Investment Management

Shaping Investment Policies for a Safer Cash Portfolio

Shaping Investment Policies for a Safer Cash Portfolio

18 min readDOWNLOAD FULL REPORT Abstract We set out to answer 10 of the most common questions that arise when writing investment policy statements (“IPS”) for cash portfolios. In doing so, we will provide a number of peer group data comparisons to add insight and context to the process. The 10 questions focus on the following subjects…

Three and Done? Implications for Institutional Cash Portfolios

Three and Done? Implications for Institutional Cash Portfolios

12 min readDOWNLOAD FULL REPORT Abstract The pause by the Fed after three rate cuts removes some near-term uncertainty for short-term interest rates. On balance, we think the economy faces more headwinds than tailwinds, and thus the probability of further cuts is significant enough to warrant some portfolio readjustment. A yield curve that is no longer inverted…

Repo Market Madness May Not Have Been a One-Time Thing

2 min readWhen overnight repo rates temporarily rose from 2% to 10% in September, some dismissed the spike as an unfortunate but rare confluence of idiosyncratic circumstances. But if that makes you think the liquidity crunch was a one-time event, think again. Our October research report, Repo Ruckus Reveals Hidden Issues in Liquidity Markets, makes a good…

Repo Ruckus Reveals Hidden Issues in Liquidity Markets

Repo Ruckus Reveals Hidden Issues in Liquidity Markets

19 min readDOWNLOAD FULL REPORT Abstract Rather than dismissing September’s repo turbulence as stemming from idiosyncratic events easily rectified by the Fed, we think that the event reveals broader vulnerabilities within the hidden plumbing of our financial system. Although not all institutional cash portfolios directly use repo, this squeeze should concern us all. We don’t think there…

A 360° Overview of a Proactive Cash Management Strategy

A 360° Overview of a Proactive Cash Management Strategy

10 min readCo-authored by: Spyros Qendro, CFA®, and Carter Bourassa DOWNLOAD FULL REPORT Abstract In an environment characterized by limited forward visibility, it’s more crucial than ever for cash investors to understand the landscape and the risks and opportunities it creates. In this paper, we will evaluate what makes a successful cash management strategy while underscoring the…

Cash Investors are Taking a Second Look at BBB Bonds

2 min readAmid expectations that the Fed will soon complete its about-face from hawk to dove with its first rate cut since 2008, cash investors are looking as hard as ever for relatively safe short-term investments capable of delivering decent returns. And many are turning to a market that in the past they often overlooked—corporates with BBB…

Do BBB Corporate Bonds Belong in Treasury Management Portfolios?

Do BBB Corporate Bonds Belong in Treasury Management Portfolios?

13 min readCo-authored by: Matthew Paniati, CFA® DOWNLOAD FULL REPORT Abstract BBB-rated debt continues to offer new possibilities for cash investors. Though it involves taking on incremental credit risk, allowing the purchase of these securities may help alleviate supply shortages while also offering additional return opportunities. Should investors investigate adding BBB names to their portfolios, we recommend…