2020 Asset Class Categorization Guide

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

2020 Asset Class Categorization Guide 2020 Asset Class Categorization Guide The purpose of this document is to further clarify the asset classes for the investment fees and commissions reporting requirements established by §802.103(a)(3) of the Texas Government Code and 40 TAC Chapter 609. The examples listed are not exhaustive. For investment products containing investments in more than one asset class, fees must be reported according to the corresponding asset class (e.g., a balanced fund comprised of 60% public equities and 40% fixed income). 1. Cash Cash and cash equivalents are short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and near their maturity date. Examples include Treasury bills, commercial paper, and money market funds. 2. Fixed Income Fixed income generally comprises debt securities such as municipal or corporate bonds that provide returns in the form of fixed, periodic payments (e.g. interest or coupon payments) and the return of principal at maturity. Other examples include private debt, Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS), US Treasury securities, fixed income mutual funds and mortgage-backed securities. 3. Public Equity Equity securities are shares representing an ownership interest in a corporation. Examples of equities include domestic, international, and emerging market stocks, as well as equity mutual funds. 4. Real Assets Real assets are physical assets. They can include natural resources, commodities, and real estate investments such as real estate investment trusts (REITs), private real estate funds and direct investment in property. 5. Alternative/Other Investments that do not fit into any of the categories above may be classified as an alternative or other investment. Some alternative investments may include private equity, hedge funds, derivatives and venture capital. All investments in this class must be listed by type in a footnote or table. .
Recommended publications
  • The Portfolio Currency-Hedging Decision, by Objective and Block by Block
    The portfolio currency-hedging decision, by objective and block by block Vanguard Research August 2018 Daren R. Roberts; Paul M. Bosse, CFA; Scott J. Donaldson, CFA, CFP ®; Matthew C. Tufano ■ Investors typically make currency-hedging decisions at the asset class rather than the portfolio level. The result can be an incomplete and even misleading perspective on the relationship between hedging strategy and portfolio objectives. ■ We present a framework that puts the typical asset-class approach in a portfolio context. This approach makes clear that the hedging decision depends on the strategic asset allocation decision that aligns a portfolio’s performance with an investor’s objectives. ■ A number of local market and idiosyncratic variables can modify this general rule, but this approach is a valuable starting point. It recognizes that the strategic asset allocation decision is the most important step toward meeting a portfolio’s goals. And hedging decisions that preserve the risk-and-return characteristics of the underlying assets lead to a portfolio-level hedging strategy that is consistent with the portfolio’s objectives. Investors often look at currency hedging from an asset- • The hedging framework begins with the investor’s class perspective—asking, for example, “Should I hedge risk–return preference. This feeds into the asset-class my international equity position?”1 Combining individual choices, then down to the decisions on diversification portfolio component hedging decisions results in and currency hedging. a portfolio hedge position. This begs the question: Is • Those with a long investment horizon who are a building-block approach the right way to arrive at the comfortable with equity’s high potential return and currency-hedging view for the entire portfolio? Does volatility will allocate more to that asset class.
    [Show full text]
  • Comparison of BIS Derivatives Statistics1
    Eighth IFC Conference on “Statistical implications of the new financial landscape” Basel, 8–9 September 2016 Comparison of BIS derivatives statistics1 Philip Wooldridge, BIS 1 This paper was prepared for the meeting. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the BIS, the IFC or the central banks and other institutions represented at the meeting. September 2016 Comparison of BIS derivatives statistics Philip D Wooldridge1 A lot of information about derivatives is collected in various international datasets, mainly by the BIS, but demands from users for better derivatives statistics raise questions about what should be collected. The first phase of the G20 Data Gaps Initiative (DGI), which was launched in 2009 to close data gaps revealed by the crisis, recommended improvements to credit derivative statistics, and the second phase, launched in 2015, recommended investigating other improvements to derivatives statistics (IMF-FSB (2015)). Each set of derivatives statistics collected by the BIS was designed for a particular analytical use. Consequently, the statistics are neither closely integrated nor easily combined. Also, changes in derivatives markets pose challenges to the uses that the statistics were originally designed to meet (Tissot (2015)). There may be scope to increase the benefits of existing derivatives statistics, and reduce the overall costs, by merging some datasets and streamlining others. This note is intended to motivate discussions about possible changes to BIS derivatives statistics. It follows up on recommendation 6 from the second phase of the DGI, which asks the BIS to review the derivatives data collected for the international banking statistics and the semiannual survey of over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives markets.
