Constructing Superior Equity Portfolios

A common perception among investors that employ active equity management is that the “donut” structure is more aggressive, more expensive, and riskier than the “core-satellite” structure because of the donut structure’s heavier reliance on concentrated, high tracking error, high fee managers. The research we present in this report, which examines a 17-year period, calls into question these perceptions. Our analysis suggests that, at a minimum, investors should reassess whether a core-satellite structure is as likely to help them earn their payout as a donut structure.

September 2015

The Forgotten 70%: Strategies for Pension Plans Accruing Benefits

Plans with active participants need a holistic, flexible risk budgeting approach—not a simple glide path.

July 2015

Trimming the Fat While Sniffing for Truffles

Late-stage investing is challenging. As central banks around the globe have generally been in easing mode, valuations for bonds and risk assets have appreciated, leaving very little value and some pockets of froth. Ultra-low yields have pushed investors into increasingly risky assets—from high yield bonds to venture capital—in search of attractive returns. In this webinar, […]

July 2015

MAPping the Future of Pension Funding

The Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2014, which temporarily maintains the solvency of the Highway Trust Fund, can benefit most pension plan sponsors by giving them flexibility around the timing and amount of contributions for the next several years, but may not decrease the total amount of contributions required over the long term.

August 2014

Avoid the Agg Drag

For plan sponsors that wish to de-risk, the Agg may not be the solution

July 2014

Constructing a Liability Hedging Portfolio: A Guide to Best Practices for US Pension Plans

The construction and calibration of a liability hedging portfolio is integral to effective pension portfolio risk management, and this report delineates key considerations and best practices for the liability hedge allocation.

May 2014

Concentrated Stock Portfolios

Families can use several strategies to mitigate the risks of single-stock exposures, thereby supporting both wealth-preservation and philanthropic goals.

September 2013

Why Did I Diversify?

While simple 100% U.S. equity and stock/bond portfolios have outperformed recently, highly diversified portfolios have superior returns over decades.

August 2013