FundCalibre - Investing on the go

Although Europe is once again under the microscope for all the wrong reasons, Waverton European Capital Growth co-manager Chris Garsten believes the much-maligned market is now a far more compelling investment proposition than it was eight months ago. He also talks to us about the threat of recession and why he feels it is important to go against the consensus when markets are difficult. Chris als...

Schroders investment directors Paul Lamacraft and Pav Sriharan talk us through the benefits of private equity investing and why the asset class is a great fit for an investment trust vehicle. The pair also talk about the types of companies they target for the British Opportunities Trust , discuss the importance of funding UK growth and buyout companies in what is an uncertain time for the UK econo...

Juliet Schooling Latter and Darius McDermott return to discuss the first six months of 2022 in this, our 200th episode. They explain what a bear market is and discuss how long this one could last. They also touch on the more recent performance of early 2022 leaders – commodities and Latin American equities – and why they have lost some of their shine, as well debating whether the Chinese stock mar...

 Steven Andrew, manager of M&G Episode Income fund, discusses investor behaviour with us.  After a turbulent start to the year, are they behaving rationally or irrationally? Steven also talks about whether the US central bank is calling the shots or if inflation is out of its control. Other topics of discussion include the parallels between Japan and the UK, if bonds or equities are the place...

Dickie Hodges, manager of Nomura Global Dynamic Bond fund, gives listeners an explanation as to why all bonds – including inflation-linked bonds – have had negative returns this year. In a very frank and educational podcast, he explains how the current environment is impacting bonds, gives his view on how high interest rates could go, and whether it’s a matter of when, not if, a recession begins....

Job Curtis, manager of City of London Investment Trust , discusses the UK stock market and why it has outperformed other stock markets around the world this year.  He gives his thoughts on the windfall tax for oil companies and how their presence in the North Sea will impact how much of their profits are taxed. Job also discusses inflation and interest rates – their impact on the UK economy and on...

Ben Peters, co-manager of TB Evenlode Global Income , discusses all things inflation: its impact on individuals, companies, sectors, and different geographies. He explains why demand has remained surprisingly robust, despite the continued rise in prices and why some companies are being slow to pass on their costs to their customers. He also discusses his team’s recent trip to the US and pent-up de...

Simon Brazier, manager of Ninety One UK Alpha , discusses the outlook for the UK economy and the companies he thinks will do best in the current environment. As consumers look to rein in spending, he is repositioning towards companies with cheaper offerings such as Ryanair and JD Weatherspoon, but says he still prefers large caps over small caps. Simon also discusses the potential windfall tax on...

Lucy Isles, co-manager of Baillie Gifford High Yield Bond fund, discusses her investments in the bonds of Birkenstock, the owner of eBay and Gumtree, a French recycler and a litigation business. She explains why bonds have struggled in 2022 and how investors could expect high yield bonds to behave in an inflationary or recessionary environment and reveals why the team has invested in an Indian mob...

Richard Sennitt, manager of Schroder Oriental Income Fund, talks about the regulatory issues in China and the impact the current lockdowns are having on both the domestic and global markets. He reveals the sectors and geographies across developed and developing Asia, where he is finding the most investment ideas, and outlines the nuance of rising inflation in the region. Richard gives his views on...

Niall Gallagher, manager of GAM Star Continental European Equity fund, explains why European companies have such a global reach. He discusses the big trends of the growing middle classes in Asia and decarbonisation and explains how European equity investors can benefit. Niall also gives his view on why inflation could be here to stay and why Europe is in danger of locking in high energy prices.  W...

Simon Moon, manager of Unicorn UK Smaller Companies fund, talks to us about recent performance of the sector vs its larger peers in the FTSE 100. He also talks about the opportunities today and reveals the companies he has recently invested in. Simon goes into detail about meetings with company management teams and discusses his holdings in fast food restaurants and firms benefiting from increased...

