Bob Kaynor, manager of the Schroder US Mid Cap fund, outlines some exciting opportunities in the US mid-cap market, currently trading at historically significant valuation discounts. We discuss how these companies, the “heartbeat of the US economy,” stand poised for potential growth, driven by earnings acceleration and favourable fiscal policies. We also touch on the recent Fed interest rate cuts, their effect on market behaviour, and how mid-cap stocks could benefit.What’s covered in this episode: Current valuations in US small and mid-caps“History rhymes, it does not repeat” The start of the Fed rate-cutting cycleHow rate cuts impact mid-cap companiesThe catalyst for mid-caps to turnaroundWhy mid-caps are the “heartbeat” of the US economyWhat does a Harris or Trump win mean for mid-caps? The diversity within the fundThe appeal of insurance and telecoms More about the fund: Run out of New York by Bob Kaynor, Schroder US Mid Cap has a focus on small and medium-sized companies, with a diversified set of return drivers, in order to dampen the risk of the overall portfolio. The investment process is underpinned by in-depth company analysis, which has led to superior stock selection over time.Learn more on fundcalibre.comPlease remember, we’ve been discussing individual companies to bring investing to life for you. It’s not a recommendation to buy or sell. The fund may or may not still hold these companies at the time of listening. Elite Ratings are based on FundCalibre’s research methodology and are the opinion of FundCalibre’s research team only.

We discuss sustainable investing with two key figures from CCLA: James Corah, head of sustainability, and Charlotte Ryland, head of investments and manager of Elite Radar CCLA Better World Global Equity. They explain their unique approach, which balances achieving robust financial returns with driving significant societal change. We explore their engagement strategies with large corporations (including Amazon), including those not typically associated with sustainability, to push for improvements in areas like better labour standards and mental health. The discussion also touches on how innovation, particularly in technology and healthcare, plays a role in their investment decisions.What’s covered in this episode: The investment philosophy at CCLAWhat sets the CCLA Better World Global Equity fund apart from its peers?The firms engagement with Amazon on labour standardsWhy investors need to understand companies aren’t perfectSustainable investing beyond climate changeLooking at underserved topics such as mental healthHow engagement is the driving forceWhy you need to accept the bad to drive improvementsOpportunities in healthcareIs artificial intelligence a theme in the fund? How companies can use AI to expand their offeringsWill mega-cap stocks continue to drive performance?Technology businesses beyond the Magnificent SevenA “good” portfolio driving changeMore about the fund: This fund’s benchmark-agnostic, responsible approach of investing in quality businesses, at attractive prices, has proven to be a very successful one since its launch in 2022, with the CCLA Better World Global Equity providing strong returns with lower volatility than its peers. This fund should be a strong consideration for anyone looking for a global fund with an ethical focus.Learn more on fundcalibre.comPlease remember, we’ve been discussing individual companies to bring investing to life for you. It’s not a recommendation to buy or sell. The fund may or may not still hold these companies at the time of listening. Elite Ratings are based on FundCalibre’s research methodology and are the opinion of FundCalibre’s research team only.

Polina Kurdyavko, co-manager of the BlueBay Emerging Market Unconstrained Bond fund, provides an excellent in-depth look at emerging market (EM) debt, offering insights into why current valuations in hard currency sovereign debt are among the most attractive in decades. We discuss factors contributing to strong growth in key emerging markets, from Brazil to India, and how local currencies are poised for outperformance. The conversation also touches on global dynamics, such as geopolitical risks, the outlook for a weaker U.S. dollar, and how frontier markets have recovered after recent restructuring.What’s covered in this episode: Why investors should add EM debt to their portfolioHow does a weaker dollar impact the asset class?The countries benefiting from geopolitical risksWhat the US election means for currencyShould investors be worried about Elon Musk’s dispute with Brazil’s supreme court?Why the China slowdown narrative isn’t quite rightWhat currencies look most appealing today?How the fund uses shorts, including an exampleMore about the fund: The BlueBay Emerging Market Unconstrained Bond fund is a truly active fund, managed by an exceptionally experienced and well-resourced team. The fund is set up to deliver alpha and historically it has done just that, indicating it has an extremely consistent process. This is a difficult asset class which requires expert understanding across multiple geographies. The team behind this fund have this expertise and it is one of the most impressive we’ve seen in this space.Learn more on fundcalibre.comPlease remember, we’ve been discussing individual companies to bring investing to life for you. It’s not a recommendation to buy or sell. The fund may or may not still hold these companies at the time of listening. Elite Ratings are based on FundCalibre’s research methodology and are the opinion of FundCalibre’s research team only.

