A global investment opportunity in non-listed infrastructure for institutional investors

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Jufri Marzuki ◽  
Graeme Newell

PurposeInfrastructure investment is one of the few high-calibre real alternative assets with a strong prominence in the portfolios of institutional investors, especially those with a liability-driven investment strategy. This has seen increased institutional investor interest in infrastructure for reasons such as diversification benefits and inflation hedging abilities, resulting in the substantial growth in non-listed and listed investment products offering access to the infrastructure asset class, and complementing the existing route via direct investment. This paper aims to assess the investment attributes of non-listed infrastructure over Q3:2008–Q2:2019, compared with other global listed assets of infrastructure, property, stocks and bonds.Design/methodology/approachQuarterly total returns were derived from the valuation-based MSCI global non-listed quarterly infrastructure asset index over Q2:2008–Q:2019, which were then filtered to decrease the valuation smoothing effects. A similar set of returns data was also collected for the other global asset classes. The average annual return, annual risk, risk-adjusted performance and portfolio diversification benefits for non-listed infrastructure and other asset investment classes were then computed and compared. Lastly, a constrained optimal asset allocation analysis was performed to validate the performance enhancement role of global non-listed infrastructure in a mixed-asset investment framework.FindingsGlobal non-listed infrastructure delivered the strongest average annual total return performance, outperforming the other asset classes and provided investors with total returns that linked strongly with inflation. Global non-listed infrastructure also provided investors with one of the least volatile investment returns because of its ability to ensure predictable total returns delivery. This means that on the Sharpe ratio risk-adjusted return basis, non-listed infrastructure was also the strongest performing asset. This performance was also delivered with significant portfolio diversification benefits with all assets, resulting in non-listed infrastructure contributing to the mixed-asset portfolios across the entire portfolio risk spectrum.Practical implicationsAside from better risk-return trade-offs, institutional investors are getting more secular with their portfolios for alternative assets that are able to provide other investment benefits such as predictable long-term performance and inflation-linked returns. A further improvement in performance and diversification benefits could be achieved by enriching existing investment portfolios with real alternative assets, one of which is the infrastructure asset class. For institutional investors, having exposure to and being part of the development, delivery and management of infrastructure assets are important, as they are one of the few real assets having considerable significance in the context of society, economy and investment needs.Originality/valueThis is the first research paper that empirically investigates the investment attributes of the non-listed infrastructure at a global level. This research enables empirically validated, more informed and practical decision-making by institutional investors in the infrastructure asset class, especially via the non-listed pathway. The ultimate aim of this paper is to empirically validate the strategic role of non-listed infrastructure as an important alternative asset in the institutional real asset investment space, as well as in the overall portfolio context.

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Jufri Marzuki ◽  
Graeme Newell

PurposeAs the prolonged effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has materially impacted investment returns significantly, it is more crucial than ever for institutional investors to redefine their property portfolios using assets with better investment management potential and meaningful diversification benefits. The “alternative asset revolution” is gaining traction in the property investment space internationally among institutional investors due to the shifting investment attitudes towards the alternative property sectors. Australia's $205bn healthcare property sector is at the forefront of this revolution due to its societal significance, as well as its attractive investment qualities. This paper investigates the institutional investor management of the Australian healthcare property sector via both the direct and listed channels and empirically analyses its investment attributes.Design/methodology/approachUsing the unique Morgan Stanley Capital International/Property Council of Australia quarterly data set for Australian direct healthcare property over 2006–2020, the risk-adjusted performance and portfolio diversification potential direct healthcare property and listed healthcare were assessed. A constrained mean-variance portfolio optimisation framework was used to develop a six-asset portfolio scenario to analyse the portfolio added-value benefits of both direct healthcare property and listed healthcare in a mixed-asset investment strategy. A similar set of analysis was performed using the post-global financial crisis (GFC) quarterly time series of 2009–2020 to investigate the healthcare asset class' performance dynamics in the post-GFC investment timeframe.FindingsThe results indicate that direct healthcare property and listed healthcare offer two key advantages for institutional investors in managing their property portfolios: (1) a stable yet superior risk-adjusted performance and (2) significant portfolio diversification potential in managing their property portfolios. Importantly, both direct healthcare property and listed healthcare provided valuable contributions in strengthening an investment portfolio's performance. The post-GFC sub-period analysis revealed a consistent conclusion regarding the healthcare asset class's performance attributes.Originality/valueThis is the first research that provides an independent empirical examination of the strategic importance of Australian healthcare property as a maturing alternative property sector that can serve both investment and environmental, social and governance goals of investors. This research presents a positive investment prognosis for the Australian healthcare property sector to achieve its institutionalised status as a mainstream asset class of the future.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 575-588 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Jufri Marzuki ◽  
Graeme Newell

