Institutional investor appetite in light exotics such as worst-of and best-of baskets has picked up in recent weeks, according to P.J. Andersson, global head of Pan-Asian equity derivative and convertible sales at Citigroup in Hong Kong.
The Labour Insurance Fund in Taiwan has increased its international investments for further portfolio diversification and increased returns.
BNP Paribas Investment Partners, which handles a EUR10.5 million active equity mandate for Vlaamse Gemeenschap Pensioenfonds, is likely to end up with a passive brief.
Pensionskasse der Genossenschaftsorganisation in Bayern, the EUR330 million multi-employer defined contribution scheme, plans to significantly change its strategic asset allocation before the end of the year.
Groep New Holland Belgie Voorzorgsfonds, the EUR35 million Belgian corporate defined benefit scheme, has invested for the first time in alternatives through a fund of hedge funds using an absolute return strategy.
The pension fund of HeidelbergCement has selected seven external fund managers. Two will handle a corporate bonds mandate, while five hold alternatives briefs.
Tupperware Pensioenfonds has slightly increased its emerging markets equity exposure in the aftermath of its latest triennial asset/liability matching study, which it conducted this year with the help of Hewitt Associates.
European real estate high returns are leading Generali Pensionskasse AG to increase its exposure to the asset class.
Wiltshire County Council Pension Scheme has long-term plans to passively manage and reduce its U.K. equity allocation.
Nestlé Pensionskasse will conduct an asset/liability matching study next year with the help of Nestlé Capital Advisers.
The GBP1.2 billion AA Pension Scheme has undertaken a significant change of strategy and managers since appointing Hewitt Associates as its consultant last August (iisearches, 7/8/09).
The GBP222 million Shetland Islands Council Reserve Fund is planning to restructure its portfolio following an asset strategy review.
BP Pensioenfonds, the EUR82 million Belgian corporate defined benefit scheme, has increased its equity allocation to 55% from 45%, while reducing fixed income by 10% to 45%.
Caisse de Prévoyance du Personnel des Etablissements Publics Médicaux du Canton de Genève (CEH), the CHF2.6 billion defined benefit scheme, will merge with the Caisse de Prévoyance du Personnel Enseignant de L’Instruction Publique et des Fonctionnaires (CIA) within the next two years.
The GBP440 million Dumfries & Galloway Council Pension Fund will conduct an informal review with investment consultant Hymans Robertson toward the end of this year.
The GBP108 million Palmer and Harvey Staff Superannuation Fund has a full valuation planned for next March, assisted by new actuary and consultant Barnett Waddingham & Co.
Skandia Investment Group expects equities to outperform other asset classes in the coming months as fears of a sovereign bank crisis fade, according to the group’s latest Monthly Asset Allocation Report.
Pensionskasse Jungfraubahn Holding, the CHF200 million (GBP120 million) corporate defined contribution scheme, has doubled its allocation to real estate to 20%.
The GBP1.92 billion Social Housing Pension Scheme (SHPS) has significantly reduced its deficit to GBP619 million and increased the number of members to over 60,000.
Volkswagenstiftung, the EUR2.7 billion German foundation, plans to terminate its hedge funds mandate because it did not meet expectations.
Conzzeta Holding, the CHF370 million (GBP222 million) corporate defined contribution scheme, plans to increase its allocation to emerging markets from 2% up to a maximum of 8% once its ongoing asset/liability matching study is completed, probably in September.
The GBP113 million Strathclyde Number 3 Fund, managed by the Strathclyde Pension Fund on behalf of First Bus staff, will decide whether to make more liability-driven investments by the end of the year.
Conlon & Sons Opticians Ltd Pension & Life Assurance Scheme, the GBP3.5 million corporate defined benefit scheme, has invested in one property fund and is considering raising its allocation to the asset class.
Stapi Pension Fund, the EUR800 million public defined benefit scheme, recently cut cash investments down from 15% to 7% to invest in other assets in order to further diversify its portfolio.
Stichting Pensioenfonds Aon Groep Nederland, the EUR375 million corporate defined benefit scheme, has made recent changes to its asset allocation following an asset/liability matching study conducted last year.
Stichting Contractspelersfonds KNVB (CFK), the EUR650 million scheme for Dutch footballers, has changed its investment strategy to include an absolute return approach.
The GBP400 million Northern Rock Defined Benefit Pension Scheme has scrapped plans to invest in equity or alternatives, seeing adequate risk and return in its existing bonds allocation.
The EUR476 million defined benefit scheme Stichting Pensioenfonds Koninklijke Cosun, will conclude an asset/liability matching study in September.
Spoorwegpensioenfonds, a EUR13.5 billion (GBP11.16 billion) multi-employer defined contribution scheme, has increased investment in emerging markets to around 25% from 20%.
