Investments
As the treasurer for Palm Beach County, the Clerk & Comptroller invests and earns income on public funds, ultimately reducing the burden on taxpayers. For example, when the county takes in revenue, such as property taxes, it is invested until needed for payroll and other bills.
The Clerk's certified investment professionals proactively manage the roughly $2 billion dollar portfolio to maximize investment earnings, while ensuring that tax dollars are protected. The Palm Beach County Investment Policy, created by the Clerk and the County’s Investment Policy Committee, governs investments and provides guidelines related to risk management and reporting requirements.
All reports on this page are in PDF format and require the free Adobe Reader.
Investment Information
Supplemental information and reports intended to help the public further understand county investments:
Monthly Investment Summary Reports
The Investment Summary provides a numerical and graphical portrayal of the allocation of portfolio holdings by asset class. It also presents important bond yields and money market rates to provided market trend information as well as a way to measure the portfolio’s yield relative to the fixed income markets.
Investment Update: April 2013
The economy seems to be improving with evidence of strength in housing, autos, and the job market. The Federal Reserve has continued its $85 billion bond-buying program to encourage growth and employment. Fed action has kept bond yields low and range bound with an upward yield tilt. Stocks are setting new highs reflecting the search for yield (dividend yield) in a yield-parched world. In a nutshell, financial markets are implying stronger growth ahead. The portfolio is defensively position in recognition of the fact that high quality, policy-approved reinvestment yields are very low given the current market volatility. The safety of principal policy rule means that now is the time to admit that the bond market offers return free risk and is not very attractive.
Certifications
In 2007, the office became the first government agency in the country to have its entire investment staff earn the Accredited Investment Fiduciary© Certification, signifying a commitment to the responsible stewardship of the public’s money.
Other Financial Reports
Your source for additional information on Palm Beach County finances, revenue and spending: