Are Emerging Markets Equities Vulnerable to a Rising US Dollar?
Solid fundamentals in most countries should limit the damage.
Research Publications Archive
VantagePoint: Third Quarter 2018
Climbing the wall of worries is getting tougher. There is room for markets to progress, but caution is required at this stage in the cycle. Markets must overcome four main forces: monetary policy tightening, US dollar strength, a China growth slowdown, and trade friction.
Foundation Annual Investment Pool Returns: Calendar Year 2017
This report, based on a survey that Cambridge Associates administers annually to our foundation clients, summarizes returns, asset allocation, and other investment-related data for 111 foundations for the year ended December 31, 2017. Included in this year’s report are commentary and exhibits across five sections: Investment Portfolio Returns, Asset Allocation, Investment Manager Structures, Payout from the Long-Term Investment Portfolio, and Investment Office Staffing and Governance.
Review of Market Performance: Fiscal Year 2018
Equity markets and commodity-related assets outperformed other asset classes, while monetary policy expectations continued to negatively impact bond markets during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2018. This brief chart book looks at returns and other market metrics for fiscal year 2018.
Should Investors Boost Their Exposure to US Small Caps, in Light of Recent Economic Policy and Geopolitical Developments?
We don’t believe so—even though fiscal stimulus, corporate tax cuts, international trade tensions, and US dollar strength all seem to be advantageous for US small caps relative to US large caps.
Social Equity Investing: Righting Institutional Wrongs
There is perhaps no better time for social equity investing. Many institutional investors have long sought to promote social equity through grant making and other philanthropic endeavors. With the field of impact investing maturing, these institutions are now increasingly seeking investment solutions to accomplish the same goal. In this paper we review the current state of social equity in the United States, highlight eight core social equity issue areas, and discuss the lessons we’ve learned in constructing portfolios with these investments. While investors need to be mindful of risks, we believe that investments can be made to promote a social equity impact agenda across the portfolio.
Should You Avoid Commitment (Facilities)?
In short, no—their use isn’t going away any time soon. Rather than avoid them, incorporate new elements to more clearly assess the manager’s true investment skill.
Will the Addition of Chinese A-Shares to MSCI’s Global Indexes Trigger an A-Share Rally?
No, MSCI index inclusion will not trigger a bull market in Chinese A-shares. Given the very modest initial weights and the lack of clarity on future increases, we doubt that index-driven flows will drive share prices meaningfully higher.
Should Fixed Income Derivatives Play a Role in Liability Hedging for Pension Plans?
Yes. Since fixed income derivatives are more capital efficient and flexible than physical bonds, they can play a key role in liability hedging for many corporate and other single-employer pension plans.
Investment Office Staffing, Oversight Costs, and Governance
This publication, based on our biennial Investment Office Organization and Governance survey of small, medium, and large endowments and foundations, offers a snapshot of responses in three key areas: investment office staffing, oversight costs, and governance.