Advertise on podcast: FundCalibre - Investing on the go

This episode explores the changing investment landscape in Japan and why it may be entering a new era of growth. With deflation ending, wages rising and corporate governance improving, companies are being pushed to deploy capital more efficiently. We’re joined by Alison Henry, investment specialist in Japanese equities from Baillie Gifford, this week who highlights opportunities in mid-cap innovators, the growing influence of artificial intelligence and Japan’s leadership in robotics and automation. We also examine how companies are adapting to technological disruption and the role of global volatility in portfolio decisions, focusing on the Baillie Gifford Japanese fund, as an example. Despite lingering misconceptions, Japan is presented as a market offering compelling valuations, strong earnings growth and significant long-term potential for investors willing to look beyond outdated narratives. What’s covered in this episode:  The end of deflation in JapanRising wages and consumptionOngoing corporate governance reformsWhy cash hoarding culture is shiftingThe valuation gap vs US and EuropeMid-cap growth opportunitiesInnovation and disruptive companiesAI adoption in JapanRobotics and automation leadershipDemographics driving technology uptakeBaillie Gifford Japanese fund’s exposure to AI themesSoftBank and AI ecosystemManaging geopolitical volatilityPopular misconceptions about JapanLearn more on fundcalibre.com Please 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.

This interview examines how escalating geopolitical tensions are influencing the UK equity market and investor sentiment. Rising energy prices and disrupted supply chains are expected to feed through into inflation and interest rates, creating headwinds for more cyclical areas of the market. Alex Wright, manager of Fidelity Special Values Trust, explores how the portfolio is being adjusted in response, including changes to exposure across sectors such as defence and oil. We also consider the challenges of navigating markets where traditional defensive assets have already performed strongly and highlight where value opportunities are emerging, particularly within mid and small-cap stocks despite the near-term uncertainty. What’s covered in this episode:  Geopolitical uncertainty and market impactEnergy prices and inflation outlookPortfolio positioning in volatile marketsReducing equity exposure and increasing cashCommodities: coal vs copper exposureChallenges with traditional defensive sectorsDefence stocks and valuation concernsOil majors and long-term outlookMid and small-cap opportunitiesAI-driven market dislocations and value investingLearn more on fundcalibre.com Please 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.

Today’s guest, Richard Sennitt, manages three Elite Rated funds: Schroder Asian Alpha Plus, Schroder Asian Income and Schroder Oriental Income Trust. He shares his approach to navigating investment opportunities across Asia. The interview explores the impact of AI on semiconductor manufacturing and tech enablers, the growth potential in financials and insurers and the evolving dividend culture in markets like Singapore, Korea and China. Richard shares his approach to balancing income generation with capital growth, emphasising natural dividend streams over chasing yields. He also discusses portfolio construction, sector rotation and managing long-term risk amid macroeconomic uncertainty. What’s covered in this episode:  AI’s structural growth in AsiaSemiconductor opportunitiesImpact of macro events like oil pricesFinancials and insurers as long-term growth sectorsDividend culture in Singapore, Korea and ChinaBalancing income generation with capital growthDefensive areas of the marketPortfolio construction and value tilt vs growth tiltLearn more on fundcalibre.com Please 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.

Take a deep dive into European equity investing, focusing on how a disciplined blend of quality, valuation and momentum can drive consistent long-term returns. Alexander Fitzalan Howard, manager of JPMorgan European Growth and Income Trust, explores how earnings revisions act as a key signal for stock performance, alongside insights into sector opportunities such as banks, infrastructure and smaller companies. We also examine the impact of macro developments, including increased European fiscal spending and geopolitical uncertainty. What’s covered in this episode:  Quality, value, momentum frameworkEarnings revisions as a key signalPortfolio diversification and risk controlEuropean fiscal stimulus impactDefence and infrastructure opportunitiesSmall- and mid-cap exposureEuropean banks outlookValuation dispersion across EuropeManaging benchmark riskGeopolitics and market volatility Learn more on fundcalibre.com Please 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 special bonus episode, recorded amid heightened market volatility, Darius and Juliet explore how escalating geopolitical tensions are reshaping the investment landscape. With energy markets at the centre, we explain why disruptions in the Middle East matter so much for global supply, inflation and interest rates. The discussion also covers why traditional defensive assets like gold have struggled, what alternatives investors can consider and how portfolios might be positioned in uncertain times. Finally, we assess whether recent market weakness presents long-term opportunities, highlighting regions, sectors and strategies that could benefit once stability returns. What’s covered in this episode:  Middle East conflict and global energy supplyOil price volatility and inflation riskImpact on global equity marketsInterest rate uncertainty and central bank responseWhy gold hasn’t behaved as expectedDefensive assets: cash, bonds, absolute returnPortfolio positioning in volatile marketsUsing ISA allowances in uncertain timesLong-term opportunities in Asia and emerging marketsGrowth vs value in a shifting environment Learn more on fundcalibre.com Please 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.

