Finding Alpha

In this episode of the Finding Alpha podcast, Anna Kirkby is joined by Jerome Yim, Co-Head of Challenger Solutions, to explore how systematic, multi-strategy investing can deliver more consistent and uncorrelated returns. They explore why true diversification goes beyond asset classes, how correlations can shift in stressed markets, and the role of systematic approaches in improving portfolio resi...

James Clark speaks with Fawaz Chaudhry from Fulcrum about two of the dominant forces shaping markets today: the rapid rise of AI and ongoing disruption in global energy markets. They explore how these trends are driving a new capex cycle, shifting where value is created across markets, and what it means for investors seeking more resilient, risk‑adjusted returns. 

In this episode of Finding Alpha, James Clark speaks with Impax founder and CEO Ian Simm about sustainable investing, covering Impax’s approach, current market challenges, emerging opportunities like AI, and the long‑term investment case for sustainability.

What really stood out this reporting season? In this episode, James Clark sits down with Raaz Bhuyan from WaveStone to unpack February reporting season, from earnings surprises to why banks and miners dominated performance. They also explore how geopolitics and AI are reshaping sector leadership, and where selective opportunities may be emerging beyond the index heavyweights.  This episode was rec...

In this episode of Finding Alpha, James Clark speaks with Suhail Shaikh, Chief Investment Officer at Fulcrum Asset Management. They discuss the role of liquid alternatives in portfolios, the importance of embracing complexity, and how diversifying alternative strategies can complement traditional asset classes in an environment of higher volatility and structural change. This episode was recorded...

Fidante's Investment Specialist Anna Kirkby sits down with Lev Margolin, Founder & Portfolio Manager at System Capital, to explore how an ecosystem‑based approach - looking across customers, suppliers, competitors and regulatory environments - can identify businesses that become structurally stronger over time. Lev breaks down why stepping away from benchmark constraints widens the opportunity...

The latest episode of Finding Alpha is a special edition featuring Fidante’s own Vic Rodriguez and John O’Keefe. They discuss Fidante's origination and partnership strategies and share insights on how Fidante identifies, selects, and collaborates with top investment managers. This episode details the strategic thinking that drives Fidante’s growth, the importance of scale, and what sets Fidante's...

In this episode of Finding Alpha, James Clark is joined by Anna Kirkby to explore the growing appeal of private markets. They break down what private markets are, why they’ve historically been out of reach for many investors, and how that’s changing. Anna explains the key benefits – such as diversification, the illiquidity premium, and access to untapped growth - and highlights why private credit...

In this latest episode of Finding Alpha, Dr. Joseph Lai from Ox Capital joins Claudia Ramsey to discuss the forces shaping investment opportunties across emerging markets. From the impact of geopolitical tensions and trade shifts to the rapid adoption of AI and the growth potential in markets like China, India, and Vietnam, this episode uncovers strategies for identifying tomorrow's market leaders...

A topic front of mind for every investor at the moment is the potential impact of tariffs on the global economy. The Trump administration in the US has imposed tariffs on specific countries including Canada, Mexico and China, tariffs on specific industries including cars, steel and aluminium, culminating in the announcement of 'reciprocal tariffs' on goods imports from nearly every country in the...

How have gaps in the commercial real estate (CRE) lending market created new opportunities for non-bank lenders? We sit down with CRE expert Gerard Hargraves, Head of Real Estate Lending at Challenger Investment Management (CIM) to uncover the evolution of CRE - from the impacts of the Global Financial Crisis to today’s “higher for longer” environment and how to spot red flags in this dynamic asse...

Explore the unique dynamics of the credit market with Dylan Bourke from Kapstream Capital. In this episode, Dylan discusses where Kapstream is finding relative value in today’s market environment, why Aussie credit spreads are attractive right now, the impacts the ‘inflationary fellow’ may trigger, and capitalising on a decade-high yield environment.

With geopolitical risks and deglobalisation increasing, investment opportunities are emerging beyond renewables and traditional green solutions. New technologies in automation, digitisation, food production and the circular economy are providing new solutions to not only benefit the environment but also provide positive economic benefits. In this episode, David Winborne from Impax Asset Management...

Between the unwinding of the Yen carry trade, the first interest rate hikes since 2007 and a new prime minister, the Japanese market changed dramatically in 2024.  After attracting attention and flows from foreign investors in recent years, Japan is back on investors’ radar. In this episode, Yuichi Murao, CIO of Nomura Asset Management shares his views on the Japanese equity market in a year of ch...

Despite concerns about the impact of higher interest rates and the health of the Australian consumer, August’s earnings season was broadly in line with expectations. However, that doesn’t mean that it wasn’t full of surprises. Outlook statements were worse; leading to earnings downgrades and a continuation of low earnings growth in Australia. In this episode, Andrew Martin from Alphinity Investmen...

Rising interest rates, construction costs, labour costs and hybrid working.  It’s been a challenging environment for real estate over the last few years. Yet performance moves in cycles and green shoots abound.  Particularly for existing stock in quality locations purchased at attractive valuations. Elanor’s Head of Investments, David Burgess, joins Finding Alpha to share the geographies, sectors...

Private credit is attracting a lot of attention. A combination of higher base rates, a credit margin, and an illiquidity premium are appealing to investors looking for income. This demand is being met by private credit as an increasing amount of lending activity is taken away from banks, increasing the supply of deals looking for financing. Challenger Investment Management has been investing in th...

Fears over China’s property market and slowing growth has led many to avoid allocating to the world’s second largest economy.  This has created a compelling valuation gap that Ox Capital’s Dr Joseph Lai thinks is ripe with opportunities.  In this episode, Jo talks about the global franchises that are attractive right now and why he thinks that China’s equity market is flashing green.

The Magnificent 7 dominated US equity market returns in 2023 but while some continue to thrive, others have experienced negative returns this year.  We talk to Alphinity Investment Management’s Jeff Thompson about which of the tech giants still represent good value, where the next AI winners will come from and where he is seeing opportunities in other sectors.  We also discuss the other themes tha...

Given the uncertainty created by a looming US election, interest rate expectations constantly readjusting and geopolitical risks, having additional sources of diversification in portfolios can provide protection during periods when volatility spikes and markets are stressed.  In this episode, Gopi Karunakaran shares how a pure relative value investing approach can play a defensive role in portfoli...

With February’s reporting season in the rear view mirror, Catherine Allfrey from WaveStone Capital describes it as a roller coaster.  In this episode, Catherine shares her view on the banks, resources and M&A activity as well as what to look out for in the months ahead.

Successful investing in small caps is as much about what you don’t invest in, as what you do.  Stephen Wood, Principal at Eiger Capital, has built his successful track record on taking a prudent approach.  As markets rally and reporting season begins, we discuss Eiger’s view of the market and how to find value.

In our latest episode, Sinéad speaks to Hubert Aarts, Deputy CIO of Impax Asset Management on the tailwinds for environmental investing led by technological innovation and the transition to Net Zero.  

In our first episode, Sinéad Rafferty CFA, Senior Investment Specialist at Fidante, speaks to Matt O’Mara, a Partner at Apollo on the role that alternatives can play in portfolios, particularly in world of higher rates and higher correlation between publicly traded stocks and bonds.