The Portfolio Construction Podcast

AI is overhyped - but are we actually early, not late? In this episode, Paul O'Connor sits down with Billy Leung from Global X to unpack why artificial intelligence may be less about hype and more about a multi‑year investment cycle. As the AI opportunity broadens, the challenge is capturing it without overloading on the same few stocks. Tune in to hear Billy's thoughts on: Why AI may still be in...

In this episode of the Portfolio Construction Podcast, Paul O'Connor is joined by Brett Lewthwaite to unpack how deglobalisation, rising policy intervention, and AI are combining to create a more volatile, policy‑driven market and to discuss why portfolios may not be positioned for it. Tune in to hear a discussion on: How the shift towards national self‑reliance is increasing market instability an...

In this episode of the Portfolio Construction Podcast, Paul O'Connor is joined by Josh Scoville, Global Head of Research at Hines, to explore how global real estate markets are evolving and why property cycles are starting to turn after the 2025 low. Drawing on Hines' global research and frontline experience, the conversation examines how macro shifts, geopolitics and sector dynamics are reshaping...

In this episode of the Portfolio Construction Podcast, Paul O'Connor is joined by Mike McCorry, Chief Investment Officer of BlackRock Australia, to unpack how AI is becoming a dominant force shaping markets, and the risks this is creating for investors. Tune in to learn: Why the performance of a small group of AI‑heavy mega‑cap companies is now driving a disproportionate share of market returns an...

In this episode of the Portfolio Construction Podcast, Paul O'Connor is joined by Jacob Mitchell, CIO and founder of Antipodes, to explore how pragmatic value investing can cut through market hype. Tune in to learn: What pragmatic value really looks like in today's market and how to use industry‑level insights to help avoid value and growth traps Why AI adopters, not AI hype stocks, can offer more...

In this episode, Paul O'Connor sits down with Matthew Webb, co-founder of Scarcity Partners, to unpack private equity's next frontier: GP staking. Discover how shifting from funds to backing managers is rewriting the growth game. Tune in to learn: Why backing businesses and leaders, not just individual funds, gives you exposure across all their investments, bypasses the J curve, and can unlock gre...

In this episode of the Portfolio Construction Podcast, Paul O'Connor is joined by Max Swango, Managing Director and Global Head of Client Portfolio Management at Invesco Real Estate. Together, they unpack the forces reshaping global property portfolios - from retail's resurgence and shifting office dynamics to the rising demand for residential assets. The conversation explores strategies to divers...

In this episode of the Netwealth Portfolio Construction Podcast, Paul O'Connor is joined by Helen Mason, Portfolio Manager at Schroders Investment Management Australia. Helen explores the real story behind Australia's credit markets and where change sparks new opportunities for advisers and investors. Get insight on: How APRA's phase-out of hybrids and the shift to Tier 2 capital are changing liqu...

In this episode of the Netwealth Portfolio Construction Podcast, Paul O'Connor is joined by Jay Sivapalan, Head of Australian Fixed Interest at Janus Henderson Investors. Jay shares his perspective on how shifting geopolitical and macroeconomic forces are reshaping investment strategies. The conversation explores: How China's leadership in renewable energy, shipbuilding, and electric vehicles is o...

In this episode of the Netwealth Portfolio Construction podcast, Paul O'Connor is joined by Eric Almeraz from APIS Capital Advisors, Eric offers a window into the world of global small caps, where 90% of listed companies live. Eric shares his thoughts on: How to spot value and avoid traps in a universe of 19,000 stocks, many of which they think are under-researched and mispriced. Why small caps ar...

When over 50% of a portfolio's offshore assets are USD-denominated, currency risk isn't just a theoretical issue—it can be a real drag on performance. In episode 75 of the Portfolio Construction Podcast Series, Paul O'Connor (Netwealth Head of Investment Management & Research) speaks with Tom Averill, Managing Director of Rochford Capital, about how investors can more effectively manage USD exposu...

In this episode of the Portfolio Construction podcast, Paul O'Connor, Head of Investment at Netwealth, chats with Dmitry Solomakhin from Fidelity International. Dmitry unpacks the thinking behind Fidelity's Global Long Short Fund, which uses a contrarian value approach to invest in "unloved companies" they believe are mispriced. The discussion explores Dmitry's disciplined approach to shorting sto...