    [Show full text]
  • FX Effects: Currency Considerations for Multi-Asset Portfolios
    Investment Research FX Effects: Currency Considerations for Multi-Asset Portfolios Juan Mier, CFA, Vice President, Portfolio Analyst The impact of currency hedging for global portfolios has been debated extensively. Interest on this topic would appear to loosely coincide with extended periods of strength in a given currency that can tempt investors to evaluate hedging with hindsight. The data studied show performance enhancement through hedging is not consistent. From the viewpoint of developed markets currencies—equity, fixed income, and simple multi-asset combinations— performance leadership from being hedged or unhedged alternates and can persist for long periods. In this paper we take an approach from a risk viewpoint (i.e., can hedging lead to lower volatility or be some kind of risk control?) as this is central for outcome-oriented asset allocators. 2 “The cognitive bias of hindsight is The Debate on FX Hedging in Global followed by the emotion of regret. Portfolios Is Not New A study from the 1990s2 summarizes theoretical and empirical Some portfolio managers hedge papers up to that point. The solutions reviewed spanned those 50% of the currency exposure of advocating hedging all FX exposures—due to the belief of zero expected returns from currencies—to those advocating no their portfolio to ward off the pain of hedging—due to mean reversion in the medium-to-long term— regret, since a 50% hedge is sure to and lastly those that proposed something in between—a range of values for a “universal” hedge ratio. Later on, in the mid-2000s make them 50% right.” the aptly titled Hedging Currencies with Hindsight and Regret 3 —Hedging Currencies with Hindsight and Regret, took a behavioral approach to describe the difficulty and behav- Statman (2005) ioral biases many investors face when incorporating currency hedges into their asset allocation.
    [Show full text]
  • The Role of Commodities in Asset Allocation
    COMMODITY INVESTMENTS: THE MISSING PIECE OF THE PORTFOLIO PUZZLE? The Role of Commodities in Asset Allocation Investors often look to commodities as a way to potentially gain enhanced Contributor: portfolio diversification, protection against inflation, and equity-like returns. As such, commodities have gained traction among institutional and retail Xiaowei Kang, CFA investors in recent years, either as a separate asset class or as part of a real Director assets allocation. Index Research & Design [email protected] Generally, commodities have low or negative correlation with traditional asset classes over the long-term, and can act as a portfolio diversifier. For ® example, from December 1972 to June 2012, the S&P GSCI had a correlation of -0.02 and -0.08 with global equities and fixed income, Want more? Sign up to receive respectively. However, during periods of global economic downturn such as complimentary updates on a broad in the early 1980s, early 1990s and late 2000s, commodities’ correlation with range of index-related topics and other asset classes–especially equities–tended to sharply increase before events brought to you by S&P Dow reverting to relatively low levels (see Exhibit 1). Jones Indices. Exhibit 1: Rolling 36-Month Correlation with Equities and Fixed Income www.spindices.com/registration 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 -0.2 -0.4 -0.6 Jul-91 Jul-08 Apr-87 Apr-04 Oct-78 Oct-95 Jan-83 Jan-00 Feb-90 Feb-07 Jun-84 Jun-01 Nov-85 Nov-02 Dec-75 Dec-92 Dec-09 Aug-81 Aug-98 Mar-80 Mar-97 Sep-88 Sep-05 May-77 May-94 May-11 Correlation with Equities Correlation with Fixed Income Source: S&P DOW JONES INDICES, MSCI, Barclays.
    [Show full text]
  • Beyond Traditional Asset Classes: Exploring Alternatives
    Cooper Fazzino Private Client Group Christopher Fazzino, CRPC® Associate Financial Professional 1 Financial Plaza Suite 2110 Providence, RI 02903 401-277-0114 [email protected] https://www.oppenheimer.com/cooperfazzinogroup/index.aspx Beyond Traditional Asset Classes: Exploring Alternatives Stocks, bonds, and cash are fundamental strategies, which may include pairs trading, long-short components of an investment portfolio. However, strategies, and use of leverage and derivatives. many other investments can be used to try to spice Participation in hedge funds is typically limited to up returns or reduce overall portfolio risk. So-called "accredited investors," who must meet alternative assets have become popular in recent SEC-mandated high levels of net worth and ongoing years as a way to provide greater diversification. income (individual funds also usually require very What is an alternative asset? high minimum investments). The term "alternative asset" is highly flexible; it can Private equity/venture capital mean almost anything whose investment Like stock shares, private equity and venture capital performance is not correlated with that of stocks and represent an ownership interest in one or more bonds. It may include physical assets, such as companies, but firms that make private equity precious metals, real estate, or commodities. In some investments may or may not be listed or traded on a cases, geographic regions, such as emerging global public market or exchange. Private equity firms often markets, are considered alternative assets. Complex are involved directly with management of the or novel investing methods also qualify. For example, businesses in which they invest. hedge funds use techniques that are off-limits for Funds of hedge funds Private equity often requires a long-term focus.
