Cogent Economics & Finance

Sovereign Wealth Funds: Analyses and Implications

Sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) play an important role in economic policy, long-term national investment strategies, and have impacted financial markets. This Article Collection explores the economic, political, and strategic dimensions of SWFs including their governance, asset allocation, and role in economic policy and strategy. Additionally, contributions are invited on topics such as the feasibility of new SWFs, comparative analyses of existing funds, broader implications of state-directed investment, investment performance of SWFs, trends in SWF allocations, political dimensions of SWFs, best practices in SWF governance, analyses of deal structures involving government investors, theoretical approaches to balancing national economic goals with broader national strategy, how SWFs interact with private capital markets, venture capital, and public-private investment strategies, historical perspectives on the role of SWFs shaping national economies with lessons from past implementations, the role of SWFs in international relations, trade policy, and global economic influence.

As governments grapple with economic goals, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and the need for sustainable growth, SWFs offer a mechanism to harness national wealth for strategic investment. The recent call for a U.S. SWF highlights the potential for SWFs to shape national strategy. It also highlights the importance of carefully considering SWF structure, goals, and execution. By exploring governance models, investment strategies, and historical precedents, this special issue aims to inform policymakers, economics, and investors about the evolving role and potential of SWFs and their implications for financial stability, economic security, financial market impact, and global influence.

Sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) are state-owned investment entities designed to manage national wealth, stabilize economies, and achieve long-term financial and strategic objectives. Traditionally associated with resource-rich nations, SWFs are increasingly used for economic diversification, technological investment, and geopolitical influence. This Article Collection explores the feasibility of new SWFs, governance challenges, and lessons from global counterparts. Topics include the role of SWFs in fiscal policy, national security, and domestic economic development, as well as ethical considerations in sovereign investment. Additional areas of focus include SWF transparency, risk management, and their evolving role in public-private investment strategies. As nations seek to safeguard economic resilience in an era of geopolitical uncertainty and financial volatility, understanding SWFs’ impact on global markets, trade policy, and economic sovereignty is crucial. This Collection invites scholars to contribute empirical studies, theoretical analyses, and policy discussions that advance our understanding of sovereign wealth funds and their future trajectories. In addition to works that discuss SWFs in the context of the United States, research focused on SWFs in other geographic areas are also welcome.

Nathan Mauck is a Professor of Finance at the University of Missouri – Kansas City, specializing in corporate finance, valuation, and sovereign wealth funds. His research examines investment strategies, capital allocation, and financial decision making in both public and private markets with a particular focus on state-owned investment vehicles.

For more information, reach out the the Commissioning Editor, Dr. Molly Cole, at molly.cole@taylorandfrancis.com.