Suomen Pankki Pension Fund, a EUR500 million defined benefit scheme, has decided not to make any changes to its asset allocation in the wake of a recently concluded asset/liability matching study.
RMB Asset Management, the South African multi-manager with ZAR150 billion in assets under management, is planning to reduce its stake in domestic equities in favour of international holdings.
The GBP45 million University Of Dundee Pension Scheme is currently undergoing a review process, with decisions on investment strategy expected in six months.
Swiss Re, the CHF2.8 billion (GBP1.7 billion) corporate defined benefit scheme, has decided to wait until next year before making any change to its asset allocation.
S:t Erik Livforsakring AB, a SEK1.8 billion (GBP159 million) insurer, has reduced its equity portfolio by 5%.
Phonak Holding Pensionskasse, the CHF168 million (GBP102 million) corporate defined contribution scheme, has divested from its hedge fund investments, which were worth 10% of its total assets.
The GBP70 million Citizens Advice Bureau Pension Scheme has appointed BNY Mellon Asset Management to join incumbent Baring Asset Management in a new real return investment strategy.
The U.K. Procter & Gamble Pension Fund has terminated two external managers for its property investments, ING Real Estate and RREEF.
The GBP14.5 million United Services Trustee Combined Charitable Capital Fund has upped its investments in absolute return, gold and emerging markets.
Zuger Kantonalbank’s pension fund is looking to increase its exposure to real estate and invest in more equity if markets allow it.
Personalvorsorgestiftung der Telekurs Holding, the CHF1 billion (GBP608 million) corporate defined contribution scheme, has reduced its exposure to equity in order to invest more in fixed income.
The GBP200 million Field Group Pension Scheme has cut its U.K. equity stake and switched its global equity portfolio style to active from passive in an attempt to diversify its portfolio and improve performance.
The GBP200 million Forth Ports Group Pension Scheme may cut its majority equity holding following its actuarial valuation and strategic review, scheduled for next April. The
The GBP28 million Church & Co. Footwear Ltd. Staff and Works Pension Fund has placed sole investment manager P-Solve Asset Solutions on watch after the head of client services for implemented solutions left to join a rival firm.
The GBP660 million London Borough of Lewisham Pension Fund’s new investment committee may reconsider its switch to a boutique-style strategy.
Pensionskasse ZAF, the CHF160 million (GBP100 million) corporate defined contribution scheme, has increased its private equity allocation.
Pensionskasse der Gemeinde Thalwil, the CHF93 million (GBP58 million) public defined contribution scheme, has recently reduced its allocation to international bonds in order to invest in hedged international fixed income.
KBC Pensioenfonds, the EUR1 billion Belgian corporate defined benefit scheme, has recently made a maiden investment in European social infrastructure, doubling its total allocation to infrastructure to EUR20 million.
Caisse Paritaire de Prevoyance de l’Industrie et de la Construction (CPPIC), the CHF677 million (GBP424 million) Swiss public defined benefit scheme, has increased its real estate allocation to 35% from 30%.
The EUR24.1 billion National Pensions Reserve Fund (NPRF) has amended its strategic asset allocation to put more emphasis on long-term growth through diversification to new asset classes and a reduction to equity.
The GBP52.7 million Trades Union Congress Superannuation Scheme has moved funds to fixed interest using sole investment manager Standard Life Investments’ liability-managed credit fund.
The GBP13.5 million Northern Ireland Assembly Pension Scheme has slightly raised its exposure to bonds over the last six months and will continue to do so in the coming months.
The GBP1.4 billion Greater Gwent (Torfaen) Borough Council Pension Fund has raised its strategic asset allocation to alternatives to 4% on top of a 2% allocation to U.K. property via property unit trusts (PUT).
The GBP1.5 billion pension scheme for East Sussex County Council, has finalised contracts with five new external fund managers as it puts in place a new investment strategy.
Georg Fischer Pensionskasse, the CHF640 million (GBP398 million) corporate defined contribution scheme, will appoint a passive multi-asset manager in the autumn.
Bedrijfstak Pensioenfonds Vlakglas, the EUR340 million Dutch corporate defined benefit scheme, has recently made a maiden investment in alternatives, worth 5% of its total portfolio.
The University of Edinburgh General Investment Fund has made recent changes in the asset mix to include corporate short-term bonds for the first time.
Europol Pension Fund, with around EUR35 million in total assets, has picked a new asset allocation.
The GBP1 billion Cumbria County Council Superannuation Fund has increased its allocation to corporate bonds and real estate.
Norsk Hydro Pensjonskasse, the NOK13.7 billion (GBP1.42 billion) Norwegian corporate benefit scheme, plans to terminate some of its 30 asset managers.
Sportfondsen Psf, the EUR143 million Dutch corporate defined benefit scheme, is planning to increase its allocation to equity.