PERSist

Find insights from NCPERS members originally published in our quarterly educational journal. Find out how to submit articles here.

Actuarial Asset Management Careers & RFPs Events & Education Governance Legal Member Services News from NCPERS PERSist Policy Press Releases Public Pension Profiles Research Technology

Market Vulnerability Increases with Troubling Asset Allocation Precedents
Market Vulnerability Increases with Troubling Asset Allocation Precedents

Understanding market dynamics is crucial for pension fund managers seeking to safeguard returns and build resilience amid heightened macroeconomic uncertainty. With United States public pension funds holding record-high allocations in equities, we highlight the increased risk of market volatility in Continue Reading

Date posted02/13/2026


Beyond Beta: Systematic Factors in 2026
Beyond Beta: Systematic Factors in 2026

Systematic factors such as value, quality, and momentum have historically provided resilient, diversified sources of return across global equity markets, especially during periods of market concentration and elevated valuations. Continue Reading

Date posted02/11/2026


2026 Outlook: Above and Below the Radar — Five Themes for 2026
2026 Outlook: Above and Below the Radar — Five Themes for 2026

Nuveen2026 Outlook explores crosscurrents, risks, and opportunities as investors enter 2026. They suggest opportunities across well-established themes to capitalize on potential market turnarounds and explore lesser-known corners of the global markets. Continue Reading

Date posted02/9/2026


Resource Crunch: Why Efficiency is a Smart Bet in a World of Rising Costs
Resource Crunch: Why Efficiency is a Smart Bet in a World of Rising Costs

As the costs of raw materials, energy, electricity, and water surge, scalable products and services that enhance resource efficiency have become attractive investment opportunities for pension funds. Continue Reading

Postedby James Rich
Date posted02/4/2026


From Rail to Runway: Investing in America’s Domestic Transportation Backbone
From Rail to Runway: Investing in America’s Domestic Transportation Backbone

This article highlights the significance of investing in America's domestic transportation infrastructure, which is essential due to its predictability, high barriers to entry, and strong linkage to GDP and population growth. Continue Reading

Date posted02/3/2026


Non-Agency Securitization: Unlocking Opportunities in U.S. Mortgage Markets
Non-Agency Securitization: Unlocking Opportunities in U.S. Mortgage Markets

Securitization began in 1968, giving investors access to mortgage cash flows without owning or servicing loans directly, while enabling lenders to recycle capital. Securitization remains a cornerstone of modern finance, channeling capital efficiently, enhancing liquidity, and expanding credit access Continue Reading

Date posted01/30/2026


NCPERS 2026 Public Retirement Systems Study
NCPERS 2026 Public Retirement Systems Study

Coming Soon: Essential Insights for Public Pension Leaders Continue Reading

Postedby Matt Eckel
Date posted01/29/2026


A Case for Risk Budgeting
A Case for Risk Budgeting

Savvy investors take an intentional approach to balancing portfolio risk with desired returns. In this article, we discuss the benefits of active risk budgeting and the consequences of unintended risks. Continue Reading

Postedby Lauren Gellhaus
Date posted01/29/2026


Building Portfolio Resilience: Why Today’s Approach Needs a Rethink
Building Portfolio Resilience: Why Today’s Approach Needs a Rethink

Increased correlations between stocks and bonds and heightened volatility in bond markets have made the traditional 60/40 approach to diversification less reliable, meaning that today’s market conditions call for an approach that includes alternative asset classes. Continue Reading

Date posted01/28/2026


Funding Your Other Post-Employment Benefits Plan: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Funding Your Other Post-Employment Benefits Plan: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Although funding an OPEB plan actuarially is not always possible, this article offers strategies to get some money contributed and secured to pay OPEB benefits. Continue Reading

Date posted01/15/2026


Retiree Medical Trusts—The Solution for Funding Medical Costs in Retirement
Retiree Medical Trusts—The Solution for Funding Medical Costs in Retirement

In the face of rising healthcare costs, Retiree Medical Trusts provide an unmatched, tax-advantages solution for saving for medical costs in retirement. Continue Reading

Date posted01/15/2026


The Cost of Indexing
The Cost of Indexing

Index funds typically carry the lowest expense ratios in their categories — but like consumer goods, they may impose costs that aren’t apparent from the sticker price alone. Continue Reading

Date posted01/15/2026