Spurious correlation explains ESG alpha, say experts
There is definite proof that sustainability-focused funds are outperforming their conventional counterparts. But some experts believe the traditional explanations for this are wrong.
World
450 investors urge stronger climate action from governments
Stronger government actions are needed to meet the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees, investors such as Hesta and CDPQ signed in a statement.
Insto roundup: Taiwan pension fund returns rebound; UN PRI's CEO steps down
GIC leads funding round for Indian insurer; Taiwan's BLF sees returns rebound; Korea's NPS adds two British investment firms as managers; HKMA to increase allocation to ESG stocks and bonds; US pension fund agency approves $300m to Blackstone Asia PE fund; UN PRI's chief executive steps down; and more
Omers eyes digital telecoms and renewable energy in Apac
The Canadian pension fund aims to more than double its regional infrastructure investments by 2026, particularly in renewables, data centres, fibre networks and satellites.
Yield and diversification key to private debt’s popularity
Regional investors look set to seek more investments in the asset class, especially from North America and Asia, say senior executives at asset owners and fund houses.
US pensions wary of China focus, despite enthusiasm for Asia
Some pensions from the country have indirectly invested into China via pan-Asia funds, while a few European pension investors have sold Chinese stocks over ESG concerns.
The Covid effect: how pension funds are focusing on the 'S' in ESG
Once the poor cousin to the environmental pillar in ESG, a new report finds that issues around Covid are set to boost social investment over the next three years.
Insto roundup: Singapore's GIC to open Australia office; Japan's life insurers adding foreign bonds
GIC to open new Sydney office; Japan's life insurers to ramp up allocations to foreign bonds; Samsung Life acquires stake in Savills IM; Indonesia's new sovereign wealth fund to invest in infrastructure; CPP Investments forms JV for mall in Kolkata; Goldman Sachs Asset Management to set up Chinese wealth management firm with ICBC; and more.
Life insurers caught between rules and risk in hunt for returns
Low interest rates are making it difficult for life insurers to hit return thresholds, and capital charge costs on private assets are forcing them to head up the credit risk curve, say experts.
Climate investing: can structured finance and indexing save the planet?
As policies edge closer to net-zero emissions, climate-conscious asset owners have more choices, but an increasingly complex investment landscape
Market Views: Which assets will perform best if inflation persists?
This week we ask investment experts to weigh in on the recent inflation spike and share how to shore up portfolios.
Property investors struggling to find targets as demand spikes
Asset owners and property investors are finding it increasingly difficult to spot quality investments, due to an inflow of money and a lack of willing sellers.
Metlife's investing arm eyes private assets as inflation fears mount
The insurer's asset management division believes investments such as private debt could gain appeal as price rises chip away at the value of fixed assets.
Sovereign wealth funds' direct investing focus set to continue
Despite the uncertainty posed to investors globally by the Covid-19 pandemic, 2020 was a record year for direct sovereign wealth fund investments. And more could be on the way.
Alternatives news roundup: Australian casino bets on rival purchase; CPPIB's Indian Invit interest
Australian casino vies with two private equity funds to acquire rival; Canada's CPPIB to invest into India Invit fund; Chikyoren hires Nomura and Tokio Marine fund managers for alternative mandates; OTPP real estate arm becomes founding investor in Asia Pacific focused fund; LBC Express Holdings owners consider stake sale; and more.
Market Views: How much risk do supply chain disruptions pose to commodities?
Supply chains have been disrupted by surprise events such as the Colonial Pipeline hack and Suez Canal blockage. How do investors manage the risks posed to commodities?
Insto roundup: NPS to hire 54 asset managers; CPPIB plans to raise stake in India infrastructure fund
NPS launches programme for 54 asset management positions; CPPIB to acquire an additional stake in an Indian infrastructure investment trust for $136m; Cadillac Fairview injects $400m into Apac-focused fund; Chikyoren hires Nomura, Tokio Marine for alternative mandates; GIC extends JV with UK student accommodation group and more.
Asset Management Awards 2021 day two: The best funds
AsianInvestor reveals the winners of its annual Asset Management Awards, Today we unveil the top fund performers in our Asset Class Awards.
European listed real estate offers opportunities
Studies show that when comparing the long-term returns of listed and unlisted real estate vehicles based on the same underlying assets, the listed sector is an effective proxy for direct property investment. However, listed real estate (LRE) has the benefit of higher transparency, diversification, unmatched liquidity and a lower hurdle to global access compared to direct property.
Market Views: Should asset owners sell out of poor ESG performers?
As sustainability rises as a priority among asset owners, they will need to grapple with how much they engage with poor ESG performers, and whether they should divest.