Purpose US commercial property is an important investment opportunity for institutional investors. The purpose of this paper is to assess the significance, risk-adjusted performance and portfolio diversification benefits of US commercial property (both direct property and REITs) in a mixed-asset portfolio over 1994-2016. The 2009-2016 post-GFC recovery of US commercial property is specifically highlighted. Design/methodology/approach Using quarterly total returns, the risk-adjusted performance and portfolio diversification benefits of US commercial property over 1994-2016 are assessed. Efficient frontier and asset allocation diagrams are used to assess the role of US commercial property in a mixed-asset portfolio. Sub-period analysis over 2009-2016 is used to assess the post-GFC recovery of US commercial property. Findings US commercial property delivered mixed results over 1994-2016; direct property gave the best risk-adjusted performance, while US-REITs performance was hampered by high volatility. Since the GFC, both forms of US commercial property have delivered stronger risk-adjusted returns with improved diversification benefits, especially in the context of an inter-property investment strategy. However, US-REITs did not improve their diversification benefits with the stock market over this period. This sees US commercial property as an important component in the US mixed-asset portfolio in the post-GFC environment, with a much stronger role exhibited by US direct property in the post-GFC mixed-asset portfolio. Practical implications US commercial property emerged from the GFC as a stronger and more robust property investment opportunity, with both the direct property and US-REITs fully recovered to their pre-GFC performance level in 2012. The results highlight the major role of US commercial property in a US mixed-asset portfolio in the post-GFC context. The superior risk-adjusted performance of US commercial property sees both direct and listed US commercial property contributing significantly to the mixed-asset portfolio throughout the entire risk-return spectrum, particularly direct property. Given the increased capital flows into the US property market since the GFC, this is particularly important as many investors, both local and international, use direct and listed property investment opportunities as conduits for their significant US commercial property exposure. Originality/value This paper is the first published empirical research analysis that specifically assessed the post-GFC performance and role of US commercial property in a mixed-asset portfolio. This research enables empirically validated, more informed and practical property investment decision making by institutional investors regarding the strategic role of US commercial property in a mixed-asset portfolio in a post-GFC context.


2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 363-379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Cheng Lin ◽  
Chyi Lin Lee ◽  
Graeme Newell

PurposeResidential Real Estate Investment Trusts in Japan (residential J-REITs) have become an increasingly significant listed property sector recently. The purpose of this paper is to assess the effectiveness of residential J-REITs in a mixed-asset portfolio context in Japan by assessing the significance, risk-adjusted performance and portfolio diversification benefits of residential J-REITs over July 2006–August 2018. The ongoing property investment implications for residential J-REITs are also identified.Design/methodology/approachUsing monthly total returns, the risk-adjusted performance and portfolio diversification benefits for residential J-REITs over July 2006–August 2018 are assessed. An asset allocation diagram is employed to assess the role of residential J-REITs in a mixed-asset portfolio context in Japan.FindingsResidential J-REITs generally delivered superior risk-adjusted returns compared with the other sub-sector J-REITs, stocks and bonds in Japan over July 2006–August 2018, with desirable portfolio diversification benefits in the full mixed-asset portfolio context. Importantly,residential J-REITs are observed as strongly contributing to the mixed-asset portfolio context in Japan across the portfolio risk spectrum, particularly in a post-GFC context. This also reflects that residential J-REITs provide high portfolio returns and strong portfolio diversification benefits in a mixed-asset portfolio context in Japan.Practical implicationsResidential J-REITs are effective and liquid residential property investment exposure in Japan. The results highlight the strong risk-adjusted performance of residential J-REITs in Japan’s mixed-asset portfolio context. This suggests institutional investors, particularly Japan institutional investors, should consider including residential J-REITs in their mixed-asset portfolios, as residential J-REITs are seen as a compelling investment product co-existing alongside the other sub-sector REITs and major asset classes in institutional investor portfolios in the context of Japan. This also confirms the effectiveness of institutionalised residential J-REITs. Given the solid residential property market fundamentals in Japan, an increased level of the institutionalisation of residential J-REITs can be expected.Originality/valueThe study is the first study to assess the effectiveness of residential J-REITs, via assessing the significance, risk-adjusted performance and portfolio diversification benefits of residential J-REITs and their role in a mixed-asset portfolio context in Japan. This research enables more informed and practical property investment decision making regarding the value-added and strategic role of residential J-REITs as effective and liquid residential property investment exposure in Japan, as well as an increasingly institutionalised property sector going forward.


