2 min readThe World Health Organization has finally given the coronavirus outbreak in China an official name: COVID-19, for “Coronavirus Disease 2019.” Unfortunately, that’s one of the only things we know for sure about the new disease, even as the outbreak extends well into its third month. Consider everything we don’t yet know: Will the draconian quarantine…
3 min readEvery January, we point to three trends cash managers should keep an eye on in the coming year. In 2019, we hit the nail on the head when we highlighted the inverted yield curve, trade wars, and Brexit. Each of those issues kept institutional cash managers busy all year. First, the Fed reversed course with…
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…
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…
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…
14 min readDOWNLOAD FULL REPORT Abstract The popularity of responsible investing has extended to the fixed income and liquidity management fields in recent years. Incorporating environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues in cash investment decisions makes sense as part of overall credit risk management. In addition to challenges related to disclosure, criteria, measure and verification, liquidity portfolios…
17 min readDOWNLOAD FULL REPORT Abstract The 2014 money market fund reform brought forth drastic change to the corporate cash management landscape, significantly impacting investors, issuers and fund sponsors. While there is little doubt that money market funds are more resilient following the implementation of the reform’s higher credit, liquidity, transparency, and oversight standards, it also had…
13 min readDOWNLOAD FULL REPORT Abstract The March Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) decision was a major market event that directly resulted in an inverted yield curve. The Fed’s interest rate and growth outlook change echoed other recent moves by central banks that may indicate the end of a tightening monetary cycle. The inverted curve may be…
14 min readAbstract We have identified the Fed and a flattening yield curve, trade wars and a global slowdown, and Brexit and other uncertainties as the three main themes to watch in 2019. Compared to 2018, we think 2019 will be a bit more challenging for short-term liquidity investors. A flatter yield curve may attract more non-traditional…
2 min readA growing number of institutional cash investors seeking higher returns are turning to direct investments in commercial paper. Why? In part because prime money market funds no longer deliver an optimum combination of liquidity, safety and yield as they did in the past. Among other things, the SEC reforms two years ago resulted in a…