Time variation in the allocation to real estate assets through the life cycle

We investigate the per- formance of allocations to public and private real estate using dynamic retirement portfolio strate- gies. Our approach frames asset allocation decisions to real estate with the primary objective of maxi- mizing retirement outcomes. The main innovation in this paper is that allocations to listed and un- listed real estate are formally incorporated into a dynamic framework that can be implemented by defined contribution (DC) retirement plans. We demonstrate that the time-variant characteristics of real estate as an asset class can be systematically exploited to improve the risk-return trade-offs in retirement portfolios through the lifecycle of a DC plan member

Conditional allocations to real estate: an antidote to sequencing risk in defined contribution retirement plans

In this article, the authors investigate the potential for real estate as an asset class to be exploited to protect against sequencing risk (or path dependency) in defined contribution retirement funds. Their results suggest that allocating both listed and unlisted real estate assets to retirement portfolios, even if very minor, can enhance the risk–return profile and probability of successfully achieving retirement outcomes. Using a bootstrap simulation approach, the authors test for a range of asset allocations that include real estate. In addition, they examine the sensitivity of real estate performance to changes in monetary policy to optimize portfolio outcomes for fund managers who actively seek exposure to real estate assets. Their findings indicate that the performance of real estate is highly dependent on monetary policy settings that, when used in a dynamic asset allocation process, have the potential to enhance portfolio returns while limiting the impact of downside risk

Improving retirement adequacy through asset class prioritization

Highly risk-averse retirees are generally advised to adopt a fixed spending strategy such as the 4% withdrawal rule. To prevent the premature depletion of a retirement portfolio, the rule attempts to proxy as the ‘safe withdrawal rate’. But a constant withdrawal rate means that retirees accumulate unspent surpluses when markets outperform and face spending shortfalls when markets underperform. While a safe withdrawal rate can prevent spending shortfalls, the opportunity cost of unspent surpluses associated with this strategy can be extreme. We apply a range of basic investment decision rules to a retirement portfolio applying various withdrawal rates and examine the probability of shortfalls over a retirement horizon. Using a block bootstrap simulation technique, we examine decision rules relating to stock and bond investments. Our results show that retirement portfolios with a bias towards stocks coupled with a decision rule that sources withdrawals from bonds and cash before stocks significantly outperforms alternative withdrawal strategies, despite the inherent increase in volatility. This finding is in direct contrast to the safe withdrawal rate conventions used in contemporary financial advice models

On the responsible investment disclosure practices of the world's largest pension funds

Purpose – This study seeks to measure the level of responsible investment (RI) disclosure of the world's largest pension funds. Design/methodology/approach – The public disclosure of environmental, social and governance factors by the world's largest pension funds reflect their genuine commitment to this new investment paradigm. The UNPRI criterion is employed to measure the level of public disclosure. One hour was allocated to every asset owner's web site to search and collect public information. Findings – Overall, the level of public disclosure of RI activities is not prolific. The study is negatively influenced by North American pension funds who dominate this sample. Public disclosure practices are positive for European funds. The size of funds under management positively influences the public disclosure and reflects their leadership role in the industry. Research limitations/implications – Limitations include: the largest pension funds are dominated by North American funds and reflect the impact of fund size. The results are from the largest pension funds and may not be representative of the entire industry; the positive findings from European funds reflect a material subset of the global asset owners; and, we do not engage directly with the funds in question. Measurements are sourced from public disclosure. Originality/value – The lack of public disclosure of RI by North American funds suggests that these institutions do not believe that it is important to investors. It suggests that these asset owners have not yet been exposed to the same influences as European funds. Given that North American funds together own substantial interests in listed corporations, they are much more important to influence than corporations.Economic sustainability, Ethical investment, Investments, Social responsibility