TB Wise Multi-Asset Growth fund manager Vincent Ropers talks us through the recent tilt towards value strategies in his portfolio amid hopes of a continued cyclical recovery. He also runs through his exposure to mining & natural resources, as well as infrastructure, and how these asset classes can help offer inflation-linked returns in these uncertain times. Vincent also discusses the attracti...

BlackRock European Absolute Alpha co-manager Stephanie Bothwell talks us through the benefits of being able to use long and short positions to manage investment risk, as well as how the portfolio has protected investors in what has been a very uncertain start to the year. She also talks us through the team’s decision to stop shorting the European banking sector and how the rising cost of fuel, uti...

Barings Europe Select Trust co-manager Rosemary Simmonds tells us why the sector is often overlooked and underappreciated, despite having a number of growth drivers and innovation in numerous areas. She discusses the attractive valuations in the sector and why they are a safe bet for those looking for growth in a challenging environment. Rosemary also looks at the inflationary challenges facing th...

Darius McDermott and Juliet Schooling Latter return to discuss what has been both a busy and challenging start to 2022 for investors. They talk about how Russia’s invasion of Ukraine - coupled with the sharp rise in inflation – has created a difficult financial market for investors to navigate. They also discuss the sectors which have flourished and struggled in these unique times. The pair also l...

VT Gravis Clean Energy Income fund advisor Will Argent explains why Europe’s move to renewable energy sources may accelerate as a result of Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine. He also explains why improving energy efficiency is just as important as bolstering renewable energy supplies in the move to net zero. Will also highlights the importance of battery storage in the renewable energy space and ho...

TR Property Trust manager Marcus Phayre-Mudge talks us through how his portfolio has navigated the challenges of inflation and which sectors have benefitted best in this scenario. He also runs through the prospects for the office sector post Covid-19 and why we may well be set for a green building super cycle. He also explains why he sees greater potential for shopping centres in Europe over the U...

LF Ruffer Diversified Return managers Duncan MacInnes and Ian Rees talk us through their new product and explain why their “tractor over sports car” approach is hugely beneficial in these challenging times. The managers also explain why we are now at the end of a 30-year bull market and the implication that may have for investors looking for diversification. While capital protection is at the hear...

Schroder Digital Infrastructure co-manager Tom Walker talks us through the key elements of the asset class and how the pandemic has highlighted its importance in society today. He also tells us why further growth in the sector is essential to meet challenges like the move to 5G and the rise of cloud computing. Tom also runs through the growth seen in digital infrastructure in recent years and why...

It took nearly 130 years for the flushing toilet to become universal in US homes. But the adoption of new technologies has accelerated at a phenomenal rate in recent years and things like tablet computers took only a decade to become standard household items. Guy Feld (fund manager) and Tom Hutchinson (investment analyst), tell us more about the sheer scale of innovation taking place in the world...

Zehrid Osmani, manager of FTF Martin Currie European Unconstrained fund, discusses the three mega-trends in his fund: resource scarcity, the future of technology and demographic change. He touches on why geopolitical risks could accelerate the move to cleaner energy and both national and corporate spending on IT security and then details the interconnections between his themes and the advances in...

JOHCM UK Dynamic fund manager Alex Savvides says although the companies he invests in may not appear the most exciting – the potential for change and business transformation does offer exciting returns. He also explains why his fund is much more than just a value-orientated vehicle and what he looks for from management teams he hopes to invest with. Alex also talks us through the rampant M&A a...

James Douglas and Gareth Powell, co-managers of the Polar Capital Global Healthcare Investment Trust , talk us through the improvements in the healthcare industry as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pair also discuss how the sector has responded to rising inflation and its ability to make further gains in the future. They also evaluate the recent challenges faced by some of the COVID winners...

Research by McKinsey shows that companies with more women in executive leadership positions are more profitable. Yet only 41 of the CEOs on the Fortune 500 list, and just 8 of the CEOs of FTSE 100 companies, are women. In part two of our International Women’s Day special, we discuss board diversity, female CEOs and the role of asset management to further change.  We’re joined by Alexandra Jackson,...