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India has gone from emerging-market darling to a source of funding for the booming semiconductor trade, despite its domestic economy continuing to grow rapidly. Our guest, Andy Draycott, manager of the Chikara Indian Subcontinent fund, explores why foreign investors have withdrawn billions from Indian equities, whether concerns about the rupee and AI are justified, and why rising household wealth could transform consumption. We also look inside a concentrated portfolio targeting India’s domestic growth story, including private banks, quick commerce, hotels and aviation. Finally, we discuss India’s enormous manufacturing opportunity and why its growing importance to the global economy could ultimately bring international investors back to the market over the coming years. What’s covered in this episode:  India’s economic and market disconnectWhy foreign investors are leavingThe semiconductor funding effectIs India losing the AI race?The outlook for the rupeeIndia’s hidden household wealthThe emerging middle classMcDonald’s enormous growth runway in IndiaWhy the portfolio is concentratedPrivate banks taking market shareIndia’s mortgage opportunityThe quick-commerce revolutionThe company offering eleven-minute deliveriesIndia’s travel boomRising demand for hotels and flightsIndia as the next manufacturing hubLearn 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.

Markets have delivered another strong quarter, but beneath the headline returns there are important shifts taking place. The next instalment of our quarterly market update, with Darius McDermott and Juliet Schooling Latter, explores the revival in UK smaller companies and commodities, stubborn inflation and the prospect of higher interest rates. We examine the extraordinary sums being spent on AI, rising debt among technology companies and whether investors are less diversified than they realise. The conversation also turns to bonds, where shorter-duration opportunities are looking increasingly attractive, before assessing UK equity valuations and the areas offering potential away from AI. Finally, we reveal which markets and sectors could provide opportunities as we head towards 2027. What’s covered in this episode:  UK smaller companies finally deliverCommodities take the leadHigher rates for longerInflation refuses to behaveThe enormous AI spending boomAI hyperscalers turn to debtWho actually profits from AI?Hidden portfolio concentrationFinding genuine diversificationOpportunities beyond the AI tradeBonds back on the radarThe case for short-duration bondsAre UK equities still cheap?India’s difficult two yearsThe outlook for commoditiesOpportunities heading into 2027Learn 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.

AI spending continues to reshape markets, but after several years of extraordinary growth, are the most obvious opportunities becoming harder to find? We discuss signs of bubble-like behaviour, with Mikhail Zverec and Graeme Bencke, co-managers of the WS Amati Global Innovation fund, who elaborate on the slowing growth in AI capital expenditure and why the next phase could favour less obvious beneficiaries. The interview explores physical AI, robotics, industrial automation and the specialist companies providing the infrastructure, sensors and software behind them. We also examine why parts of the software market may have been written off too quickly, before moving beyond AI to uncover innovation across drug discovery, laboratory automation, radiopharmaceuticals, defence, drones, cyber and space. What’s covered in this episode:  Are we in an AI bubble?Where we are in the AI investment cycleWhy AI CapEx growth could slowMoving beyond the obvious AI winnersThe rise of physical AIRobots, cobots and warehouse automationThe infrastructure behind industrial AISensors, machine vision and connectivityWhy software may have been oversoldThe value of deep domain expertiseAI’s impact on drug discoveryRobotics inside the laboratoryThe potential of radiopharmaceuticalsDefence, drones, cyber and spaceFinding innovation beyond AILearn 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.

UK small-caps have endured a difficult decade, but attractive valuations, stronger balance sheets and improving earnings trends are creating a compelling backdrop. Our interview with Katen Patel, co-manager of the JPMorgan UK Small Cap Growth and Income Trust, explores what could finally trigger a re-rating, why M&A activity is accelerating, and how share buybacks have become increasingly attractive for cash-rich companies. He also covers opportunities in UK mid-caps, the benefits of an investment trust structure, overlooked companies at the smaller end of the market and the importance of international revenues. Finishing with how the portfolio balances capital growth with income. What’s covered in this episode: A decade of UK small-cap challengesWhat could trigger a re-ratingValuation discounts versus the USFour Imprint’s international growthSmall-cap dividend yieldsRising M&A activityPrivate equity interestThe shortage of new IPOsWhy share buybacks are risingUK mid-cap opportunitiesInvesting below £300 millionFinding under-researched companiesInternational revenues in UK small-capsCapital growth versus incomeRecord free cashflow yieldsLearn 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.