In this episode, we’re focusing on the Capital Group New Perspective strategy which has consistently outperformed global equity markets over its 50+ year history. Investment director, Steve Smith, explains how the strategy’s structural flexibility and focus on multinational companies have driven its success across various market environments. We explore current market views, including inflation, economic growth, and the emerging trends that are shaping the future of global equity markets. Additionally, we cover the strategy's unique approach to balancing innovation with stability, making it a reliable core investment for long-term portfolios.What’s covered in this episode: Introduction to the New Perspective fundWhat differentiates the fund in the IA Global sector? Identifying global champions before the marketsThe unique management structure of the fundImplications of economic growth inflation and interest ratesOutlook for global equitiesEntering a new period of economic regime Positioning the fund todayWhat areas of healthcare are most attractive?What is the industrial renaissance? How does it fit into the fund?Is this strategy still relevant today? Where does New Perspective fit in a portfolio?More about the fund: This is the flagship global equities strategy of Capital Group and is now available as a UK-domiciled OEIC. It has a track record of 50 years, investing in some of the world’s largest multinational firms that are able to benefit from transformational changes in the global economy. The fund has a unique multiple-manager structure, with each of the nine named managers running their ‘sleeve’ in their own way. Their best ideas are blended together for a diversified portfolio.Learn more on fundcalibre.comPlease remember, we’ve been discussing individual companies to bring investing to life for you. It’s not a recommendation to buy or sell. The fund may or may not still hold these companies at the time of listening. Elite Ratings are based on FundCalibre’s research methodology and are the opinion of FundCalibre’s research team only.

We explore a differentiated strategy, Federated Hermes Asia ex Japan Equity, focusing on undervalued opportunities across various market sectors. Investment director, James Cook, shares insights into contrarian investing, explaining how their approach differs by embracing both high and low-quality companies, depending on value. We discuss significant market dynamics in China and South Korea, touching on the potential catalysts for growth, the impact of geopolitical tensions, and the evolving corporate governance landscape.What’s covered in this episode: What makes Federated Hermes Asia ex Japan Equity different? The fund’s contrarian approach to the regionIs China the ultimate contrarian play? The potential catalyst for ChinaIncreased buyback and dividend support in ChinaWhat makes South Korea so attractive today? Is corporate governance at a turning point in Korea?AI-exposure in the fundCan you find value investments in India? What are the regional “bright spots” for investors?More about the fund: Federated Hermes Asia ex Japan Equity is a concentrated fund investing in emerging markets within the Asia ex-Japan region. Its manager, Jonathan Pines, is willing to buy all types of companies if the price is right. He actively invests in stocks that are currently out of favour but which he believes are likely to perform better in the future. Jonathan Pines is a highly experienced manager and has spent well over a decade working on this fund. The process has historically worked very well, with the fund delivering excellent long-term performance.Learn more on fundcalibre.comPlease remember, we’ve been discussing individual companies to bring investing to life for you. It’s not a recommendation to buy or sell. The fund may or may not still hold these companies at the time of listening. Elite Ratings are based on FundCalibre’s research methodology and are the opinion of FundCalibre’s research team only.

Evy Hambro, co-manager of the BlackRock World Mining Trust, shares his strategies behind investing in the commodity sector, emphasising the critical roles of metals like copper and gold in today's economy. The interview explores how supply constraints, demand fluctuations, and macroeconomic trends impact investment decisions alongside key themes such as digital transformation, AI, and the energy transition. Evy provides insights into the balance between profitability and risk, and offers a forward-looking perspective on opportunities in the mining sector.What’s covered in this episode: What does this trust invest in?Balancing the supply and demand of metalsWhere are we in the investment cycle?What’s your view on gold?What’s driving the copper market?How is artificial intelligence linked to metal demand?What themes are going through the portfolio today?The role of metals in the energy transitionDoes inflation impact these companies and metals?Why the manager’s view on gold has changedWhere are the best opportunities today?More about the fund: Managed by one of the most experienced teams in the market, the BlackRock World Mining Trust is ideally positioned to tap into a number of global tailwinds set to benefit the mining sector. The trust has significant flexibility to invest across various metals and mining companies, including unquoted companies. The trust also offers an alternative – and attractive – source of income to investors. The result is a conviction-led approach to investing in the mining sector, as opposed to focusing on the short-term direction of commodity prices.Learn more on fundcalibre.comPlease remember, we’ve been discussing individual companies to bring investing to life for you. It’s not a recommendation to buy or sell. The fund may or may not still hold these companies at the time of listening. Elite Ratings are based on FundCalibre’s research methodology and are the opinion of FundCalibre’s research team only.

Explore the current state of the Japanese market and its future potential with Richard Kaye, co-manager of the Comgest Growth Japan fund, who discusses how recent currency volatility is shaping investor sentiment and what lies ahead for Japan's economy. We highlight the undervalued opportunities that exist within Japan, including hidden gems in sectors like technology and renewable energy. The episode also touches on corporate reforms, foreign investment, and the role of domestic investors in Japan's evolving landscape. With a fresh perspective on growth opportunities and market dynamics, this episode offers a comprehensive look at why Japan may be the market to watch.What’s covered in this episode: Why Japan has been making headlinesMore volatility to come?Why investors need to wake up and smell the coffeeLooking for “biggest growth at the lowest price”Have growth companies seen a de-rating?The company benefiting from renewables and airline traffic“Cosmetic” versus “real” reform in Japan What Japan has to offer to investors More about the fund: Comgest Growth Japan is a concentrated portfolio of only 30-40 high quality long-term growth companies that are either head-quartered, or carrying out their predominant activities, in Japan. Each holding has been bought with a three to five-year outlook. The managers believe that Japan is full of under-researched companies with great capital discipline, barriers to entry and growth. Their mission is to find them.Learn more on fundcalibre.comPlease remember, we’ve been discussing individual companies to bring investing to life for you. It’s not a recommendation to buy or sell. The fund may or may not still hold these companies at the time of listening. Elite Ratings are based on FundCalibre’s research methodology and are the opinion of FundCalibre’s research team only.

Mark Benbow, co-manager of the Aegon High Yield Bond fund, explains the evolving high yield bond market in this episode. Mark delves into the history and growth of the asset class, current market conditions, and the dual lenses through which investors can evaluate high yield opportunities. The discussion also covers how high yield bonds perform in volatile environments, where the best opportunities lie, and how these bonds can play a vital role in a diversified portfolio, particularly in the context of today's rising interest rates.What’s covered in this episode: History of high yield bondsWhere high yield sits todayThe impact of interest rates on this area of the marketWhy good companies don’t always make good bondsWas high yield impacted by the volatility in markets in early August?Why volatility isn’t something to be fearedHow central banks impact bond inefficienciesWhy all-in yield is more important than spreads at the momentHow the fund is yielding 8% todayThe best opportunities in the market todayWhy the managers are watching unemployment ratesThe role of high yield in an investor's portfolioMore about the fund: Aegon High Yield Bond is an unconstrained, high-conviction, global high yield bond fund. Their approach is bottom-up focused, with an emphasis on deep, fundamental credit analysis. They complement this by a structured top-down process that governs overall risk. Their flexible mandate allows them to maximise their opportunity set by avoiding unwanted constraints imposed by a benchmark.Learn more on fundcalibre.comPlease remember, we’ve been discussing individual companies to bring investing to life for you. It’s not a recommendation to buy or sell. The fund may or may not still hold these companies at the time of listening. Elite Ratings are based on FundCalibre’s research methodology and are the opinion of FundCalibre’s research team only.

In this episode, we look at the unique strategies behind the recently launched Schroder Global Multi-Asset Cautious Portfolio, with co-manager Philip Chandler. We explore how the fund maintains an exceptionally low cost of 22 basis points while leveraging dynamic asset allocation and a broad array of investment tools. Philip provides an insightful analysis of the current economic landscape, discussing the impacts of inflation, geopolitical turmoil, and the evolving role of equities and bonds in a balanced portfolio. He also outlines the innovative approaches Schroders takes in portfolio construction and the benefits of internal management and proprietary tools in achieving optimal returns for clients.What’s covered in this episode: Cost efficiency in portfolio managementBenefits of in-house tools and economies of scale at SchrodersImportance of adapting to economic changesChallenges with the traditional 60/40 portfolioImpact of inflation and geopolitical risksThree-stage process for building a diversified portfolioAdvantages of real-time access to managersExamples of using ETFs in the portfolioManaging client exceptions with risk-mapped portfoliosCurrent positions amidst current market volatilityEvaluating the potential for soft versus hard economic landings More about the fund: The Schroder Global Multi-Asset Cautious Portfolio aims to provide capital growth and income by investing in a diversified range of assets and markets worldwide, with a target average volatility (a measure of how much the fund's returns may vary over a year) over a rolling five-year period of 4% per annum. The fund adopts a fettered approach by using Schroder’s own fundamental and systemic active solutions, alongside some passive positions, to build a cost-efficient portfolio for investors.Learn more on fundcalibre.comPlease remember, we’ve been discussing individual companies to bring investing to life for you. It’s not a recommendation to buy or sell. The fund may or may not still hold these companies at the time of listening. Elite Ratings are based on FundCalibre’s research methodology and are the opinion of FundCalibre’s research team only.

Discover the complexities of Japan’s investment landscape with Karen See, co-manager of the Baillie Gifford Japanese Income Growth fund, as we discuss the market's oscillation between growth and value stocks, the impact of the weakening yen, and the Tokyo Stock Exchange’s recent corporate governance reforms. Karen offers insightful commentary on the implications for her fund and highlights the emerging opportunities in Japan’s evolving market, from automation and robotics to the accelerating digitalisation trend.What’s covered in this episode: The rotation from value and growth in JapanThe impact of the weak yenHow corporate reforms impact wider marketsWhat a weak yen means for corporates and investorsHow corporate reforms are influencing the financial sectorContinued appeal of SoftBankWhen share buybacks are a bad ideaManagement changes in Japanese companiesHow dividend payouts have evolved in JapanThe importance of growing dividendsWhy 50% in manufacturing is misleadingThe growing demand for automation The slow trend to digitalisation and digital paymentsHow Covid has accelerated cultural changeWhat the next 18 months could have in store for investorsMore about the fund: Launched in July 2016, Baillie Gifford Japanese Income Growth aims to benefit from the improving corporate governance in Japan, as more and more businesses move towards a progressive dividend-paying policy. The managers apply the same well-tested growth investing philosophy and process used by their other Elite Rated funds, combined with a focus on companies with the best dividend growth opportunities.Learn more on fundcalibre.comPlease remember, we’ve been discussing individual companies to bring investing to life for you. It’s not a recommendation to buy or sell. The fund may or may not still hold these companies at the time of listening. Elite Ratings are based on FundCalibre’s research methodology and are the opinion of FundCalibre’s research team only.

Richard ‘Dickie’ Hodges, manager of the Nomura Global Dynamic Bond fund, gives his predictions on UK, US and European inflation and potential interest rate cuts. He emphasises the current opportunities and strategies for generating positive returns in the fund, highlighting deeply subordinated bank debt (AT1s) as one of the best-performing asset classes. He also outlines a hedging strategy to protect against a potential hard landing and political uncertainties, which helps mitigate risks without significantly reducing income. We finish with Dickie’s views for the second half of 2024.What’s covered in this episode: What’s your view on inflation and rates?How does that impact government bonds?Three potential scenarios for economiesThe true flexibly of this fundAppeal of South Africa local currency bondsWhere do opportunities lay today?What might we expect for the second half of 2024? More about the fund: Nomura Global Dynamic Bond fund is an unconstrained strategic bond fund, with a focus on total returns. The manager invests in the entire range of bond sectors including government bonds, corporate bonds, emerging market bonds and inflation-linked bonds. We believe this fund offers an excellent option for all market conditions in terms of both yield and capital return.Learn more on fundcalibre.comPlease remember, we’ve been discussing individual companies to bring investing to life for you. It’s not a recommendation to buy or sell. The fund may or may not still hold these companies at the time of listening. Elite Ratings are based on FundCalibre’s research methodology and are the opinion of FundCalibre’s research team only.

Rhys Davies, manager of the newly Elite Rated Invesco Bond Income Plus Limited (BIPS), discusses the origins, goals, and strategies of BIPS. Rhys explains how BIPS focuses on generating high income primarily from the high-yield bond market and highlights the advantages of a closed-ended vehicle for this strategy. We also cover the nuances of subordinated bonds and corporate hybrids, the diversification and sectoral spread of the portfolio, and how the trust leverages opportunities in the high-yield bond market, especially during inflationary times.What’s covered in this episode: The origins of the Invesco Bond Income Plus Limited What the trust aims to achieve for shareholdersThe advantages of a closed-ended strategyOpportunities in smaller more illiquid areas of the marketWhat are subordinated bonds?…and why are they attractive?What is a bank CoCo? The importance of cashflowWhy a “stressed” bond could be appealingThe importance of diversification in the portfolioFinding investments in the riskiest part of the marketHow the trust uses gearing to maximise returnsPortfolio positioning todayWhat is BIPS dividend target?More about the fund: Invesco Bond Income Plus Limited (BIPS) aims to provide capital growth and a high income by investing predominantly in high-yielding fixed income securities. Rhys and his team can invest across the fixed income spectrum, but tend to focus specifically on the high yield market in Europe and the UK. The team have demonstrated their ability to manage risk through diversification, while also paying a consistent level of dividend for a number of years.Learn more on fundcalibre.comPlease remember, we’ve been discussing individual companies to bring investing to life for you. It’s not a recommendation to buy or sell. The fund may or may not still hold these companies at the time of listening. Elite Ratings are based on FundCalibre’s research methodology and are the opinion of FundCalibre’s research team only.

Georges Lequime, co-manager of the WS Amati Strategic Metals fund, gives an update on the current trends in the strategic metals market, particularly focusing on gold and silver. We also look at the broader metals market, emphasising the lengthy lead times for mining projects and the sector's need for capital investment. Georges tells us why he’s predicting a strong future for metals, and lithium's growing importance in energy storage and electric vehicles.What’s covered in this episode: Gold equities versus the gold spotValuation in gold minersToday’s opportunities in silver miners What’s more exciting: silver or gold?The role of metals in the shift to decarbonisationThe impact of lead time in the mining sectorIncreased demand for lithiumM&A activity within the portfolioWhat do precious metals add to a portfolio? How do metals perform in a rate cutting environment?Why site visits are an essential part of the jobMore about the fund: WS Amati Strategic Metals is a great portfolio diversifier that taps into unique investment opportunities, including the transition to a lower-carbon world. The fund benefits from having co-managers with both strong technical and industry knowledge, and who use their global network of CEOs, brokers, commodity traders, mining engineers and geologists to unearth the best opportunities in the sector.Learn more on fundcalibre.comPlease remember, we’ve been discussing individual companies to bring investing to life for you. It’s not a recommendation to buy or sell. The fund may or may not still hold these companies at the time of listening. Elite Ratings are based on FundCalibre’s research methodology and are the opinion of FundCalibre’s research team only.

In our latest market update, Darius McDermott and Juliet Schooling Latter start with a review of the notable boost in UK smaller companies, which have outperformed global equities. The conversation also covers the poor performance of fixed income sectors, Latin America's continued struggles and India's robust market driven by IPO booms. Global elections, geopolitical tensions and their impact on markets are examined, with a particular focus on the ongoing conflicts and their implications for investors. The update concludes with insights on the upcoming UK elections and a forward-looking outlook for the second half of 2024, emphasising the importance of interest rate trends and potential investment opportunities in undervalued markets.What’s covered in this episode: Are UK smaller companies turning a corner?The underperformance of fixed income and what’s needed for a reboundWill we see rate cuts this year?Is Latin America uninvestable?Can we expect further growth in India?Do elections really matter to markets?What does a new UK government mean for markets?What does a new UK government mean for UK savers and investors? The impact of US elections on the healthcare sectorHow do geopolitical tensions influence investment decisions?What’s your outlook for the second half of 2024?Learn more on fundcalibre.comPlease remember, we’ve been discussing individual companies to bring investing to life for you. It’s not a recommendation to buy or sell. The fund may or may not still hold these companies at the time of listening. Elite Ratings are based on FundCalibre’s research methodology and are the opinion of FundCalibre’s research team only.

