Western Australia’s Government Employees Superannuation Board (GESB) is reviewing its $2 billion international equities portfolio.
The $7 billion public sector fund’s review is being assisted by Mercer Investment Consulting, its primary asset consultant since last year. GESB has a long list of international equity managers, comprising Bernstein Investment Research (US equities, value-biased), Fidelity International, Genesis Investment Management (emerging markets), Goldman Sachs Asset Management (US equities), GMO (emerging markets), State Street Global Advisors (passive international equities) and Wellington International Management. GESB’s chief investment officer, Paul Edmondson, said: “As part of our ongoing management of a $7 billion diversified portfolio, GESB is reviewing its international equities strategy. We are conducting due diligence and are therefore not able to provide further information at this stage. We expect to be able to make a statement towards the end of the year.”
The brunt of losses from the LA wildfires are expected to be borne by primary insurers and high-risk reinsurance programs, but super funds are nevertheless closely monitoring the possible impact of the fires on catastrophe bond and insurance-linked securities exposures.
Simon HoyleJanuary 17, 2025