2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 140-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Jufri Marzuki ◽  
Graeme Newell

Purpose As one of the increasingly important alternative property sectors, data centres are a technology-focused property sector that is taking advantage of the growing investment intensity in technology-related infrastructure, against the backdrop of constant innovation and advancement in technology. The purpose of this paper is to assess the preliminary risk-adjusted performance and portfolio diversification benefits of data centre Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) in the USA, Australia and Singapore. The strategic implications going forward for data centres as an innovative property sector in the property investment space are also highlighted. Design/methodology/approach Using monthly total returns, the average annual return, annual risk, risk-adjusted performance and portfolio diversification benefits of data centre REITs in the USA, Australia and Singapore over 2016–2018 are assessed. Optimal asset allocation analysis is performed to investigate the value-added role of data centre REITs in a mixed-asset portfolio. Findings Data centre REITs delivered strong average annual return performance, outperforming the composite REITs in all three markets. This also sees data centre REITs being riskier than the overall REIT sector due to the non-traditional and maturing status of the data centre property sector. On a risk-adjusted basis, competitive performance was recorded for data centre REITs, with data centre REITs in the USA and Singapore outperforming their respective composite REITs. This performance is also delivered with significant portfolio diversification benefits with the stock market, resulting in data centre REITs contributing to the US mixed-asset portfolios across a diverse risk spectrum. Practical implications Institutional investors are now giving increased emphasis to alternative property sectors with better risk-return trade-offs. Improved performance and diversification benefits are achieved by supplementing existing property portfolios with non-traditional property sectors with counter-cyclical risk-return profiles, one of which is the data centre property sector. This sees data centres as an important alternative property sector, having technology-based drivers and being recognised as having a clear path towards institutionalisation with the major investors in the near future. Originality/value This paper is the first published empirical research analysis that specifically assessed the preliminary performance and diversification benefits of data centre REITs in the USA, Australia and Singapore. This research enables empirically validated, more informed and practical property investment decision making by institutional investors regarding the future strategic role of the data centre property sector as an innovative sector in the institutional property investment space.


Author(s):  
Aaron Filbeck

Commodity investments have continued to gain traction in diversified portfolios since the 1990s. Historically low correlations relative to traditional asset classes, different fundamental drivers, and investor demand for alternative sources of return have brought commodity investments forward as a solution that provides overall portfolio diversification while maintaining similar long-term return streams. A large inflow of institutional investors and noncommercial traders has increased demand and lowered barriers to entry. Many of these investors simply want exposure to commodities as an asset class, often investing in index funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). In some cases, investors assume that the underlying commodity indexes that these investment vehicles track represent appropriate benchmarks asset class performance. In reality, the many different commodity indexes available make benchmarking asset class performance more difficult.


2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 597-616
Author(s):  
Yu-Cheng Lin ◽  
Chyi Lin Lee ◽  
Graeme Newell