Zehrid ‘Zed’ Osmani, manager of the Martin Currie Global Portfolio Trust, elaborates on his three-step investment process that ensures only the most promising companies make it into the portfolio, before diving into the significant themes driving this strategy, including demographic changes, future technology, and resource scarcity. Additionally, Zed provides insights into the valuations of industry giants Nvidia and Mastercard, and touches on the implications of interest rate changes on quality growth companies.What’s covered in this episode: Three-step process to building a high-conviction portfolioThe trust’s valuation frameworkThe three megatrends targeted in this trust The benefit of thematic investingTargeting seismic thematic shifts, for example, an aging populationWhy the market is underestimating the AI opportunityThe cross-section of AI and the stated megatrendsThe “techno-industrial revolution” The investment case for Atlas CopcoHow to evaluate a company like NVIDIAThe investment case for long-term holding MastercardDo macro changes influence underlying holdings? More about the fund: Zed has shown himself to be an excellent manager of high-conviction strategies. This trust has the ability to tap into a series of long-term themes – such as the rise of electric vehicles, growth of the emerging market middle class and the onset of artificial intelligence - which have the potential to deliver strong outperformance for investors. The highly-driven research approach has proven to be extremely successful over the longer term across a range of portfolios.Learn more on fundcalibre.comPlease remember, we’ve been discussing individual companies to bring investing to life for you. It’s not a recommendation to buy or sell. The fund may or may not still hold these companies at the time of listening. Elite Ratings are based on FundCalibre’s research methodology and are the opinion of FundCalibre’s research team only.

Michele Ward shares the secrets behind the impressive performance of the T. Rowe Price US Smaller Companies Equity fund, which has outperformed its benchmark over 1, 3, 5, and 10 years. We explore the fund's philosophy of investing in high-quality companies, letting winners run, and maintaining a balanced approach between growth and value. We also discuss the impact of interest rates on small-cap companies and highlight some unique and diverse investments within the portfolio. What’s covered in this episode: The secret to continued outperformanceThe ability to “run winners”…and how that’s impacted the portfolioThe company that went from $4.5 billion to $30 billionValue or growth: where do opportunities lay today?Why small-caps are due to come back into favourThe impact of interest ratesDo smaller companies have more debt?Case study: Manhattan AssociatesWhy hybrids are more attractive in the USMore about the fund: T. Rowe Price US Smaller Companies Equity has a flexible approach looking for both growth and value opportunities in the small and mid-cap space, to build a diverse portfolio of the best ideas from the vast analyst resource at his disposal. The manager will allow his winners to run as long as he still believes there is a return opportunity. As such, the portfolio is likely to have more of a mid-cap bias than its peers. This approach has borne fruit, with considerable performance coming from stock selection.Learn more on fundcalibre.comPlease remember, we’ve been discussing individual companies to bring investing to life for you. It’s not a recommendation to buy or sell. The fund may or may not still hold these companies at the time of listening. Elite Ratings are based on FundCalibre’s research methodology and are the opinion of FundCalibre’s research team only.

Dr. Ian Mortimer, manager of the Guinness Global Innovators fund, discusses the fund’s focus on investing in quality growth companies that are exposed to long-term secular growth themes, rather than early-stage startups. He outlines the fund's nine core themes and explains why a significant part of their strategy involves semiconductor companies, which play a crucial role across various themes. He further explains their balanced approach to managing holdings, emphasising long-term investments and systematic trimming of large positions, like Nvidia, to manage risk.What’s covered in this episode: How do you define “innovation” What themes are in the portfolio? The powerful impact of semiconductorsAre we in a semiconductor super cycle?Why the managers are trimming their Nvidia exposure Is AI a benefit to investors? Is Nvidia’s earning growth healthy?Opportunities in healthcare innovationTwo recent additions to the portfolioMore about the fund: The Guinness Global Innovators fund focuses on innovative and disruptive companies and has identified nine key innovation themes. These themes are advanced healthcare; artificial intelligence and big data; clean energy and sustainability; cloud computing; internet, media and entertainment; mobile technology and the internet of things; next generation consumer; payments and FinTech; robotics and automation. The fund will naturally have a heavy bias in favour of the growth style of investing.Learn more on fundcalibre.comPlease remember, we’ve been discussing individual companies to bring investing to life for you. It’s not a recommendation to buy or sell. The fund may or may not still hold these companies at the time of listening. Elite Ratings are based on FundCalibre’s research methodology and are the opinion of FundCalibre’s research team only.

