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Archive August 2025

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Trustees’ Fiduciary Duties Relating to Securities Class Action Litigation

By: Andrea Farah and John Madden, Lowey Dannenberg P.C. 
 
This article is intended for newer Trustees who may be stepping into their roles for the first time. As they work through a significant volume of new information, this concise piece serves as a valuable resource—emphasizing that partnering with an experienced law firm to implement a portfolio monitoring program is a best practice for fulfilling fiduciary responsibilities in the context of securities litigation. 

 

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Recognizing the July 2025 Class of NCPERS Accredited Fiduciaries

  • By: admin
  • On: 08/21/2025 18:35:32
  • In: News
  • Comments: 0
NCPERS would like to recognize the 11 public pension trustees and staff who most recently passed the exam to earn the prestigious Accredited Fiduciary (AF) designation.

 

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Filling the Gap: The Increasing Importance of Institutional Investors Addressing Corporate Misconduct in an Era of Reduced Government Enforcement

By: Erin Woods, Nancy Kulesa, and William Massa, Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP 
 
Without the deterrent power of strong enforcement, investors face increased risks of transacting in securities without complete and accurate information about a particular issuer. Congress entrusted regulators as well as private actors, such as public pension plans, with the power to enforce such laws. Regulators, however, have recently exhibited a marked decline in enforcement. By taking a more active role in corporate governance and related litigation, trustees can protect plan assets, enhance long-term returns, and work toward upholding the integrity of a fair and transparent market. 

 

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Total Portfolio Approach for Pension Funds

By: Ortec Finance 

This latest report from Ortec Finance on Total Portfolio Approach (TPA) uses a factor lens analysis to assess the risk and return exposures of the top 30 pension funds by AUM across five of the world's largest pension systems. Instead of relying on the traditional asset allocation lens, our comparative analysis focuses on quantifying factor exposures to macro drivers such as Equity, Real Rates, Credit, Inflation, and Other – where Other captures Alternative asset classes that are typically uncorrelated with Equity. 

 

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Measuring Returns in Alternatives

By: Pulkit Sharma, Jason DeSena, and Richard Wang, J.P. Morgan Asset Management 
 
When investing in alternative funds, it's crucial to understand the differences in return calculation methodologies, such as TWR and IRR, and the benefits of a diversified multi-vintage closed-end fund program, which can enhance capital efficiency and potentially deliver higher net MOICs through reinvestment and compounding returns over time. 

 

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Taking Stock of USD Pessimism

By: Andrew Bloomfield and Patrick Barley, Record Financial Group 
 
The US dollar stands at a pivotal juncture. We examine the structural drivers behind dollar strength, review the factors behind its recent decline, and evaluate whether investor expectations of further weakness are justified. 

 

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How Partisan Politics Threaten Retiree Security

By: Tim Hill, Alliance for Prosperity and a Secure Retirement 
 
Political interference in public pension investments – no matter what side of the aisle it comes from – threatens the financial stability of retirees and taxpayers by reducing returns, increasing costs, and undermining long-term investment strategies. This article makes the case that pension fund decisions should remain focused solely on maximizing returns for beneficiaries, not advancing political agendas. 

 

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University of Chicago Students Tackle Public Pension Funding at NCPERS-Harris NextGen Competition

University of Chicago Students Tackle Public Pension Funding at  NCPERS-Harris NextGen Competition

 

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Staying the Course: Why Tariff Concerns May Not Warrant Portfolio Changes

By: Wes Crill, Senior Client Solutions Director & VP, Dimensional Fund Advisors 
 
This article addresses two of the most pressing concerns facing institutional investors in 2025: tariff-induced market volatility and rising inflation expectations. The article provides what institutional investors need – data driven reassurance backed by rigorous historical analysis.

 

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Budget Reconciliation 2.0

With the 2026 midterms on the horizon, House Republicans are eyeing a second reconciliation package as a key vehicle to advance President Trump’s agenda—reviving sidelined provisions and narrowing focus to maximize political and fiscal impact.
House Republicans are eyeing a second reconciliation package as a key vehicle to advance President Trump’s agenda.

 

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