    [Show full text]
  • EMD - an Asset Class Grows Up
    1Q18 TOPICS OF INTEREST EMD - an asset class grows up March 2018 Executive summary In this paper, we reaffirm the rationale, benefits and considerations for investing in emerging markets debt and assess recent investment manager behavior in the space. We will examine the tradeoffs of standalone hard and local currency emerging markets debt strategies and provide our views on each. Lastly, we will discuss the implementation of hard and local currency MARGARET MCRAE, portfolios and discuss the benefits of blended currency mandates with a total CFA return focus. Associate Director | Public Markets Ultimately, we believe that local currency EMD presents a compelling opportunity for investors compared to hard currency or developed market credit. For those investors wishing to minimize their volatility, blended strategies can provide exposure to EM rates, EM foreign currency and EM credit often with lower volatility. We believe that allowing managers the ability to allocate to local and external debt based on relative value in total return focused blend strategies give investors the best experience in the asset class. Introduction The evolving opportunity set within emerging markets debt (EMD) is broad and there are a variety of implementation options to choose from. The opportunity set consists of four main asset groups: local rates, emerging market currencies, external (hard currency) bonds and corporate debt. When constructing a portfolio, investment managers can allocate to these asset groups to structure standalone local currency, hard currency or corporate mandates or use a combination to form blended, total return or opportunistic approaches. We believe that EMD has a place in a total portfolio context, with various benefits and risks.
    [Show full text]
  • Can Infrastructure Investing Enhance Portfolio Efficiency?
    Asset Management Can Infrastructure Investing Enhance Portfolio Efficiency? May 2010 WHITE PAPER Executive Summary The 2008 global financial crisis has laid bare two key challenges for institutional investors in David Russ general, and pensions in particular: First, the steep drop in asset prices has created funding gaps Managing Director, for many pension plans.1 Second, the exogenous shocks from the market dislocations worldwide Head of Investment have negatively impacted risk budgets, with investors now seeking ways to increase the Strategies and Solutions efficiency of their portfolios. 212 325 2665 david.russ@credit- The strong rallies in the equity and credit markets in 2009 have helped to ameliorate the suisse.com situation, but uncertainty remains. What can investors do, then, to help reduce the funding gap, while providing diversification to shore up the efficiency of their portfolios? Our research suggests that some exposure to infrastructure—within the context of a diversified portfolio—can help address these challenges from both tactical and strategic perspectives. Here’s why: Yogi Thambiah Managing Director, ■ Infrastructure, our analysis indicates, has low correlations to a plethora of commonly held Investment Strategies asset classes—including US equities, global bonds, Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities and Solutions (TIPS), commodities, private equity and hedge funds. As such, the asset class might help 212 325 7442 improve a portfolio’s Sharpe ratio when deployed strategically. yogi.thambiah@credit- ■ The long-term
    [Show full text]
  • Determining the Appropriate Asset Allocation
    E-160 8-02 DETERMINING THE APPROPRIATE ASSET ALLOCATION Jason Johnson and Wade Polk* Perhaps the most fundamental Stocks tend to earn more long- Time Horizon of all investment decisions relates term, but their value can fluctuate Your investment goals all have to asset allocation. Simply stated, significantly along the way. Bonds a time horizon, and that is an asset allocation is the selection of fall somewhere between the two in important consideration when investments from the various asset potential growth and safety. So determining appropriate invest- classes, which are generally cate- how should you allocate your ments. Your time horizon is the gorized as cash, hard assets, assets? number of years you have avail- stocks and bonds. Each asset class Investment Goals able to invest. It includes the time is affected by different circum- until you reach your goal, as well The first step is setting your stances and has values that do not as the period during which you investment goal. Some common move in the same direction at the make withdrawals from your investment goals are: to build suf- same time. The purpose of asset investment. For example, if you ficient assets for a comfortable allocation is to distribute your are saving for retirement, your retirement; to finance a child’s col- investments so that you achieve a time horizon should include not lege education; or to make a down level of return consistent with your only the time until you retire but payment on a home. If you have objectives and risk tolerance pro- also the years you plan to live off more than one goal in mind, you file.
    [Show full text]
  • Understanding Asset Prices: an Overview 2006 Autumn Meeting of Central Bank Economists by Peter Hördahl and Frank Packer
    BIS Papers No 34 Understanding asset prices: an overview 2006 Autumn Meeting of Central Bank Economists by Peter Hördahl and Frank Packer Monetary and Economic Department March 2007 The views expressed are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of the central banks that were represented at the Autumn Meeting of Central Bank Economists on “Understanding asset prices: determinants and policy implications” or the Bank for International Settlements. Requests for copies of publications, or for additions/changes to the mailing list, should be sent to: Bank for International Settlements Press & Communications CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland E-mail: [email protected] Fax: +41 61 280 9100 and +41 61 280 8100 This publication is available on the BIS website (www.bis.org). © Bank for International Settlements 2007. All rights reserved. Limited extracts may be reproduced or translated provided the source is stated. ISSN 1609-0381 (print) ISBN 92-9131-741-1 (print) ISSN 1682-7651 (online) ISBN 92-9197-741-1 (online) Abstract This paper reviews analytical work carried out by central banks that participated at the Autumn Meeting of Central Bank Economists on “Understanding asset prices: determinants and policy implications”, which the BIS hosted on 30–31 October 2006. The paper first discusses some general properties of asset prices, focusing on volatilities and co- movements. It then reviews studies that look at determinants of asset prices and that attempt to estimate a fair value of assets. The next part of the paper focuses on research that aims at measuring the impact of changes in asset wealth on the real economy.
