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Real Estate Position Paper

The first of a two part series, this paper provides an overview of the commercial real estate asset class as well as recommendations and allocation guidance.

The following paper constitutes the first of a two part series on commercial real estate. This first paper seeks to establish a fundamental understanding of the asset class. More specifically, the various styles, benefits, risks, mechanics, and benchmarks relevant to commerical real estate investments are examined, with an emphasis on quantitative and qualitative illustrations. Recommendations as well as guidance toward making an allocation to the asset class are also included.

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Please also reference our 2018 Update of this position paper.

TIPS Position Paper

Analyzes the asset class in detail, and offers a recommendation for investors interested in adding the asset class to their portfolios.

Given the amount of fiscal and monetary stimulus enacted to revive the United States economy, many are concerned about inflation emerging as a credible threat to the economic recovery. While such a threat is not foreseeable in the near future, unexpected inflation can negatively impact portfolios. However, several asset classes can protect against higher than expected inflation. Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (“TIPS”) is one asset class which offers inflation protection. The following paper analyzes the asset class in detail, and offers a recommendation for investors interested in adding the asset class to their portfolios.

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Understanding Currency Overlay

As portfolios have expanded to include international investments, investors must be aware of the currency risk inherent in foreign assets. Currency overlay programs provide a mechanism to mitigate currency risk. This paper examines how currency overlay programs can be used to reduce the currency risk embedded in foreign denominated portfolio allocations.

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Investing in an Inflationary Environment

Given the amount of fiscal and monetary stimulus enacted to revive the United States economy, many investors are concerned about inflation emerging as a credible threat to their portfolios, as inflation can reduce the real rate of return. While high inflation is not foreseeable in the near future, it is prudent to understand how to preserve a portfolio’s real rate of return during times of rising prices. Several asset classes can protect against higher than expected inflation, with varying degrees of statistical proof. The following paper examines the potential asset classes suitable for periods of high inflation, both on a qualitative and quantitative basis.

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Understanding TALF

In an effort to revive the credit markets, the Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility (“TALF”) was established by the government as a means to promote private investment in the asset-backed securities market. Asset managers have been quick to move on this program, using TALF loan facilities to create TALF funds for interested clients. In the following paper, we investigate the TALF program and how it could provide liquidity to the credit market as well as attractive return opportunities for investors.

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