Asian institutions seek alternatives, shun developed markets

Asia ex-Japan institutions are turning to alternatives and currency hedging in a bid to generate returns amid a low-return, yet volatile market environment, according to a survey by Pyramis Global Advisors, the institutional investment subsidiary of US fund manager Fidelity. Institutions in Asia ex-Japan cite risk management as their priority, and 61% say they are diversifying into alternative asset classes, finds the 2011 Pyramis Asian Pulse Poll. High-yield and emerging-market e…