Description: The impact of Fed’s QE program on the financial markets has been enormous and profound. The tapering and the eventual removal of the stimulus will be equally enormous and profound, and may be disruptive. To adapt to the potential regime change in near future, some investment strategies have been proposed: (1) shorten duration to focus on the short end of the yield curve and create laddered portfolios; (2) reduce allocation to high yield bonds; (3) rotate out interest rate sensitive sectors such as utilities; and (4) use interest rate derivatives to hedge the interest rate uncertainties lying ahead. On the other hand, contrarians who see the QE program continuing may stay the course and consider (1) adding duration, (2) gaining exposure to high yield bonds, and (3) increasing allocation to utilities and telecoms.

Description: This article provides a retrospective on investment risk management while highlighting actuarial tools used by portfolio risk managers.

Description: Derives appropriate hedge ratios for CPPI strategies, taking into account discrete hedge times and market dislocations (gap risk).

Description: Feature article describing how due to the recent financial crisis, fund trustees, plan sponsors, and administrators are reconsidering traditional asset-allocation strategies.

Description: Feature article discussing whether or not genetic algorithms can be used by actuaries.

Description: Hedge funds have grown tremendously over the last few years and will continue to grow, with invested assets currently being estimated at well over $1 trillion worldwide. The author concludes “I do strongly believe that the contradictory philosophies of traditional investment management versus hedge funds have to be carefully considered, reflected upon and evaluated ...”

Description: Read the August 2017 issue of Risks & Rewards published by the Investment Section.

Description: Introduces terms and concepts of Takaful (Islamic) insurance and describes the processes, goals and constraints that apply to the investments of such insurers.

Description: As tariff policies are rapidly changing throughout 2025, the U.S. markets have been reacting in complex ways. In addressing the difference in short and long-term impacts of these policy changes, the importance of resilient and holistic risk management is highlighted in order for companies and investors to find opportunities and mitigate sudden losses.