PurposeAs significant listed property investment vehicles, industrial and logistics REITs (I&L REITs) have recently enhanced their property portfolios, often replacing the traditional industrial properties with logistic properties to gain strategic exposure to recent e-commerce trends. This paper aims to assess the investment performance of I&L REITs by assessing the significance, risk-adjusted performance and portfolio diversification benefits of I&L REITs in the Pacific Rim region from July 2011 to December 2018. The strategic property investment implications for I&L REITs are also identified.Design/methodology/approachMonthly total returns from July 2011 to December 2018 were used to analyse the risk-adjusted performance and portfolio diversification benefits for I&L REITs in the United States, Japan, Australia and Singapore. An asset allocation diagram was employed to assess the strategic role of I&L REITs in a mixed-asset portfolio in each case.FindingsI&L REITs generally possessed superior average annual returns compared with the other sub-sector REITs, stocks and bonds in the United States, Japan, Australia and Singapore between July 2011 and December 2018, with desirable portfolio diversification benefits. Importantly, a more significant role for I&L REITs was generally observed in the mixed-asset portfolio compared to the other sub-sector REITs in each of these four markets across the broad portfolio risk spectrum. This reflects I&L REITs delivering enhanced portfolio returns and offering portfolio diversification benefits in a mixed-asset portfolio in the United States, Japan, Australia and Singapore.Practical implicationsProperty investors, particularly property securities funds (PSFs) and income-oriented investors, should consider including I&L REITs in their mixed-asset portfolios, as Pacific Rim–based I&L REITs provided an attractive REIT investment sub-sector, co-existing alongside the other sub-sector REITs and major asset classes in a mixed-asset portfolio in a Pacific Rim context, as well as being a portfolio diversifier. These results confirm the added-value and strategic role of I&L REITs in a mixed-asset portfolio, seeing I&L REITs as an effective investment pathway for I&L property exposure in the Pacific Rim region.Originality/valueThis is the first study to assess the investment performance of I&L REITs in the Pacific Rim region, evaluating their significance, risk-adjusted performance and portfolio diversification benefits, and the role of I&L REITs in a mixed-asset portfolio in the United States, Japan, Australia and Singapore. More importantly, this research is the first paper to provide empirical evidence on I&L REITs, which have often transformed their traditional industrial property portfolios with increased levels of logistics property to gain exposure to recent e-commerce trends. This research enables more informed and practical property investment decision-making regarding I&L REITs and their added-value and strategic role in a mixed-asset portfolio, as well as delivering effective I&L property exposure in the Pacific Rim region, with the added benefits of liquidity, transparency and fiscal efficiency.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 98-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Can Inci ◽  
Rachel Lagasse

Purpose This study investigates the role of cryptocurrencies in enhancing the performance of portfolios constructed from traditional asset classes. Using a long sample period covering not only the large value increases but also the dramatic declines during the beginning of 2018, the purpose of this paper is to provide a more complete analysis of the dynamic nature of cryptocurrencies as individual investment opportunities, and as components of optimal portfolios. Design/methodology/approach The mean-variance optimization technique of Merton (1990) is applied to develop the risk and return characteristics of the efficient portfolios, along with the optimal weights of the asset class components in the portfolios. Findings The authors provide evidence that as a single investment, the best cryptocurrency is Ripple, followed by Bitcoin and Litecoin. Furthermore, cryptocurrencies have a useful role in the optimal portfolio construction and in investments, in addition to their original purposes for which they were created. Bitcoin is the best cryptocurrency enhancing the characteristics of the optimal portfolio. Ripple and Litecoin follow in terms of their usefulness in an optimal portfolio as single cryptocurrencies. Including all these cryptocurrencies in a portfolio generates the best (most optimal) results. Contributions of the cryptocurrencies to the optimal portfolio evolve over time. Therefore, the results and conclusions of this study have no guarantee for continuation in an exact manner in the future. However, the increasing popularity and the unique characteristics of cryptocurrencies will assist their future presence in investment portfolios. Originality/value This is one of the first studies that examine the role of popular cryptocurrencies in enhancing a portfolio composed of traditional asset classes. The sample period is the largest that has been used in this strand of the literature, and allows to compare optimal portfolios in early/recent subsamples, and during the pre-/post-cryptocurrency crisis periods.


2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graeme Newell ◽  
Anh Khoi Pham ◽  
Joseph Ooi

Purpose – REITs have taken on increased significance in Asia in recent years, with Singapore REITs (S-REITs) becoming an important property investment vehicle since 2002. The purpose of this paper is to assess the significance, risk-adjusted performance and portfolio diversification benefits of S-REITs in a mixed-asset portfolio context in Singapore over 2003-2013. The post-GFC recovery of S-REITs is also assessed. Design/methodology/approach – Using monthly total returns, the risk-adjusted performance and portfolio diversification benefits of S-REITs over 2003-2013 is assessed, with efficient frontiers and asset allocation diagrams used to assess the role of S-REITs in a mixed-asset portfolio. Sub-period analyses are conducted to assess the post-GFC recovery of S-REITs. Findings – S-REITs delivered strong risk-adjusted returns, being the best-performed asset class, but with little portfolio diversification benefit over 2003-2013. Whilst taking on reduced risk, but with less portfolio diversification benefits in recent years, S-REITs are seen to be robust relative to the other major Singapore asset classes; contributing significantly across the risk spectrum; particularly in the post-GFC period, where S-REITs have been the best-performed asset class in Singapore. Practical implications – The results highlight the important strategic role of S-REITs in a Singapore mixed-asset portfolio. The strong risk-adjusted performance has highlighted the robustness of S-REITs, with S-REITs contributing to the mixed-asset portfolio across the portfolio risk spectrum; particularly in the post-GFC period. This robustness highlights the ongoing strategic role of S-REITs in a Singapore mixed-asset portfolio, as well as the ongoing development of S-REITs as an important pan-Asia hub for REITs. Originality/value – This paper is the first published empirical research analysis of the risk-adjusted performance of S-REITs and the role of S-REITs in a portfolio. Given the increased significance of REITs in Asia, this research enables empirically validated, more informed and practical property investment decision-making regarding the role of S-REITs in a mixed-asset portfolio and S-REIT performance in a post-GFC context.


