This latest Scientific Beta-special issue of the “Research for Institutional Money Management” supplement covers inflation-friendly equity indexes, the performance of rewarded factors in the U.S. market since 2020, and the distinctions between different types of fossil fuels for investors.

U.S. pension plans pursuing liability-driven investing have been able to preserve and improve their funded status. They are now evaluating asset allocation and exploring customization to enhance overall risk management in light of the ongoing market volatility. Pension funds’ strong funded status has also led many to consider pension risk transfer solutions.

Fixed income investments increasingly incorporate environmental, social and governance factors, particularly relating to climate change. A climate-aware approach can identify well-positioned companies with strong credit fundamentals that have embraced the path toward sustainability. An asset manager shares insights on ESG integration and engagement for fixed-income portfolios.

As more plan sponsors consider paths to derisk their pension plan, they can consider different types of PRT transactions depending on their plan objectives. They also need to consider the effects of interest rate and spread volatility in the current environment, according to the latest perspective from this leading insurer.

Asset owners can now access a wide menu of ESG strategies and capabilities that meet portfolio objectives for performance and risk management. Multi-solution and multi-asset ESG approaches, data granularity, regulatory progress, and active stewardship are all driving change in ESG investing. See how asset owners are incorporating ESG goals – and what sustainability themes are coming to the fore.

What role does ESG play in the investment strategy of a leading direct lending specialist in middle market, private equity-backed transactions? See how ESG informs its security selection and asset allocation, and helps identify opportunities in its portfolio.

High energy prices could persist over the next decade, with major implications for economies and financial markets. Read this timely analysis on the drivers behind the energy supercycle and how institutional investors can make prudent allocation decisions in this scenario, according to PGIM Fixed Income.

With inflation protection and diversification at the forefront of institutional investor concerns, real assets—real estate, commodities, infrastructure and more – are front and center. Their correlation to other major asset classes and relatively steady income stream are attractive as well. While some investors use real assets tactically, find out why others are responding to the call for a long-term strategic allocation.