Our research archive Our research is designed to answer your questions that may not have been posed before. Below you can access some of our latest publications on topics that interest you. Research available to download Subscribe to our research RSS Learn more about RSS Russell Retirement Report 2009: Where next for LDI? This report looks at recent market events and how they have highlighted the role that LDI plays in managing risk. Russell's model portfolio framework for endowments and foundations (PDF) Building the right investment structure for an endowment or a foundation is a complex challenge. Russell uses a model portfolio framework that helps institutional investors such as endowments and foundations address the choices systematically, and create well-structured portfolios that take into account their specific objectives resources and circumstances. Responsible Investment: Five Tests of an SRI/ESG Policy (PDF) For a number of reasons - legislation, organized lobbying or simply the desire to do the right thing - responsible investment is growing and becoming harder for many institutional investors to ignore. In this paper we describe a framework - built around five key areas of consideration - for assessing a responsible investment policy within the context of established investment best practices and the broader investment program. The defined benefit plan of 2017 (PDF) It's an environment of change for DB plans. How might changes in regulations, accounting standards and sentiment impact the DB plan of the future? Q: Will a 6% real return be available to non-profit investors in the future? A: Not always. (PDF) Although a real return close to 6% has historically been available from capital markets over the long-term, there is no guarantee that the future will be as rewarding. This paper explores this thought. An introduction to Russell Global Style Indexes (PDF) Russell is extending its global index family to include style indexes for each regional and country index within each market cap tier (large, mid, small). Learn about the principles behind the construction of these global style indexes. Q: Has a 6% real return been available to non-profit investors in the past? A: Kinda sorta (PDF)This paper explores the level of investment returns that have historically been available to non-profit investors. Twelve observations on Target Date Funds (PDF) In the industry today, plan sponsors will find a wide selection of target date funds to choose from. Josh Cohen, a senior consultant who has worked with plan sponsors to help select and implement target date fund solutions, believes these funds require a different type of analysis than what plan sponsors are used to. His 12 observations provide some insight into various target date fund constructions and strategies. Russell Retirement Report 2008 The Russell Retirement Report 2008 provides information and perspectives to help you evaluate your key objectives in context of the broader investment environment. Price pressure at Russell Index reconstitution (PDF) This paper reports the results of our study of the temporary price-pressure effect on the Russell 1000® and 2000® Index returns around our annual reconstitution event. Is LDI consistent with ERISA diversification requirements? (PDF) Liability-driven investments (LDI) often require extensive bond exposure. Is that exposure consistent with the diversification requirements of ERISA? Research available by request Infrastructure part II: Building infrastructure into a portfolio By John Osborn and Leola Ross September 2007 Has growth become value? (Reprise) By Dennis Trittin March 2007 Infrastructure part I: Why is infrastructure a concrete investment? By John Osborn and Leola Ross February 2007 Building a simple and powerful solution to retirement savings By Grant Gardner and Yuan-an Fan January 2008 Endowments and foundations and defined benefit pension funds: Heading for convergence? By Don Ezra October 2007 Can a defined benefit plan provide a competitive edge? By Don Ezra and George Oberhofer February 2008 Gauging execution performance across US market centers By Aran Murphy February 2007 The T Ratio for transitions By Matthew Clay December 2006 LDI, basis risk, timing, and the swap spread By Joseph Glynn June 2008 The case for active commodities management By George Oberhofer and William Madden August 2006 To find out more about our research contact James or Gerry:   West Coast   East Coast James Barrett Managing Director 866-926-5934 Gerry Lillis Director 866-459-4128 USI-0131 (USIRC2811)