Capital preservation can be just as important as income when investing in bonds. Our interview with Jerry Wharton, manager of IFSL Church House Investment Grade Fixed Interest, examines how a defensive investment-grade bond strategy seeks to preserve capital while providing dependable income for clients. The discussion covers the importance of credit quality, short duration and avoiding the temptation to chase yield through lower-quality or excessively long-dated bonds. It also explores volatility in the gilt market, attractive new sterling issuance and growing concerns around debt issued by major US technology companies. Finally, the conversation considers the difficult outlook for UK inflation and interest rates, before explaining why current sterling investment-grade bonds may offer an appealing combination of income and capital upside for cautious investors today. What’s covered in this episode Capital preservation in bond portfoliosIncome without chasing yieldWhy credit quality mattersThe fund’s AAA allocationManaging interest-rate sensitivityLessons from the 2022 bond sell-offVolatility in long-dated giltsGovernment borrowing concernsAttractive sterling bond issuanceHeathrow’s recent bondHyperscaler debt risksThe danger of century bondsAI spending and corporate liabilitiesUK inflation pressuresThe outlook for interest ratesIncome and redemption upsideLearn 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.

European equities have long appealed to income investors, but the opportunity is becoming broader than dividends alone. Stuart Brown, co-manager of the BlackRock Continental European Income fund, joins us to discuss improving earnings and dividend growth across industrials, banks and utilities, alongside the structural themes supporting them, including electrification, energy security and supply-chain investment. The discussion also examines regional portfolio positioning, the resilience of European companies amid geopolitical disruption, and selective opportunities in defence. Finally, it considers why share buybacks, improving business fundamentals and more shareholder-friendly capital allocation could strengthen Europe’s total return potential. What’s covered in this episode:  Europe’s evolving income opportunitySustainable dividend growthOpportunities within industrialsElectrification and energy securityRegional portfolio positioningFrance beyond domestic politicsSouthern European banksFalling rates and bank earningsAI adoption in financial servicesInfrastructure-like utilitiesDefence spending and valuationsManaging geopolitical riskSupply-chain investmentThe growth of share buybacksEurope’s changing total return storyLearn 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.

Artificial intelligence has fuelled exceptional market performance, but it has also created opportunities in overlooked areas of the global equity market. In this episode, Sam Witherow, co-manager of the JPM Global Equity Income fund, discusses why high-quality companies have lagged despite strong fundamentals, how dividend investing can still capture technology-led growth and where the most attractive opportunities lie outside the AI winners. The interview covers US equities, semiconductor leaders, financials, healthcare and medtech, before looking at market valuations, geopolitical risks and the outlook for global equities. What’s covered in this episode:  AI and market euphoriaQuality versus momentumDividend growth investingUS market outlookTechnology opportunitiesTSMC and AI infrastructureThe AI "layer cake"Financial sector opportunitiesBanks versus exchangesHealthcare and medtechMarket valuationsBroadening earnings growthBuilding resilient portfoliosGlobal equity outlookLearn 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.

