Benefits October 22, 2000

Health Benefits Burden Employers

October 22, 2000 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - An overwhelming 84% of large employers say they spend too much time managing day-to-day health benefits, according to a new survey.
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Still, most large employers (70%) say they are unlikely to stop offering health benefits, at least for the next two to three years, according to the survey by William M. Mercer.

While overall only 5% report high interest in an exit strategy and just 4% report a high likelihood of implementing such a strategy, those in finance, insurance, and services industries appear to be seriously reconsidering their options. 

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More than half of the companies in those industries report they are very (15%) or somewhat (39%) interested in considering an exit option.

Dissatisfied employers are examining their own operations, with an eye toward:

  • saving money
  • increasing employee satisfaction
  • improving worker productivity

Despite the risks presented by a tight job market, some employers indicated they might begin modifying their plans as early as next year.

Investing October 20, 2000

Short Sellers Strong in September

October 20, 2000 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Once again, September was a rough month for the markets, but the CSFB/Tremont Hedge Fund Index was down just 0.4% for the month. Year-to-date the index is up 4.9%.
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The dedicated short bias style topped the nine categories in September with a 9.9% return, as short sellers benefited from the market turmoil. Convertible Arbitrage continues to top the year-to-date list, with a 24.3% return, and gained 2% in September.

Emerging markets slid 6.8%, and is down 1.8% year-to-date.

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For the month, the indexes returned:
  2.0% – Convertible Arbitrage
  9.9% – Dedicated Short Bias               
-6.8% – Emerging Markets                  
-0.1% – Equity Market Neutral             
  0.6% – Event Driven                       
  0.8% – Fixed Income Arbitrage             
-0.9% – Global Macro                      
  0.7% – Long/Short Equity               
-3.3% – Managed Futures                   

The index is calculated monthly and includes the results of 335 funds, drawn from more than 2600 hedge funds, both US and offshore. 

Funds must have at least US $10 million under management and an audited financial statement. The Index does not include funds of funds.

Performance for the CSFB/Tremont Hedge Fund Index and the nine style-driven sub-indices are calculated monthly. 

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