FundCalibre - Investing on the go

We start our interview with Tom Lemaigre, co-manager of Janus Henderson European Selected Opportunities , by getting an update on the fund’s future given the retirement of veteran manager, John Bennett. Tom emphasises that the investment process and core tenets will remain unchanged despite the change of leadership.  Tom also covers the current economic environment in Europe, including the challen...

Delve into Japan's economic landscape and its place in the world with Sam Perry, manager of the Pictet Japanese Equity Selection fund. Sam gives a critical examination of the perception of deglobalisation and its impact on Asia and Japan, before shifting to Japan's unique economic environment and newfound – and welcome - inflation. We also consider how Japan's recent economic stimul...

The VT Downing Unique Opportunities fund recently celebrated its third anniversary. With its life so far having been dominated by tumultuous global events such as the pandemic, the invasion of Ukraine, and rising inflation, manager Rosemary Banyard joins us to discuss how she navigated these challenges and managed to outperform in spite of them. The fund has a focus on small and mid-cap companies,...

The Rathbone Greenbank Global Sustainability fund marked its 5th anniversary in July. Manager David Harrison joins us to discuss how sustainable investing has changed over the past five years and predicts what is yet to come in the sector. We consider both the circular economy and artificial intelligence as emerging trends, but also delve into healthcare - a current opportunity within the fund. We...

Uzo Ekwue, co-manager of the Schroder British Opportunities Trust , gives an update on performance, the investment strategy and the current 30% discount to the market. Uzo emphasises the trust’s focus on both private and public assets, particularly in the mid and small-cap space, and tells us why they see a mispricing of private assets due to market sentiment. We touch on examples within the portf...

Managed by Mike Riddell, the positioning of Allianz Strategic Bond fund is driven by the team’s view on the prevailing economic environment. In this interview, Mike outlines why he believes understanding the global economic direction and identifying mismatches between market pricing and actual risk, is so important for bond investors.  He explains that while markets are currently pricing in minima...

Francesco Conte and Sara Bellenda, co-managers of the new Elite Radar JPM Climate Change Solutions fund, explain to us how an internally developed AI tool helps them to scan thousands of companies to find the most likely contributors in creating a more sustainable world. The managers discuss the importance of identifying technology and innovation early, highlighting both hydrogen and carbon captur...

David Ennett, co-manager of the Artemis Global High Yield Bond fund explains why the sector has now matured giving investors greater scope to invest in higher quality bonds in this portion of the market. He emphasises the importance of actively choosing which segments of the market to invest in and explains why high yield bonds are appealing in an inflationary environment. The interview also delve...

Praveen Kumar, manager of the Baillie Gifford Shin Nippon investment trust , tells us about the welcome return and impact of ‘mild inflation’ to a country that has had more than two decades of deflation. He details the subsequent shift in mindset for domestic investors and how this is boosting the domestic equity markets. Praveen then gives us his views on the growth prospects for Japan - boosted...

Alec Cutler, manager of the newly award Elite Rated Orbis Global Balanced fund, joins us today to provide a brief introduction to the fund's philosophy, the unique charging structure of the fund and its approach to targeting long-term returns, before turning to macro events. Self-proclaimed contrarian investor, Alec, highlights the importance of patience and being comfortable with being alone...

Stephanie Bothwell, co-manager of the BlackRock European Absolute Alpha fund, joins us today to discuss the current economic and market conditions in Europe. While macro narratives such as inflation and interest rates have influenced the market, there is now more dispersion between stocks and within sectors, creating a supportive environment for bottom-up stock selection. Stephanie highlights two...

Darius McDermott and Juliet Schooling Latter offer their opinions on the artificial intelligence craze - whether it’s here to stay and how companies can embrace AI going forward. On the subject of inflation, they acknowledge its persistence and the challenges it presents, and consider whether cash could be an attractive asset class today. Darius and Juliet also give their views on how investors sh...

The advantage of investing in a pooled fund of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) is that investors don't need extensive knowledge about the underlying assets. Active managers such as Rogier Quirijns, co-manager of the Cohen & Steers European Real Estate Securities fund, handle the selection of properties and the broadening sectors within real estate, such as office spaces, retail, dat...

