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Institutional Investors and Infrastructure Investing

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  • Andonov, Aleksandar
  • Kräussl, Roman
  • Rauh, Joshua

Abstract

Institutional investors expect infrastructure to deliver long-term stable returns but gain exposure to infrastructure predominantly through finite-horizon closed private funds. The cash flows delivered by infrastructure funds display similar volatility and cyclicality as other private equity investments, and their performance depends similarly on quick deal exits. Despite weak risk-adjusted performance and failure to match the supposed characteristics of infrastructure assets, closed funds have received more commitments over time, particularly from public investors. Public institutional investors perform worse than private institutional investors, and ESG preferences and regulations explain 25-40% of their increased allocation to infrastructure and 30% of their underperformance.

Suggested Citation

  • Andonov, Aleksandar & Kräussl, Roman & Rauh, Joshua, 2021. "Institutional Investors and Infrastructure Investing," CEPR Discussion Papers 15946, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
  • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:15946
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    3. Chung, Kenneth Hsien Yung & Li, Dan & Adriaens, Peter, 2023. "Technology-enabled financing of sustainable infrastructure: A case for blockchains and decentralized oracle networks," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 187(C).
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Infrastructure; Public pension funds; Institutional investors; Esg regulation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • G23 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Non-bank Financial Institutions; Financial Instruments; Institutional Investors
    • G28 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Government Policy and Regulation
    • H54 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Infrastructures
    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare

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