The Politics of Public Fund Investing - by Ben Finkelstein (Hardcover)

About the Book

From a highly experienced financial analyst comes a groundbreaking book that shows public fund managers and public officials how they can create and manage portfolios that meet policy objectives within constraints of politics and economics.

Book Synopsis

Until now, there has never been a book to help public fund managers direct fixed-income portfolios while simultaneously balancing politics, or the need to preserve principal, with economics, or the need to optimize income. The Politics of Public Fund Investing approaches public fund management from the lay perspective, providing much-needed guidance to modify Wall Street strategies to serve the needs of Main Street.

If you manage a public fund, if you are an elected official, or if you oversee a portfolio for a foundation or an endowment, you know the traditional money management strategy used every day on Wall Street doesn't necessarily apply to your situation. For you, investing isn't simply about economics. Wall Street strategies do not take into account election cycles, political risk factors, or the unique performance assessments public funds must undergo. When Wall Street builds a portfolio, it doesn't need to consider the opinions and desires of a wide variety of constituents, and the management of the portfolio's performance doesn't carry the same level of career risk.

This groundbreaking book is the first resource ever available to the stewards of public fund investing entrusted with the responsibility to make financial decisions in this unique environment. The Politics of Public Fund Investing shows readers how to evaluate and measure their funds' performance through specific techniques, standards, and procedures. It begins by addressing the key differences between Wall Street and Main Street, explaining which methods of Wall Street are unsuited to public fund management and why. The book provides a framework for moving from a static investment policy to a dynamic investment plan, making the important distinction between what is "legal" in terms of policy and what is "suitable" in terms of the objectives of the stakeholders. The book goes on to propose exceptional and beneficial insights into appraising a fund's performance along with providing a four-step process to build a politically correct portfolio. Finally, it shows how to be safe and optimize income within the constraints of acceptable risk.

Based on years of experience and invaluable research, The Politics of Public Fund Investing is an innovative, compelling, and much-needed guide to navigating the complex territory where the political environment meets public investing.

Review Quotes

"The Politics of Public Fund Investing offers a model framework for public finance officials to follow in managing assets. The book is grounded in the realities of public funds -- not based on the theories of Wall Street." -- Craig Husting, CFA, chief investment officer, Missouri Teachers Retirement Systems

"A fresh and thought-provoking look at public sector investment strategies." -- Kent Rock, president, Association of Public Treasurers

"Ben's book goes beyond just a discussion of the seemingly conflicting expectations of safety and return. It provides a concise technical education on how best to 'produce an appropriate and reasonable return for taxpayers, ' and gives guidance on how to communicate effectively the investment strategy and outcome to the widest possible audience." -- Laura Fitzpatrick, Clark County (NV) treasurer

"Mr. Finkelstein's book helps raise the bar for state and local government investment officers. This book is right on the mark and is a prudent, effective approach to the investment of public funds." -- Rick Phillips, president and CEO, Olympus Investment Management, LLC

"The book should be required reading for treasurers and financial officers at the state and local level." -- Michael Dukakis

"This well-written and entertaining book demystifies investing public funds for municipal officials as well as the public. Fund managers will welcome the extensive investment tool kit and the strategies for communicating effectively to key constituents." -- Elizabeth K. Keating, CPA, assistant professor of public policy, Kennedy School of Government