This interview explores how investors can generate consistent and growing income without sacrificing long-term capital growth. Paul Flood, manager of BNY Mellon Multi-Asset Income fund, discusses the evolving importance of income in retirement planning and how a multi-asset approach can provide diversification across equities, bonds and alternatives. We examine how shifting market conditions, including inflation, interest rates and changing valuations, influence asset allocation decisions. The interview also highlights opportunities in real assets, property and infrastructure, alongside a more value-focused approach to equities. Finally, we look at how themes, fundamentals, ESG considerations and valuation discipline combine to identify attractive investment opportunities in today’s complex market environment. What’s covered in this episode:  Income vs capital: striking the balanceWhy stable income matters more than everRetirement income challenges explainedAvoiding the “reach for yield” trapAsset allocation in changing marketsBonds vs alternatives: shifting opportunitiesReal assets and inflation protectionDiscounts and sentiment in investment trustsProperty: where value is re-emergingRenewable infrastructure opportunitiesValue tilt in equity income investingAI impact on sectors and stock selectionThematic investing approach explainedValuations and global market opportunities Learn more on fundcalibre.com Please 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.

Asia and global emerging markets delivered strong returns in 2025, but the big question is whether the rally can continue. We’re joined by Patrick Garvin, the client portfolio manager for the Invesco Asian and Invesco Global Emerging Markets fund. This episode explores the key forces shaping the outlook for the region, including earnings growth driven by the AI cycle, the impact of a weaker US dollar and changing policy dynamics in China. The conversation also examines risks such as geopolitics (please note: this interview took place on 24 February before the US attack on Iran), the Chinese property downturn and supply chain shifts. Finally, the discussion highlights where investors are currently finding the most compelling opportunities across emerging markets, from technology and commodities to undervalued consumer businesses, and why active stock selection may become increasingly important in the year ahead. What’s covered in this episode:  Asia and EM performance in 2025Earnings growth vs valuation re-ratingAI-driven tech cycleWeaker US dollar tailwindsChina property cycle outlookChinese consumer recovery potentialGeopolitics and Taiwan riskAttractive EM markets and valuationsIndia: strong story, expensive marketAsian tech hardware dominanceLearn more on fundcalibre.com Please 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.

This episode discusses how a diversified monthly income portfolio is constructed to deliver a consistent income stream alongside capital growth. In our interview with Vincent McEntegart, co-manager of the Aegon Diversified Monthly Income fund, we find out why a 5% income target was chosen, how income is sourced across equities, bonds, alternatives and currencies and how the portfolio has adapted as interest rates have risen. We also discuss the role of duration management, portfolio diversification, currency hedging and disciplined rebalancing in protecting investors through market volatility, particularly for those in or approaching decumulation.  What’s covered in this episode:  Why target a 5% monthly incomeIncome vs capital growth trade-offsBuilding a diversified income portfolioEquities, bonds, alternatives and currency incomeHow higher interest rates changed the strategyManaging duration and interest rate riskUsing currency to enhance yieldProtecting capital during market drawdownsIncome investing in the decumulation phaseLearn more on fundcalibre.com Please 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.

This interview explores the case for Asian equities amid changing market conditions. David Perrett, manager of the M&G Asian fund, joins us as we discuss why Asia remains compelling for long-term investors and how much recent performance reflects fundamentals versus sentiment. We also look at China’s evolving opportunity set, the importance of bottom-up stock selection, valuation-driven country positioning and the growing role of domestic consumption across the region. We finish with what investors should realistically expect from Asian equity exposure over a full market cycle. What’s covered in this episode:  Why Asia still looks attractive long termFundamentals vs sentiment in recent performanceChina’s post-property reset opportunity setBottom-up stock pickingCurrency competitiveness across AsiaDomestic consumption The rising middle class in AsiaValuation-driven country overweights…And where the fund is underweightManaging volatility in Asian equity portfoliosLearn more on fundcalibre.com Please 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.

Marcel Stotzel shares how his team manages the Fidelity European Trust with a focus on quality, downside protection and sustainable dividend growth. We cover the recent merger with the Henderson European Trust, the benefits of scale and liquidity and how high-quality companies are navigated amid market rotations and higher rates. Marcel also discusses the evolving European investment landscape, domestic opportunities and why they have selective exposure to AI. What’s covered in this episode:  The trust’s risk-aware approachDividend growth as a performance driverThree benefits of the Henderson European Trust mergerNavigating market rotations and high ratesCurrent opportunities in domestic EuropeBuilding a balanced portfolioSelective exposure to the AI themeLeveraging global research networksInsights on valuation and long-term growthLearn more on fundcalibre.com Please 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.

