SWFI First Read, April 26, 2018
Former Obama Cabinet Officials to Advise TPG Rise Fund
Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry was named a senior advisor for TPG’s Rise Fund. Kerry’s role will be to help find investments for the fund and advised in areas such as renewable energy. Another Obama administration veteran, former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, is also an advisor to the Rise Fund.
Jobless Claims in U.S. Drop to the Lowest Level in 48 Years
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the rate of layoffs in the country fell in late April to the lowest level since 1969.
ECB Holds Rates Steady
The European Central Bank (ECB) kept interest rates unchanged on April 26, 2018.
Singulato Motors Raises Series C Round
Singulato Motors raised US$ 474 million in a Series C round from a number of investors. Some current backers include TaoYun Beijing Investment Fund, GX Capital and Qihoo 360. Singulato Motors is a Chinese electric vehicle startup.
Thae Khwarg Nears CIO Role at Korea National Pension Service
Thae Khwarg appears to be the top contender for the Chief Investment Officer role at Korea’s National Pension Service. Khwarg is the former head of Baring Asset Management Korea, which is formerly known as SEI Asset Korea. Khwarg was selected by NPS’ chairman for the role and is awaiting approval from South Korea’s Minister of Health and Welfare.
Al Hilal Bank Uncovers Internal Fraud
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Sovereign wealth fund giant Norway Government Pension Fund Global (GPFG) is an investor in Tesla, holding a 0.48% stake at the end of 2017. GPFG owns roughly 1.4% of all globally listed company shares, minus stocks from its exclusion pool. [ Content protected for Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute Standard subscribers only. Please subscribe to view content. ]
Distressed Beijing-based holding company Anbang Insurance Group is set to sell its U.S. luxury hotel properties, which were purchased for US$ 5.5 billion from the Blackstone Group in 2016. This is a move to raise quick cash, following the firm’s seizure at the hands of the Chinese government six months ago. Bids had already been ongoing for selected properties, including the famed Essex House Hotel, overlooking Manhattan’s Central Park. The portfolio of hotels is strategically placed in geographically diverse regions, including Miami and Chicago. Anbang is looking to cash in on the properties quickly, as its properties in China are already being liquidated. [ Content protected for Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute Standard subscribers only. Please subscribe to view content. ]
Norway’s Government Pension Fund Global (GPFG) returned 1.8% for the second quarter of 2018. Listed equity investments generated a 2.7% return for the period, while fixed income returned 0%. Unlisted real estate investments posted a 1.9% return for the second quarter. In addition, the Norwegian krone depreciated against the U.S. dollar during the quarter. Furthermore, 2 billion NOK was withdrawn from the fund.
“North American and European stocks had a positive development in the quarter despite the prospect of increased trade barriers. This made a positive contribution to the fund’s return,” says Trond Grande, Deputy CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management, according to the press release.
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