Tuesday, May 30, 2006


Asset Allocation Anyone?



Taking time for some weekend reading, I was struck by several headlines that focus on a topic I predict we'll hear more about (much more) in coming months, namely how to best allocate assets to meet liability objectives. Here are a few examples.

"Big pension fund too equity-heavy, says consultant"

"Pension Fund to Expand Stock Buying"

"DB plan sponsors hedging their bets on hedge funds: Pension plans expected to invest $300 billion"

While a discussion of optimal asset allocation and portfolio re-balancing is left for another time and venue, a few questions and comments come to mind.

1. As new accounting rules encourage a focus on liability-driven investing, how will plan fiduciaries decide on a portfolio split between matching liabilities and generating excess return?

2. How can and should derivatives be used to transform assets and liabilities?

3. What role should alternatives play?

4. What will cause a shift away from the traditional equity-fixed income mix for defined benefit plans?

5. How should the equity risk premium be evaluated with respect to managing goals, knowing that greater reliance on fixed income is likely to widen a plan's pension deficit if equities outperform?

6. How should fiduciaries be evaluated and compensated if they focus on risk control in lieu of exceeding return targets?

7. Are decision-makers sufficiently trained to deal with surplus volatility, fat tailed distributions, side pockets and other financial delights?

8. What is the likely impact on capital markets as long-term pension investors begin to favor a radically different asset allocation mix?

As accounting rules, regulatory mandates, changing demographics and economic reality join hands, it's clear that a paradigm shift in asset allocation strategies and tactics is on its way. Are we ready?
posted by Susan Mangiero at 5/30/2006 12:37:00 AM