Institutional investors like pension funds rely on high-quality market data, research and news to make informed investment decisions. Pensions & Investments is a leading global source for asset owners and managers. With skyrocketing demand for investment information, pensions and others must balance costs with value. This article looks at strategies to maximize value when subscribing to key institutional investing resources like Pensions & Investments.
Compare subscription options to find the best deal for your needs
Pensions & Investments offers print, online and bundle subscription options. Compare pricing carefully based on your usage – online access may provide similar utility at lower cost. Consider needs across your organization too. Smaller teams may only require a couple licenses, while larger groups need site-wide access. Think about nuanced needs as well – admins monitoring daily news may require different access than analysts downloading datasets. Take advantage of free trials to test products out. And don’t be afraid to negotiate – especially for large, long-term contracts – P&I sales reps have some flexibility on pricing.
Leverage academic, government and group discount programs
If you work for an academic institution, government agency or are part of a qualifying group, significant discounts may be available. Most publishers offer special academic rates, so ask about these if eligible. Government employees can utilize the GSA Schedule Pricing program to streamline procurement and maximize savings. Industry associations like Callan also offer discounted group rates for participating members. Check for eligibility for these programs when negotiating your P&I subscription.
Weigh the value of P&I access versus costs of outsourcing research
For smaller teams, it may be more cost effective to outsource things like database access and research versus paying for internal tools and platforms. Before committing to an expensive P&I subscription, consider whether you can accomplish similar tasks through an outside investment consultant. They can provide custom research and advice based on your specific needs without incurring large subscription costs. Periodic consultation may provide what you need more efficiently.
Evaluate ROI annually and hunt for savings on renewal
Be diligent evaluating ROI on P&I subscriptions yearly. Review usage to ensure you are fully leveraging resources you pay for. Look for ways to cut underutilized elements when contracts are up. Stay abreast of new products and pricing at renewal time – bundled access or new tools may offer better value. Don’t be afraid to make a change if a competitor offers superior pricing and utility. Maximize value over the long-term by proactively optimizing based on evolving needs.
Institutional investors must balance access to high-quality investment data and news with budget realities when subscribing to resources like Pensions & Investments. Comparing subscription models, utilizing discount programs, outsourcing selectively and evaluating ROI annually can help maximize value.