In this episode, we explore the intricacies of the Elite Rated Morgan Stanley Global Brands fund. Candida de Silva, portfolio specialist on the fund, provides insights into their strategy of holding high-quality companies with defendable, visible future earnings, emphasising the long-term ownership of these businesses. We discuss the selection of companies, their competitive advantages, and how they adapt to evolving market dynamics while maintaining robust growth.What’s covered in this episode: “We don't rent stocks, we own businesses for the long term”How the portfolio evolves over timeThe growing popularity of healthcare in the portfolioIs anti-globalisation and re-shoring a threat to global brands?How have companies managed inflation?More about the fund: The investment team behind Morgan Stanley Global Brands have a mantra: ‘don’t lose money’, which will possibly be as comforting to investors as the familiar names that can be found in the portfolio. The fund is a very concentrated portfolio of high-quality global companies, with features such as strong network benefits and brands, or licenses and permits that can provide an advantage over competitors. They will also look for companies benefiting from economies of scale and leading market distribution.Disclaimer: The fund mentioned herein is available to UK investors only. All investments involve risk, including the loss of principle. Full details and risks associated with the fund can be found in the fund’s Prospectus at www.morganstanleyfunds.co.uk. The fund is available through your Investment Adviser and applications for shares in the fund should not be made without first consulting the current Prospectus, Key Investor Information Document ("KIID"), Annual Report and Semi Annual Report (“Offering Documents”), or other documents available in your local jurisdiction. This content has been prepared solely for informational purposes and does not constitute an offer or a recommendation to buy or sell any particular security or to adopt any specific investment strategy.Learn more on fundcalibre.comPlease remember, we’ve been discussing individual companies to bring investing to life for you. It’s not a recommendation to buy or sell. The fund may or may not still hold these companies at the time of listening. Elite Ratings are based on FundCalibre’s research methodology and are the opinion of FundCalibre’s research team only.

Alec Cutler, manager of the Orbis Global Balanced fund, discusses the shifting market environment, often referred to as the "four horsemen of the stock apocalypse," and how he navigates through these turbulent times. He provides insights into his contrarian investment approach, thriving in the current murky conditions to identify and capitalise on undervalued opportunities. Explore Alec's perspectives on global markets, specific investment opportunities in the UK and Japan, and the broader implications of trends such as AI and ESG investing.What’s covered in this episode: Why “the sun is setting on Venus” Thriving in a murky environment A contrarian view on UK and JapanPatience is key for fund managers and clientsWhat are the “four horseman of the stock apocalypse” Is gold still a contrarian investment?The portfolios idiosyncratic investmentThe backbone of AI (spoiler: it’s not Nvidia)Why DRAM is important to AIIs ESG investing failing? More about the fund: Orbis Global Balanced scours the world for the best investment opportunities across a number of asset classes including equities, fixed income and commodities. Manager Alec Cutler believes one of the key advantages of the portfolio is the ability to focus on best ideas and making them “fight for capital”, with every holding needing to be an active contributor to the fund.Learn more on fundcalibre.comPlease remember, we’ve been discussing individual companies to bring investing to life for you. It’s not a recommendation to buy or sell. The fund may or may not still hold these companies at the time of listening. Elite Ratings are based on FundCalibre’s research methodology and are the opinion of FundCalibre’s research team only.

Tom Walker, manager of the Schroder Digital Infrastructure fund, explore the burgeoning sector of digital infrastructure in this episode. He discusses how advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), have significantly amplified the demand for digital infrastructure. He also outlines the portfolio's composition, emphasising data centres, mobile towers, and fibre networks. Despite challenges like rising interest rates and material costs, Tom highlights that the sector's long-term outlook remains strong due to increasing global connectivity needs sharing two specific stocks that are well-positioned to benefit.What’s covered in this episode: What’s the outlook for digital infrastructure?How has AI increased demand for the sector?The importance of data centres in an AI worldDo high interest rates create a challenge for the sector?What type of companies is the portfolio exposed to?Digital infrastructure in emerging marketsThe significance of smartphonesTwo examples of underlying holdings in the portfolioMore about the fund:Schroder Digital Infrastructure seeks to take advantage of the necessity for a sustainable transition to a digital economy. Managed by Tom Walker and Hugo Machin, the fund invests in around 40 companies across both developed and emerging economies. The managers have over 20 years’ experience investing in digital infrastructure with this fund ideally positioned to tap into the post Covid-world and the exponential growth in the sector needed to provide future global economic growth.Learn more on fundcalibre.comPlease remember, we’ve been discussing individual companies to bring investing to life for you. It’s not a recommendation to buy or sell. The fund may or may not still hold these companies at the time of listening. Elite Ratings are based on FundCalibre’s research methodology and are the opinion of FundCalibre’s research team only.