Geopolitical tensions, inflation fears and shifting interest rate expectations have created a challenging backdrop for bond investors. Dickie Hodges, manager of the Nomura Global Dynamic Bond fund, discusses why these periods can also create attractive opportunities, how rising yields have transformed the outlook for fixed income, and why today’s market looks very different from a decade ago. The conversation covers credit spreads, emerging market debt, financial bonds and the importance of maintaining liquidity. We also explore how hedging strategies are used to reduce portfolio risk without sacrificing return potential, before finishing with an outlook for the remainder of 2026 and where the most compelling opportunities currently lie. What’s covered in this episode:  Geopolitics and bond marketsWhy higher yields matter againOil prices and inflation outlookInterest rate expectationsCredit spreads explainedInvestment grade versus high yieldFinancial bondsEmerging market debt opportunitiesWhy South Africa stands outLiquidity in fixed incomeHedging explained simplyInsurance for portfoliosReturn outlook for 2026Learn 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 episode, we explore the structural changes reshaping global markets and why politics is only part of the story. The discussion examines how deglobalisation, higher interest rates and renewed focus on energy, defence and industrial policy are changing investment opportunities. Alec Cutler, manager of the Orbis Global Balanced and Global Cautious funds, looks beyond the headline AI winners to the companies enabling the technology revolution, he also shares why the energy transition could remain inflationary, and explores opportunities in emerging markets and fixed income. Finally, we examine how a valuation-driven investment approach helps build resilient portfolios capable of navigating changing market environments and shifting investor sentiment. What’s covered in this episode:  Beyond the Trump headlinesPopulism and structural changeDeglobalisation and reshoringThe "Pyramid of Needs" for nationsEnergy security and infrastructureAI's overlooked enablersWhy natural gas still mattersGreenflation explainedBuilding all-weather portfoliosEmerging market opportunitiesBrazil vs the USGovernment bond opportunitiesInflation-linked bonds (TIPS)US market complacencyThe return of 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.

This episode focuses on Japan’s changing market dynamics and why investor sentiment appears to be shifting after decades of stagnation. Richard Kaye, manager of the Comgest Growth Japan fund, discusses the return of domestic confidence, renewed consumer and corporate activity, and the growing role of institutional capital in supporting equities. We also explore Japan’s position within global technology and AI supply chains, highlighting its continued leadership in semiconductors, robotics, and industrial automation. Finally, we look at broader structural themes, including demographic change, labour market reform, and Japan’s integration into wider Asian growth. Together, these forces are reshaping the long-term opportunity set for investors in Japan. What’s covered in this episode:  Japan’s shifting investor sentimentEnd of “lost decades” narrativeRole of new political leadershipInflation, energy and macro backdropStyle rotation: value vs growthReturn of growth investing in JapanYen depreciation and market impactJapan’s role in global AI supply chainsSemiconductor and tech leadershipRobotics and industrial automationStructural demographic challengesLabour shortages and immigration policyCorporate adaptation and reformRise of domestic institutional investorsLong-term implications for global 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.

In this special 400th episode, we take a broad look at global markets at the halfway point of the year. The discussion between Darius McDermott and Juliet Schooling Latter covers easing geopolitical tensions, inflation dynamics, and the continued influence of AI on equity returns. We explore the broadening of market performance beyond the US, with strength in Asia and emerging markets, alongside challenges in India and a mixed picture in the UK. The episode also examines central bank policy, M&A activity, and structural shifts shaping regional opportunities. Overall, it highlights how diversification and selectivity remain critical in navigating an increasingly complex and fast-moving investment backdrop. What’s covered in this episode:  400th episode milestone reflectionsMarket volatility and geopolitical tensionsIran conflict and oil price impactInflation drivers: demand vs supplyCentral bank policy outlookBroadening global equity returnsAI trade and market concentrationUS vs Asia vs emerging markets performanceJapan’s corporate reform and growth storyIndia’s underperformance and driversUK and European equity marketsM&A activity in UK equitiesSmaller companies valuation opportunityEnergy, commodities and sector trendsCentral bank divergence across regionsLearn 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.

