NEPC provides insight to its clients on a wide variety of topics. NEPC's research team is responsible for research and due diligence within assigned asset classes and strategies, assessing new products and technology, and performing special research projects.

We formally review our capital market assumptions on an annual basis and forward our thoughts to clients in the form of an annual memo. As conditions change throughout the year we communicate the changes to clients via memos. We have made a collaborative effort to provide to you examples of our robust research.

Use the category and plan type filters below to help you identify papers that are of interest to you.

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	General Research Risk Parity: In the Spotlight After 50 Years March 3, 2010 Opportunistic Investing in the Strategic Asset Allocation Framework February 2, 2010 A Closer Look at the Capital Preservation Funds used within Defined Contribution Plans December 31, 2008 Securities Lending Program Outlook October 21, 2008 Fair Value Accounting and Disclosure September 23, 2008 Thinking Outside the Box: Lessons To Be Learned From Warren Buffett in Investment Manager Selection September 1, 2008 Investment Belief Systems: A Cultural Perspective August 15, 2008 Credit Spread Disparities between Assets and Liabilities July 1, 2008 Endowment Spending Policies - RFI from the U.S. Senate April 30, 2008 Mapping - What the New Regulations Suggest for Defined Contribution Plans April 28, 2008 The Supreme Court Says Participants Can Sue You: LaRue v. DeWolff, Boberg & Associates, Inc. March 30, 2008 DoL Fee Disclosure Initiatives February 8, 2008 Interest Rate Hedging Alert August 9, 2006 DoL Fee Disclosure Initiatives July 24, 2006 The Automated Defined Contribution Plan January 2, 2006 This paper addresses how defined contribution plans can utilize automated plan features to help employees meet their long-term retirement goals. The Role of Investment Philosophy in Evaluating Investment Managers January 2, 2006 This paper examines how to use investment philosophy to distinguish true alpha-generators from alpha-pretenders. SEC and DOL offer questions plan fiduciaries should ask their consultant August 18, 2005 Defined Contribution Plan Design: Is There a 'Right' Answer? April 1, 2005 Our clients often ask, "What investment choices should we offer in our plan, and how many?" This paper discusses our thoughts about the "right" answers to designing defined contribution plans, and how to make them more user friendly and better savings vehicles. Asset Class Research Leverage, Hedge Funds, and Risk September 4, 2009 Stable Value On The Brink, But Surviving July 31, 2009 TIPS for Defined Contribution Investors July 2, 2009 Hedge Funds: Broken or Damaged? April 30, 2009 The Rise of Redemption Restrictions - Liquidity Challenges in the Current Market Environment November 17, 2008 Asset Allocation for a Frozen Plan July 1, 2007 Implications and Lessons from Amaranth October 16, 2006 Private Equity Real Estate October 1, 2004 An introduction to the asset class, including a review of the benefits and risks of investing in private equity real estate, and implementation issues facing institutional investors. Market Neutral Investing July 1, 2003 EPC first issued the original Market Neutral White Paper in 1999 as a response to what we considered were fully valued equity markets. Due to the dramatic changes in the financial markets during the last three years we are again asking our clients to consider Market Neutral, but for different reasons. Today, we are recommending Market Neutral to our clients as a fixed income substitute. High Yield Bonds October 1, 2002 We examine trends and performance in the high yield market. We also make the case that despite disappointing near-term results, you should consider either adding or increasing the commitment to high yield bonds in your investment program. International Equity Indices January 19, 2001 An exhaustive study of international equity benchmarks and the differences that exist in methodologies. International Investments Remain a Key Component of Your Investment Strategy - Now, More Than Ever January 1, 2001 The performance pattern between US and international stocks is cyclical. We believe the cycle will turn and that international investments will play a major role in the success of your investment programs over the next five to ten years. An Introduction to Market Neutral Investing July 1, 1999 This paper introduces basic concepts and discusses the usefulness of market neutral as an asset class. Covering the Equity Capitalization Spectrum: Mid Cap Investing January 1, 1999 The benefits of investing in Mid Cap Stocks. How to deal with dynamic style break points and avoid overlap in styles. The Viability of Global Bonds as a Separate Asset Class October 1, 1998 Global Bonds can increase returns and reduce risk in your portfolio. This paper examines a difficult time period and addresses the impact of changes in European currencies. The Prudent Use of Derivatives July 3, 1995 "Derivatives" is a broad term and there are many different risk levels to these investments. This paper covers definitions and basic concepts. Topical Research Demand More of the New Decade February 12, 2010 Understanding Duration Risk in Pension Plans: The Case for LDI February 2, 2010 Risk Budgeting: A Focus on a Pension Plan's Biggest Risks February 2, 2010 LDI Product Types and Implementation Strategies February 2, 2010 Pension Protection Act Regulatory Updates and Their Effects on Liability Driven Investment Strategies January 6, 2010 Roth Revisited - Higher Prospective Tax Rates Renew Interest in Roth 401(k)s and 403(b)s August 3, 2009 Real Assets and Inflation Hedge Investing August 3, 2009 Looking into the Future Casts Shadows May 19, 2009 This paper discusses a perspective on portfolio theory, fat tails, and risk management. Finding the Balance February 20, 2009 Comments on Lehman Bankruptcy and Market Volatility September 15, 2008 Charting a Course Through the Storm July 14, 2008 When Opportunity Knocks 2008 April 1, 2008 Stay the (Better) Course January 31, 2008 Is the cycle of fear and greed turning again? August 7, 2007 Dare to be Great February 14, 2007 New Year, Same Theme: Leadership! January 31, 2006 The Importance of Leadership in Managing Tomorrow's Programs January 31, 2005 From Exclamation Points to Question Marks!?!?!? January 13, 2004