VantagePoint: Jumpstarting the Energy Transition

This year may prove to be pivotal in the transition from fossil fuels to renewables. Policy makers, businesses, and investors are accelerating commitments to bring greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to net zero by 2050. The aim is consistent with the 2015 Paris Agreement to “limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C, compared […]

February 2022

Outlook 2022: Flying at a Lower Altitude

As we peer over the horizon, we anticipate growth will return to a lower altitude. Read more in our compilation of investment views for 2022.

December 2021

Inflationary Pressures Will Moderate Some in Second Half

Consumer price inflation is above pre-pandemic trend in the United States and Europe, while producer prices are surging seemingly everywhere. Consistent with consensus forecasts, we expect mounting inflation pressures to ease by second half 2022 as demand for goods abates and supply constraints moderate.

December 2021

Overestimating Liquidity Needs Can Undercut the Return Potential of US Pension Plans

Many defined benefit plans sponsors may be denying themselves valuable opportunities to generate additional returns by overestimating their liquidity needs. Targeting a liquidity supply/demand ratio of 2x–3x can help portfolios tolerate periods of market stress.

November 2021

Investing for Climate Justice: An Intersectional Approach

Climate change and social inequality are two material and systemic risks facing the global economy and investment portfolios over the coming decades. In this paper, we demonstrate the relationship between climate change and social justice, highlight how investors can implement an intersectional approach to climate justice in their portfolios, and outline three steps investors should consider to help ensure our transition to a low-carbon economy is inclusive and just.

October 2021

VantagePoint: China – Reassessing Risks and Opportunities

As the second largest economy in the world, China remains an important destination for global investor capital. Yet, the pace and scope of China’s regulatory crackdown are causing concern. In this edition of VantagePoint, we review the nature of regulatory developments and their impact on the investment opportunity set. We believe that dedicated, strategic allocations to Chinese assets are still warranted. Investors should carefully consider their sector exposure and evaluate managers’ capabilities in the current regulatory and geopolitical environment.

October 2021

Does the ECB Strategy Review Represent an Overhaul of Euro Area Monetary Policy?

The results of the strategy review were more about clarifying and making explicit how European Central Bank (ECB) policy is currently run, rather than signalling a radical departure for monetary policy in the single currency bloc.

August 2021

Don’t Discount Fixed Income Investing for US Pension Plans

While alpha is commonly recognized as a key lever in maintaining or improving funded status, it is often mistakenly limited to purely equity or lower-liquidity investment opportunities. For plan sponsors, this can be a costly misconception. Cambridge Associates’ research shows that active fixed income management can contribute valuable alpha, resulting in significant benefits to plan outcomes.

August 2021