Asset Allocation Summit February 4, 5 & 6, 2009 Toronto

---

Letter from the Director

Dear Colleague:

The “perfect storm” of 2000-2002 had a few casualties. Pension managers and plan sponsors said they learned from the perfect storm and they began to implement some strategies to mitigate such risk. But did they ask themselves the right questions to allow them to survive the meltdown of 2008?With stock markets experiencing unprecedented gyrations on virtually a daily basis, financial institutions failing with shocking regularity and the future of the financial system itself uncertain, asset allocation strategies for pension funds require new and well-thought-out approaches, to keep fund sponsors and investment officers ahead of the game.

Now more than ever before, strategic and tactical asset allocation decisions and actively managed portfolios are fast becoming the leading approaches for generating much needed absolute returns. These approaches require skill-based and comprehensive judgments in portfolio construction, an increased emphasis on liability-based asset allocation and an ability to identify alpha sources.

Moreover, with the unpredictability of the equity markets and financial system and an ever-increasing choice of investment options available, it's essential to stay on top of developments in all the different asset classes. Looking into the future, what can be expected across stock indices, will gold and base metals continue to break record prices, what will be the effect of rising oil prices, where is real estate heading and what do the current state of interest rates mean for fixed income allocations? Likewise, investing in hedge funds, infrastructure, real estate and private equity can be confusing at the best of times and requires a finely tuned knowledge base in order to be successful.

Hear key insights on these and other key issues from some of Canada's top institutional investors and money experts as they discuss:


How to manage both systematic and active risk in today's environment
Separating portfolio management of alpha and beta
Strategic perspectives available to managers dealing with complex demands
How you can invest assets with a much sharper eye on funding liabilities and increasing utility
Practical techniques for quantitatively and qualitatively measuring investment and fund manager performance
The role of real estate in a pension fund, opportunities for investment and how to implement and manage a real estate portfolio

Staying ahead of the curve and determining the optimal investment mix is essential to maximizing returns. Federated Press' 5th Asset Allocation Summit will provide fund managers with the necessary insights to ensure future funding of their plans. Hear from Canada's top institutional investors and leading industry experts, including: Addenda Capital, API Asset Performance Inc., bfinance Canada Inc., Caledon Capital Partners, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency, Canadian Medical Protective Association, Caseridge Capital Corporation, City of Hamilton, City of Toronto, Counsel Wealth Management, Eckler Ltd., Hillsdale Investment Management Inc., Jantzi Research Inc., LaSalle Investment Management, MFC Global Investment Management, Morneau Sobeco, New Brunswick Investment Management Corporation, OMERS Private Equity, Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, RBC Dexia Investor Services, Russell Investments Canada Limited, State Street Global Advisors Limited, TD Asset Management Inc., TD Capital Private Equity Investors, Thomson Reuters, Towers Perrin, and Victoria University (in the University of Toronto).

With this level of practical experience, this is one event you cannot afford to miss. Register now by calling (416) 665-6868 or 1-800-363-0722. We look forward to seeing you at the Summit! (signature) Lise Ponton, Vice President



P.S. Don't miss the optional workshops on Trends and Evaluation of Asset Allocation Strategies and on Increasing Pension Plan Utility through Liability-Driven Investing.