    [Show full text]
  • Course Outline School of Business and Economics FNCE 3170-3 Fixed Income and Alternative Investments (3,0,0)
    Course Outline Department of Accounting and Finance School of Business and Economics FNCE 3170-3 Fixed Income and Alternative Investments (3,0,0) Calendar Description Students learn to design and analyze fixed income securities and alternative investment products particularly real estate. The importance of interest rates, credit risk and product features in the valuation of these assets is emphasized. Topics include an introduction to fixed income investments; fixed income markets; yield curves; bond pricing, valuation and volatility; credit analysis for firms and individuals; asset backed securities; real estate as an alternative investment asset class; evaluation of real estate investments; and other alternative investments. Educational Objectives/Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Describe the various types of short and long-term debt instruments available to firms to meet financing needs. 2. Explain traditional theories of the yield curve and how this curve is used to forecast future interest rates. 3. Calculate yield to maturity and duration for various fixed income securities. 4. Discuss the 4 Cs of credit analysis and how it is used to qualify individuals and firms for bank loans. 5. Explain how asset-backed securities are created and their contribution to the global financial crisis. 6. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of alternative investment asset classes versus traditional stock and bond investments. 7. Determine the effective interest rate for various types of real estate loans. 8. Calculate the rate of return on a real estate investment using discounted cash flow analysis. 9. Explain the difference between private equity and hedge funds and why investors should consider such investments.
    [Show full text]
  • Download a Guide to Asset Allocation
    GUIDE TO ASSET ALLOCATION THE VALUE OF PROFESSIONAL ADVICE Determining your financial goals—a comfortable retirement, a college education for the kids, a new home—may not be too complicated, but developing an appropriate asset allocation plan designed to help you meet those goals can be. Working with a financial professional can help. They offer market knowledge and planning expertise, and will take into account your individual investment needs to create an investment strategy tailored to your specific investment goals and risk tolerance. Chances are your financial professional will also want to review your portfolio with you regularly to determine if adjustments are needed to keep your asset allocation plan on target or make changes as your life goals/circumstances change. A FEW WORDS ABOUT ASSET ALLOCATION While an asset allocation plan can be a valuable tool to help reduce overall volatility, diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against a loss. All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal. Typically, the greater the potential return, the more risk involved. Generally, investors should be comfortable with some fluctuation in the value of their investments, especially over the short term. Stock prices fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and dramatically, due to factors affecting individual companies, particular industries or sectors, or general market conditions. Small-capitalization stocks can be more volatile than large-capitalization stocks. Bond prices generally move in the opposite direction of interest rates. Thus, as the prices of bonds in a fund adjust to a rise in interest rates, that fund’s share price may decline. Foreign investing carries additional risks such as currency and market volatility and political or social instability; risks which are heightened in emerging markets.
    [Show full text]
  • Private Markets Infrastructure Investing – a Primer
    Infrastructure investing — A primer Private markets insights welcome to brighter Private markets infrastructure investing — A primer 2 What is infrastructure investing? Infrastructure is an asset class that emerged More recently, newer subsectors within infrastructure, such as digital infrastructure (telecommunications towers, data in the mid-1990s and has continued to centers and fiber optic networks) and energy transition gain greater acceptance from institutional infrastructure (renewable energy but also energy storage/ investors over time. The market is now over efficiency), have become more mainstream. The asset class continues to evolve, with certain logistics assets (such US$100 billion strong in terms of capital as food supply chains/cold storage, heavy goods vehicle raised per year, with more than 100 funds trailers and short-line rail assets), healthcare and education closed annually.1 Infrastructure is typically businesses (for example, private hospitals and elderly care considered in a portfolio context alongside homes) and infrastructure services businesses (such as industrial equipment leasing) also increasingly featuring other private markets asset classes, such within portfolios. as private equity and real estate. However, infrastructure investments share certain This paper will primarily focus on private markets infrastructure equity investing. However, investors should attributes that make them unique and are also be aware that it is possible to access the asset class meant to provide steady, reliable returns through listed infrastructure equity strategies and private across a wide variety of economic conditions. markets infrastructure debt strategies. As with any asset class, investors should first consider the strategic role of an Returns are generally inclusive of a cash investment within an overall portfolio context.
    [Show full text]