Gold and silver are more than commodities, they’re a long-term hedge, portfolio diversifier and reflection of economic policy according to today’s guest. Ned Naylor-Leyland, manager of the Jupiter Gold & Silver fund, dives into the dynamics driving gold and silver markets today. He explains the recent market swings caused by margin trading, Fed policy signals and investor enthusiasm. We also cover how physical ownership mitigates counterparty risk and why mining companies present a compelling investment opportunity. Ned also highlights silver’s critical industrial uses and explains why gold and silver remain essential portfolio assets for the long term. What’s covered in this episode:  Recent gold and silver market swingsImpact of Fed announcements and central bank policyLeverage and volatility explainedPhysical gold vs ETFs vs paper silverWhy mining companies are undervaluedSilver’s industrial usesCounterparty risk and de-risking strategiesLong-term portfolio allocation for precious metalsLearn more on fundcalibre.com Please 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.

Frontier markets, those countries outside both developed and emerging markets, offer investors access to dynamic companies and compelling growth potential. T. Rowe Price Frontier Markets Equity fund manager Johannes Loefstrand tells us what defines frontier markets, why they can provide both low volatility and high returns. He also shares the advantages of active investing in these regions, the key sectors, impact of geopolitical shifts and how global investors can benefit from market inefficiencies. One thing is clear, from Vietnam to Morocco, frontier markets provide opportunities for portfolio diversification and long-term growth. What’s covered in this episode:  Definition of frontier marketsKey countries and sectors to watchGrowth vs. risk in frontier marketsDiversification and low correlation benefitsActive vs. passive investing strategiesHidden gems and high dividend opportunitiesImpact of geopolitical shiftsCurrency and market volatility considerationsLong-term drivers of frontier market returnsPortfolio allocation insightsLearn more on fundcalibre.com Please 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.

This interview takes a fresh look at Asia’s investment landscape, challenging some of the most common misconceptions about the region. Our in-depth discussion with Qian Zhang, investment specialist on the Baillie Gifford Pacific fund, explores why economic growth has not always translated into market returns, and how shifting macro headwinds, currency dynamics, and sentiment towards China are changing the outlook. We also dive further into domestic demand, innovation and structural trends such as AI, advanced manufacturing and supply chain repositioning are creating new opportunities. What’s covered in this episode:  Why Asia underperformed — and what’s changingStrong dollar and China sentiment headwindsDomestic demand vs global trade fearsThe “opportunity gap” in Asian equitiesAI hardware and Asian choke pointsAdvanced manufacturing leadershipRising domestic brands and consumptionSupply chain repositioning winnersVietnam and off-index opportunitiesGrowth styles: duration, pace, surpriseLearn more on fundcalibre.com Please 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 how global dividend investing has evolved in a world of shifting inflation, volatile markets and concentrated index leadership. Stuart Rhodes, manager of the M&G Global Dividend fund, focuses on identifying companies capable of delivering sustainable dividend growth through strong cash generation, disciplined reinvestment and sensible valuations. We discuss a wide variety of topics this week, including the balance between yield and growth, geographic opportunities across global markets, the role of technology in an income portfolio and how currency movements affect returns. We also explore risks to income, the recent underperformance of quality investing and why valuation discipline may become increasingly important as market leadership begins to broaden. What’s covered in this episode:  Dividend growth vs headline yieldCash flow and reinvestment disciplineInflation and real income protectionGlobal opportunity setUS valuations: myth vs realityMid-cap vs mega-cap exposureTechnology’s role in income portfoliosCurrency impact on dividendsQuality investing under pressureWhy valuation discipline mattersLearn more on fundcalibre.com Please 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.

Technology investing goes far beyond hardware and consumer gadgets. This episode explores how the sector has evolved, focusing on the underlying “technology DNA” that now runs through industries from finance to healthcare. Jeremy Gleeson, manager of the Allianz Global Hi-Tech Growth fund, covers enterprise and consumer spending trends, the realities of AI investment and returns and the less glamorous but essential infrastructure powering innovation. We examine opportunities beyond the dominant mega-cap names, including mid-cap and Asian technology leaders, cybersecurity, networking and data infrastructure. What’s covered in this episode:  What defines a “technology” company todayTechnology DNA vs traditional labelsEnterprise vs consumer tech spendingAI investment: promise and pitfallsSecond-order AI beneficiariesLife beyond the mega-cap tech giantsMid-cap and Asian tech opportunitiesCybersecurity as essential infrastructureValuations and bubble fearsThe next frontier: space technologyLearn more on fundcalibre.com Please 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.