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March 15, 2023

Private Markets Asset Allocation Framework

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March 15, 2023

Private Markets Asset Allocation Framework


Insight Article

Private Markets Asset Allocation Framework

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March 15, 2023

 
 

This paper introduces our proprietary Private Markets Asset Allocation Framework (PMAAF), designed to help investors think about how to allocate their dry powder across private markets and cycles.

 
 

The private markets ecosystem has a wide variety of strategies, participants, assets and dynamics. We favor this space given the large alpha potential and certain diversification benefits relative to traditional public markets. However, the lack of public information, limited availability of private data, delayed valuations, illiquidity, wide dispersion of returns and behavioral biases all combine to create a challenge for an investor to determine:

  1. Asset allocation decisions and relative attractiveness across time periods.
  2. Portfolio construction decisions and relative attractiveness across asset classes and strategies.
  3. A consistent way to monitor the health and risks of private markets.

We approached this problem by creating a framework that builds from the systematic, objective and data-driven methodologies many investors use to determine allocations in public markets and complementing it with inputs dedicated to private markets

PMAAF is a process built on three pillars, outlined below:

 
 
DISPLAY 1
 
Our Private Markets Asset Allocation Framework (PMAAF)
 
 
 

We believe that today a larger and more diverse allocation, with more asset classes now accepted as “core” alternatives, as well as an increasing number of new investors in private markets, requires a well-established, repeatable, objective and data-driven framework to support investment decisions. Our three-pillar framework, combining cycle indicators, quantitative fundamental scoring and qualitative thematic overlay, reinforced with an independent monitoring oversight process, could help investors navigate the challenges intrinsic to private markets.

 
 
 
The Portfolio Solutions Group is a comprehensive multi-asset business, with activity across all asset strategies and types (traditional and alternative), through solutions that span fully liquid (public assets), comprehensive (public and private assets) and fully private portfolios. Offerings are delivered via a managed portfolio or model, in discretionary or advisory format.
 
 
 
 
 

Risk Considerations

The views and opinions and/or analysis expressed are those of the author or the investment team as of the date of preparation of this material and are subject to change at any time without notice due to market or economic conditions and may not necessarily come to pass. Furthermore, the views will not be updated or otherwise revised to reflect information that subsequently becomes available or circumstances existing, or changes occurring, after the date of publication. The views expressed do not reflect the opinions of all investment personnel at Morgan Stanley Investment Management (MSIM) and its subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively “the Firm”), and may not be reflected in all the strategies and products that the Firm offers.

Forecasts and/or estimates provided herein are subject to change and may not actually come to pass. Information regarding expected market returns and market outlooks is based on the research, analysis and opinions of the authors or the investment team. These conclusions are speculative in nature, may not come to pass and are not intended to predict the future performance of any specific strategy or product the Firm offers. Future results may differ significantly depending on factors such as changes in securities or financial markets or general economic conditions.

This material has been prepared on the basis of publicly available information, internally developed data and other third-party sources believed to be reliable. However, no assurances are provided regarding the reliability of such information and the Firm has not sought to independently verify information taken from public and third-party sources.

This material is a general communication, which is not impartial and all information provided has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes and does not constitute an offer or a recommendation to buy or sell any particular security or to adopt any specific investment strategy. The information herein has not been based on a consideration of any individual investor circumstances and is not investment advice, nor should it be construed in any way as tax, accounting, legal or regulatory advice. To that end, investors should seek independent legal and financial advice, including advice as to tax consequences, before making any investment decision.

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Charts and graphs provided herein are for illustrative purposes only. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements, which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue” or “believe” or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or other comparable terminology. Due to various risks and uncertainties, actual events or results may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements. No representation or warranty is made as to future performance or such forward-looking statements.

The indexes are unmanaged and do not include any expenses, fees or sales charges. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Any index referred to herein is the intellectual property (including registered trademarks) of the applicable licensor. Any product based on an index is in no way sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by the applicable licensor and it shall not have any liability with respect thereto.

The Firm has not authorised financial intermediaries to use and to distribute this material, unless such use and distribution is made in accordance with applicable law and regulation. Additionally, financial intermediaries are required to satisfy themselves that the information in this material is appropriate for any person to whom they provide this material in view of that person’s circumstances and purpose. The Firm shall not be liable for, and accepts no liability for, the use or misuse of this material by any such financial intermediary.

This material may be translated into other languages. Where such a translation is made this English version remains definitive. If there are any discrepancies between the English version and any version of this material in another language, the English version shall prevail.

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DEFINITIONS

Bloomberg US Aggregate: an index comprised of approximately 6,000 publicly traded bonds including United States government, mortgage-backed, corporate and Yankee bonds with an average maturity of approximately 10 years.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION

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There is no guarantee that any investment strategy will work under all market conditions, and each investor should evaluate their ability to invest for the long-term, especially during periods of downturn in the market. Prior to investing, investors should carefully review the strategy’s/product’s relevant offering document. There are important differences in how the strategy is carried out in each of the investment vehicles.

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Separate accounts managed according to the Strategy include a number of securities and will not necessarily track the performance of any index. Please consider the investment objectives, risks and fees of the Strategy carefully before investing.

The views and opinions are those of the author or the investment team as of the date of preparation of this material and are subject to change at any time due to market or economic conditions and may not necessarily come to pass. Furthermore, the views will not be updated or otherwise revised to reflect information that subsequently becomes available or circumstances existing, or changes occurring, after the date of publication. The views expressed do not reflect the opinions of all investment teams at Morgan Stanley Investment Management (MSIM) or the views of the firm as a whole, and may not be reflected in all the strategies and products that the Firm offers.

Forecasts and/or estimates provided herein are subject to change and may not actually come to pass. Information regarding expected market returns and market outlooks is based on the research, analysis and opinions of the authors. These conclusions are speculative in nature, may not come to pass and are not intended to predict the future performance of any specific Morgan Stanley Investment Management product.

Certain information herein is based on data obtained from third party sources believed to be reliable. However, we have not verified this information, and we make no representations whatsoever as to its accuracy or completeness.

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Any index referred to herein is the intellectual property (including registered trademarks) of the applicable licensor. Any product based on an index is in no way sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by the applicable licensor and it shall not have any liability with respect thereto.

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