Speakers and topics
Investing in the physical economy
US Select Equity (US Smid Cap)
In the same way the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic pulled forward the need for digitisation, the post-Covid hangover crystalised the need for investments in US infrastructure. In response, the US passed a $1.2trn infrastructure law which Allspring believes will catalyse demand for companies tied to the physical economy. Jonathan will discuss his fund’s investments in these areas.
Exploiting attractive opportunities across the global short-dated bond market
AXA Global Short Duration Bond Fund
Fixed-income markets continue to be volatile, as the economic outlook remains uncertain due to high interest rates, sticky inflation, slowing growth and tighter lending conditions. Nicolas will present his outlook for 2024 covering economics, geopolitics, valuations, and asset allocation. With global yield curves still inverted, he will also explain why he believes short-dated bonds represent a compelling opportunity for investors.
The opportunity in global investment grade credit today
Capital Group Global Corporate Bond Fund
Overall, there remains a supportive backdrop for fixed income, with the macroeconomic environment in the US supportive of credit risk and the anticipated pivot by central banks positive for duration. As divergence between economies increases, however, dispersion between different areas of the bond universe will increase, creating opportunities for a global active investment approach to add value.
Emerging markets: why bother?
FP Carmignac Emerging Markets
Emerging markets have underperformed their developed peers since mid-2010, leaving many investors in doubt over the value of the asset class. Why might the next decade be different? In 2024, the EM asset class is set to benefit from a continued resilient macroeconomic fundamentals, favourable monetary policies, and attractive valuations. However, the way these dynamics play out will vary greatly by country and, as always, these opportunities will be accompanied by risks.Haiyan Li Labbé, head of Greater China investments at Carmignac, will discuss the opportunities and risks for emerging markets along with her favourite investment themes for 2024.
US equities, a different approach through a quantitative lens
CT (Lux) US Disciplined Core fund
With the unparalleled rise of the ‘magnificent seven’ over the past 5 years, are we at an inflection point for the US Equity market? Richard McCloskey will discuss the merits of a quantitative approach within an active portfolio which can provide stable returns through the market cycle.
Time to seize the opportunity: the UK small cap resurgence
VT Downing Small & Mid-Cap Income Fund
UK small caps’ underlying fundamental returns have been masked by years of derating as sentiment turned negative. Late 2023 began to see sentiment shift the other way, with ongoing fundamental returns and current valuations offering investors a generational buying opportunity. Despite a macro environment that potentially won’t replicate the last decade, Josh will highlight the income paying potential of UK small caps and how a total return approach could be set up to outperform.
Seeking consistent income with lower volatility
JPM Global Equity Premium Income Ucits ETF (JEPG)
JEPG uses an innovative investment approach that is in high demand in the US and applies it to global equities for Ucits investors. The result is a low volatility global equity portfolio with the ability to generate a consistent income from dividends and options premiums. International equity Investment specialist Ruairidh Hill will discuss the benefits that JEPG can bring to a portfolio, particularly at times of economic uncertainty when investors may want to dial down equity risk.
Making the case for high yield
Jupiter Global High Yield Bond Fund
Investment manager Adam Darling will discuss the macro environment and the current opportunity available to investors in high yield markets, including the yields on offer and the potential to generate equity-like returns with lower volatility over the long run. Adam will discuss how robust credit research is fundamental in a deteriorating macro environment and why careful credit selection is key to generating returns and managing risk. Adam also will talk about Jupiter’s approach to high yield markets, including a focus on being active, pragmatic and risk aware.
Uncovering the best ideas in global credit markets
PGIM Multi Asset Credit Fund
The highest inflation in four decades, and aggressive interest-rate hikes to tame it, have fundamentally altered global credit markets while also creating generational investment opportunities. PGIM Fixed Income’s Gabriel Doz will explain how the PGIM Multi Asset Credit Fund nimbly extracts multiple sources of alpha through active allocations across spread sectors and regions. This process is backed by a deeply experienced team of portfolio managers, risk managers and credit research analysts fully capable of navigating the new economic paradigm.
Yielding potential: unveiling the power of the PIMCO GIS Income Fund
PIMCO GIS Income Fund
Today’s bond yields mean that investors in multi-sector bond strategies can once again aim for consistent income and capital gains. With a track record of 10+ years delivering strong risk-adjusted returns, the GIS Income fund is PIMCO’s flagship and is that strategic bond allocation that can help you navigate any market environment.
Pivoting from defence to offence
Premier Miton Global Smaller Companies Fund
A bull market in global small caps has begun so now is the time to start playing 'offence'. After two years of slowing economic growth and a corporate earnings recession, leading economic indicators have turned up and company commentaries have improved. A new upcycle brings new investment themes and global smaller companies are a great way to take advantage.
What’s next for interest rates?
Short Term Money Markets
Policymakers have often highlighted that they are in no rush to cut rates, with markets now generally pricing the start of the easing cycles to begin this summer. The Federal Reserve, European Central Bank and Bank of England all left interest rates unchanged over the quarter, although markets have recalibrated their pricing for expected central bank cuts over this year. What does this mean for Government bond and liquidity solution investors?
The relative calm of earnings: why global quality growth investing is fit for volatile times
Seilern World Growth Fund- Global Equity Fund