Infrastructure is no longer just about dependable income and downside protection. Peter Meany, manager of the First Sentier Global Listed Infrastructure fund, explains how the asset class is benefiting from powerful structural growth drivers, including AI-driven electricity demand, digital infrastructure expansion and the reshoring of manufacturing in the US. He also discusses why regulated utilities are seeing some of their strongest growth in decades, where opportunities are emerging across railroads and airports, and why infrastructure may be unfairly labelled as merely a bond proxy. Finally, we examine valuations, the role of emerging markets, and why today’s combination of income, growth and attractive pricing makes listed infrastructure particularly compelling. What’s covered in this episode:  Why infrastructure matters in portfoliosDefensive returns and downside protectionAI-driven electricity demandData centre growthUS regulated utilitiesManufacturing reshoringRailroad recoveryAirport opportunitiesInfrastructure vs bondsInflation protectionReal yield risksEmerging market opportunitiesCurrent sector valuationsPolitical and regulatory risks 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 episode explores the current state of Chinese equity markets, focusing on shifting sentiment, policy developments, and the widening divergence between sectors. Dale Nicholls, manager of the Fidelity China Special Situations Trust, highlights how domestic regulation, energy price pressures, and global AI investment trends are reshaping opportunities for investors. We also cover tariffs, earnings revisions, property stabilisation and the potential for improving consumer demand driven by wealth effects and policy support. It also examines sector rotation, AI-driven capital expenditure, and opportunities in property, healthcare, and industrials, alongside the role of valuation, offshore expansion, and long-term capital return trends in shaping market performance and overall investment outlook implications for investors. What’s covered in this episode:  China equity sentiment shiftAI-driven capital expenditure winnersSector divergence across marketTariffs and earnings outlookProperty market stabilisationIndustrial, healthcare and consumer themesA-shares vs H-shares dynamicsOffshore expansion and marginsCapital returns and buybacksStock picking vs macro themesLearn 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.

Innovation is often associated with headline-grabbing tech giants, but this episode reveals a far broader opportunity set across global markets. Graeme Bencke and Mikhail Zverev, co-managers of the WS Amati Global Innovation fund, introduce the fund’s disciplined framework that categorises companies as pioneers, enablers and adopters of technological change, and explain how each play a distinct role in capturing innovation-driven growth. The managers also explain how they identify “innovation frontiers” where change is already being adopted rather than speculative future trends. From AI infrastructure and semiconductors to life sciences, defence, and industrial automation, the conversation highlights how structural change is creating investable opportunities across sectors, while emphasising valuation discipline, profitability and real-world business quality over hype. What’s covered in this episode:  Innovation beyond traditional tech investingThe fund’s pioneer, enabler, adopter framework explainedHow innovation creates investable inefficienciesWhy valuation and profitability still matter“Innovation frontier” definition and selection processAI ecosystem opportunities beyond mega-capsSemiconductors, photonics and AI infrastructureDefence tech and geopolitical-driven innovationLife sciences, diagnostics, and biotech toolsIndustrial automation and machine vision trendsRFID and real-world “Internet of Things” applicationsOverhyped vs under-appreciated innovation areasMedium-sized companies as growth sweet spotsLearn 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.

Markets are often driven less by logic and more by emotion, and that pattern hasn’t changed despite decades of evolution in investing tools and technology. Nick Clay, manager of the TM Redwheel Global Equity Income fund, joins us this week to explore how cycles of greed and fear continue to shape market behaviour, and why volatility is returning after years of unusually stable conditions. We discuss inflation, AI-driven disruption, shifting definitions of quality and why valuation discipline matters more in today’s environment. The interview also challenges the idea of “quality at any price” and highlights the importance of income, compounding and long-term thinking in a world where investor expectations can change quickly. What’s covered in this episode:  Market cycles and repeating investor behaviourEmotional drivers: fear, greed, and volatilityPost-2008 “low volatility” regime and its unwindInflation, liquidity, and changing market expectationsAI disruption and valuation reassessmentSell discipline and valuation frameworksCase study: Cisco and rerating riskWhat “reliable income” means todayDividend growth vs inflationUS exceptionalism and market rotationQuality investing vs “quality at any price”AI adoption, disruption, and long-term uncertaintyImportance of compounding income on returnsLearn 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.