get pickier on tech
Experienced family office investors feel technology valuations are over-inflated in some areas, so are being increasingly selective about what they invest in, and where.
Insto roundup: Aviva mulls sale of Asia biz; FWD seeks China licence
Suncorp ditches coal investments; GPIF makes quarterly gain, adds hedges; foreign insurers abort Myanmar launches; GIC buys into Abu Dhabi pipeline asset; CPPIB plans India credit arm; insurance M&A on rise, and more.
Alts hit record high for Japan’s pension funds
Annual survey shows allocations to alternatives now account for more than a fifth of corporate pension fund investments. How long it can keep on rising is another question.