City of London Investment Trust manager Job Curtis discusses the current state of the UK economy and provides a more optimistic perspective. While he believes inflation will eventually decline, it may take time to return to previous levels. Job discusses the global exposure of his holdings and the negative perception of the UK market on the global stage. He also reveals what he says is the “hidden...

Anjli Shah, manager of the abrdn SICAV I Global Mid-Cap Equity fund, demonstrates the effectiveness of the fund’s ability to run small-cap winners and buy future large-caps early. Anjli acknowledges the challenges faced in 2022, due to a combination of style rotation in global markets and mid-cap growth being affected by higher inflation and interest rate expectations. This episode also focuses on...

Ian Mortimer, co-manager of the Guinness Global Innovators fund, shares how the fund identifies and profits from innovative and disruptive companies, emphasising the importance of sustainable growth and the need to avoid getting caught up in the hype. We also cover the benefits and risks associated with Artificial Intelligence, the Metaverse, and the payments and FinTech sector. Ian provides examp...

James Mee, co-head of multi-asset strategies and manager of the Waverton Multi-Asset Income fund, provides a comprehensive overview of the wide range of opportunities available to multi-asset investors. James delves into Waverton's unique approach to risk management, emphasising that it goes beyond just volatility and encompasses factors like inflation and potential permanent capital loss. He...

Joining us today is Guido Dacie-Lombardo, co-manager of the LF Montanaro UK Income fund , to delve into the UK market and shed light on the extensive resources at Montanaro's disposal. Given the fund's specific focus on small and medium-sized businesses, Guido shares his insights on UK small caps and highlights the expertise of the Montanaro team in producing their own high-quality resea...

A ‘go anywhere, do anything’ fund, new Elite Radar Invesco Tactical Bond fund is the most flexible offering in Invesco’s fixed income range. Manager Stuart Edwards joins us to discuss the magical world of fixed income, explaining why bonds have suddenly become much more exciting for investors. Stuart also explains some often-used terms such as ‘duration’ and the impact it can have on returns. He a...

Despite challenging market conditions, the newly Elite Rated BNY Mellon Multi-Asset Income fund has managed to provide a consistent income by employing a diversified investment approach across various asset classes. Manager Paul Flood, joins us to discuss a wide range of topics including how the fund incorporates both macro and micro themes such as big government, decarbonisation and globalisation...

Singapore-based manager Jochen Breuer talks us through the key objectives of the Fidelity Asian Dividend fund — and it’s not just about producing an income. Jochen explains the types of companies held in this concentrated portfolio, why they tend to outperform in falling markets and the prospects for dividend growth in Asia. We consider two examples, firstly the technology sector through the lens...

Europe has had a number of challenges in recent years when faced with serious threats, whether from Brexit, the pandemic or now the Russia-Ukraine war and its consequences for global energy supplies. Despite these headwinds, Zehrid Osmani, manager of FTF Martin Currie European Unconstrained , remains positive on sentiment in Europe. Zehrid discusses the uncertainty around inflation, but also how t...

The Aegon Diversified Monthly Income fund has the flexibility to pursue the most attractive income opportunities that its managers can find around the world. Co-manager Vincent McEntegart tells us more about the current opportunities for income seekers, focusing primarily on the fund’s rotation towards the bond market. Vincent tells us why the fund has been reducing banking exposure, infrastructur...

The Investing on go podcast was launched four years ago today and, in that time, we’re conducted over 250 interviews, had over 75,000 listens, not to mention a global pandemic, inflation, recession and a banking crisis. Needless to say, the last four years have been a bumpy road with the podcast coming along for the ride. Darius McDermott, Juliet Schooling Latter and Sam Slator mark the occasion b...

Climate finance is an area that continues to see growth and, for the first time, in 2022 the world spent more on this area than on the investment in the fossil fuel ecosystem according to today’s guest. Deirdre Cooper, co-manager of the Ninety One Global Environment fund, joins us this week to talk about the growing opportunities in climate finance and how legislation from various countries impact...