One would expect the inventors of the RAFI index to apply fundamental research to their work. When they turn to something as ephemeral as cryptocurrencies, the results are also entertaining. The Research Affiliates Fundamental Index (RAFI) is the strategy which kick-started the smart-beta trend; the best-known strategy developed by California-based manager Research Affiliates in 2005…. [Read More…]
Investment News
Responsible thinking: how regulator plans to wring-out greenwashers
Fund managers may have to revisit drinks and hors d’oeuvre policies as the Financial Market Authority (FMA) pushes for purity in ‘responsible’ investment marketing practices. In a speech at a Financial Services Council (FSC) event last week, Paul Gregory, director of the just-created FMA investments division, said fund managers would have to back-up product labels… [Read More…]
IIS opens door on capital-raise as growth knocks
Wellington-based financial services business Implemented Investment Solutions (IIS) is on the look-out for private capital to fast-track the firm’s next growth phase. IIS managing director, Anthony Edmonds, confirmed the group was seeking expansion capital following a 12-month period that saw stellar growth in its three existing business lines – fund-hosting, Hunter Investment Management and the… [Read More…]
BNP hiring spree; ACC, NZ Super in market for local share managers; FMA to build out investment team; industry body adds member head
Investment back-office specialist BNP Paribas Securities Services is gearing up for growth in the NZ market with a recruitment drive set to swell the ranks by about 10 per cent. The firm has several roles up for grabs in its Wellington HQ including custody, fund accounting and analyst positions while seeking an Auckland-based client service… [Read More…]
Market awaits buyout details in AMP results…
AMP will release its full-year results next Thursday with the update also expected to include details on the progress of a A$6.3 billion plus takeover bid. The ASX-listed financial services giant fielded the buyout offer from US investment firm Ares Management last October following years of corporate volatility that had seen its share price sink… [Read More…]
… as AMP Capital looks to real changes in 2021
Real asset investors are turning to face the strange in 2021 as technological and social trends mix with a global pandemic to fast-forward fundamental changes, according to the latest AMP Capital market outlook. “Disruption has accelerated changes underway in modern living – and the pandemic is still far from over,” the AMP Capital report says…. [Read More…]
Minus bonds: ANZ sees FUM slide in September on back of product closure
Number one retail funds manager ANZ Investments went backwards in the September quarter, according to the latest Plan for Life (PFL) analysis, shedding 1 per cent market share. The PFL figures show ANZ retail funds under management (FUM) slipped down almost $300 million (or -0.9 per cent) in the three months ending the period with… [Read More…]
Australian adviser decline approaches crisis point
The decline in the total number of qualified financial advisers in Australia accelerated towards the end of last year, at a time when the Government and advice industry itself are grappling to produce more affordable advice for the general population. The December quarter’s report from Adviser Ratings, published last week (February 3), indicates an industry… [Read More…]
NZ Super doubles down in local private markets
Shortly after David Neal was appointed as the inaugural CIO of the Future Fund, the guardians approved the appointment of global custodian Northern Trust as its asset servicing partner. No big deal, you’d think. Well, welcome to the world of high-profile public sector investing. After the announcement, in May 2007, Sydney’s ‘Daily Telegraph’ tabloid led… [Read More…]
Janus Henderson loses largest shareholder
Japanese firm Dai-Ichi Holdings will sell down its almost 20 per cent stake in US-listed fund manager Janus Henderson in a secondary share offer. The news of Dai-Ichi’s exit from the Janus Henderson share register coincided with the fund manager’s full-year results that showed investors withdrawals of some US$24 billion over the 2020 calendar year…. [Read More…]