Survey: Endowments, foundations pin hopes on alts, liquidity

December 9, 2009

U.S.-based endowments and foundations, which lost a combined 24% in value in 2008, are focusing on alternative investments and liquidity to rebuild their portfolios, according to a Spectrem Group survey.

The survey of chief investment officers at 81 U.S. endowments and foundations revealed that among endowments and foundations with $25 million to $49 million in assets, 36% plan to focus on alternative investments. Of those with $50 million to $199 million, 10% plan to focus on alternatives, and 29% of funds with more than $200 million cited alternatives as an area of focus. ... (read more)

Pension funds seek alternatives in hunt for yield

December 7, 2009

Large public pension funds in New York, California and Ohio are looking increasingly to alternative investments in hedge funds, private equity and emerging markets in a global hunt for yield, senior managers and trustees said. ... (read more)

Maryland to Boost Alts Investment Team

December 7, 2009

Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (SRPS) is seeking to add six new personnel positions to its 12-member investment staff, Pensions & Investments reports. The move comes as the $31.8 billion fund has increased its allocation to alternative investments.

The positions, which are yet to be approved by the state, will increase the ability of the system to manage a portfolio cutting back on public equities and fixed income in favor of alternatives. The plan will accept applications for the first three positions, after the approval, by mid-January 2010 and for the remaining by July 2010. ... (read more)