2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 523-538 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graeme Newell ◽  
Muhammad Jufri Marzuki

Purpose Amongst the alternative property sectors, student accommodation has recently become an important institutionalised property sector for pension funds and sovereign wealth funds in the global property landscape, particularly in the UK. The purpose of this paper is to assess the significance, risk-adjusted performance and portfolio diversification benefits of student accommodation in a UK property and mixed-asset portfolio over 2011–2017. Drivers and risk factors for the ongoing development of the student accommodation sector are also identified. The question of student accommodation being a proxy for residential property exposure by institutional investors is also assessed. Design/methodology/approach Using annual total returns, the risk-adjusted performance and portfolio diversification benefits of UK student accommodation over 2011–2017 is assessed. Asset allocation diagrams are used to assess the role of student accommodation in a UK property portfolio and in a UK mixed-asset portfolio for a range of property investor types. Findings UK student accommodation delivered superior risk-adjusted returns compared to UK property, stocks and REITs over 2011–2017, with portfolio diversification benefits. Importantly, this sees UK student accommodation as strongly contributing to the UK property and mixed-asset portfolios across the entire portfolio risk spectrum and validating the property industry perspective of student accommodation being low risk and providing diversification benefits. Student accommodation is also not seen to be a proxy for residential exposure by institutional investors. Practical implications Student accommodation is an alternative property sector that has become increasingly institutionalised in recent years. The results highlight the important role of student accommodation in a UK property portfolio and in a UK mixed-asset portfolio. The strong risk-adjusted performance of UK student accommodation compared to UK property, stocks and REITs over this timeframe sees UK student accommodation contributing to the mixed-asset portfolio across the entire portfolio risk spectrum. This is particularly important, as many investors (e.g. pension funds, sovereign wealth funds) now see student accommodation as an important property sector in their overall portfolio. Originality/value This paper is the first published empirical research analysis of the risk-adjusted performance of UK student accommodation, and the role of student accommodation in a UK property portfolio and in a UK mixed-asset portfolio. This research enables empirically validated, more informed and practical property investment decision making regarding the strategic role of student accommodation as an alternative property sector in a portfolio.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vikas Gupta ◽  
Shveta Singh ◽  
Surendra S. Yadav

Purpose In initial public offerings (IPOs), the media plays a pivotal role by disseminating the information to the investors who generally lack the expertise to understand the information through the prospectus. Thus, media coverage can impact the investment decision of the investors and the IPO performance. Media typically covers the IPO before listing, suggesting that it may play an important role in explaining the opening price rather than the closing price on the day of listing. Therefore, this study aims to disaggregate the traditional IPO underpricing into three categories: voluntary, pre-market and post-market and provides a comparative analysis of the media sentiments impact on the traditional and disaggregated IPO underpricing. The authors’ disaggregated IPO underpricing analysis will facilitate the investors in making an effective investment strategy based on media sentiments. Design/methodology/approach The study deploys sentiment analysis using bags of n (2) grams approach to gauge the sentiments on 2,891 media articles and uses “robust-regression” technique to analyze them on a sample of 222 Indian IPOs during 2009–2018. Findings The study reports that the sentiment score is positively related to the traditional underpricing; the sentiment score is positively associated with the pre-market underpricing and does not have any significant relationship with the post-market underpricing; the number of media articles does not play a significant role in explaining the IPO underpricing. The findings highlight the presence of a semi-strong form of efficiency in the Indian IPO market. Originality/value Existing literature focuses that the role of media on IPO performance is based on the developed countries. IPO laws differ based on the countries. For instance, in India, investors can check the demand by the other categories of investors on a real-time basis. Thus, it is interesting to study whether, with such a high level of transparency, media can explain IPO performance in the Indian market. Media generally covers IPO before listing; therefore, the present study disaggregates the IPO underpricing to evaluate the role of media on the primary and secondary market separately. It will help the investors to decide when to enter and exit the market.


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