In this episode of the Portfolio Construction podcast, Paul O'Connor, Head of Investment at Netwealth, chats with Nathan Lim, Chief Investment Officer at Lonsec Investment Solutions. Nathan breaks down Lonsec's take on alternatives, explaining the difference between defensive and growth assets based on their volatility, while emphasising that volatility alone doesn't fully capture the strategy's n...

In this episode of the Portfolio Construction podcast, Paul O'Connor, Head of Investment at Netwealth, chats with Matt Cho, Head of Multi-Asset Solutions at Vanguard Australia. Matt shares insights on Vanguard's recently released economic outlook for 2025, the performance of multi-asset products in 2024, and potential returns for various asset classes. They review the strong 2024 returns from inte...

In this episode of the Netwealth Portfolio Construction podcast, Paul O'Connor, Head of Investments at Netwealth, is joined by Jolon Knight, an investment specialist from Hyperion Asset Management. They dive into the global equities market, exploring the opportunities Hyperion sees for investors. They discuss investing in "new world" businesses as opposed to "old world" businesses and how Hyperion...

In this episode of the Portfolio Construction podcast, Paul O'Connor, Head of Investment at Netwealth, is joined by Tim Van Klaveren, Head of Australian Fixed Income at UBS Asset Management. They discuss macroeconomic factors impacting fixed-income markets, including the global shift towards more accommodative monetary policy following a period of high inflation, the complexities of managing fixed...

The Indian economy is the fastest-growing major economy in the world. Driven by internal demand and a burgeoning middle class, India may offer an opportunity for investors. In this episode of the Portfolio Construction podcast, Paul O'Connor, Head of Investment at Netwealth, chats with Mugunthan Siva, Managing Director and Co-Founder of India Avenue Investment Management. Mugunthan shares his pers...

The private equity landscape is evolving, with companies staying private longer due to available growth capital, expanding access and investment opportunities in private markets. In the latest episode of the Portfolio Construction podcast, Paul O'Connor, Head of Investment at Netwealth, chats with Craig MacDonald, Managing Director of HarbourVest Partners Ireland. Craig shares his perspective on w...

Considering an allocation to small cap stocks? Many Australian investors do, seeking the potential for higher returns that small caps can offer. But with greater opportunity comes increased volatility—so how do you navigate this space effectively? In this episode of the Netwealth Portfolio Construction Podcast, Paul O'Connor is joined by Richard Ivers and Mike Younger from Prime Value Asset Manage...

In this episode, Paul O'Connor, Head of Strategy and Development at Netwealth, sits down with Chris Bedingfield, Principal & Portfolio Manager at Quay Global Investors. They delve into the complexities and opportunities within global real estate markets. Chris shares his expertise on why investing in real estate below replacement cost provides downside protection and potential upside. They also ex...

As traditional banks retract from commercial lending, private credit emerges as a compelling alternative. In the latest episode of the Portfolio Construction podcast, Paul O'Connor, Head of Investment at Netwealth, and Pete Robinson, Head of Strategy at Challenger Investment Management, offer insightful perspectives on the rise of private credit and the inherent challenges, such as lack of transpa...

In this episode of the Portfolio Construction podcast, Paul O'Connor, Head of Investment at Netwealth, interviews Craig Swanger, Director and Chief Investment Officer of Income Asset Management (IAM). Craig shares his predictions that China's interest rates may decline more rapidly than the market anticipates. This episode addresses these uncertainties and spotlights Craig's perspective on China's...

For some, emerging markets remain one of the most mispriced asset classes globally, providing ample opportunities for outperformance, but it is important to properly evaluate the risks before investing. In this episode of the Portfolio Construction podcast, Paul O'Connor, Head of Investment at Netwealth interviews Ross Cameron, Portfolio Manager, Emerging Markets at Northcape Capital, they discuss...

In 2023, investors saw strong returns in equity, fixed interest, and cash markets. The question for 2024 is whether these strong returns will continue. In this episode of the Portfolio Construction podcast, Paul O'Connor, Head of Investment at Netwealth, interviews David Bassanese, Chief Economist at Betashares, about his economic view on the Australian dollar, equity and emerging markets, interes...

The resource sector encompasses a wide range of commodities and has received increasing attention due to the global shift towards renewable energy sources. In this episode of the Portfolio Construction podcast, Paul O'Connor, Head of Investment at Netwealth, is joined by Daniel Sullivan, Head of Global Natural Resources and Portfolio Manager at Janus Henderson Investors. They explore the vital rol...