FundCalibre - Investing on the go

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 mitigat...

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 s...

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 furt...

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 betw...

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 po...

In our first episode of 2026, we reflect on a year that challenged many investor assumptions. Despite geopolitical conflict, trade tensions and inflation concerns, markets delivered resilient and often surprising returns. Darius McDermott and Juliet Schooling Latter discuss the broadening of performance beyond the US, the role of valuations and renewed interest in emerging markets and China. We also examine the resurgence of gold a...

After a difficult period for infrastructure assets, 2025 has marked a more supportive environment. Will Argent, manager of the TM Gravis UK Infrastructure Income fund, examines what’s driving the recovery, from interest rate cuts and M&A activity to government infrastructure plans and regulatory developments. We discuss the role of renewables, utilities, digital and social infrastructure, and how diversification helps smooth re...

Small-caps have historically outperformed over the long term, but recent years have been dominated by large-cap momentum and narrow market leadership. Nish Patel, manager of the Global Smaller Companies Trust, discusses why the backdrop may now be shifting. We cover how smaller companies can deliver faster earnings growth, the importance of focusing on quality to reduce fragility and why valuations are at levels that have historica...

This special episode dives into the market reaction to the latest UK Budget with Carl Stick and Alan Dobbie, co-managers of Rathbone Income fund. They discuss initial relief, fiscal headroom, and the weeks of uncertainty that froze corporate decision-making. We explore whether the UK remains a compelling market, how overseas investors are responding and why large-cap and mid-cap valuations still look attractive. The conversation co...

Emerging markets have rebounded strongly despite global uncertainty. John Citron, co-manager of JPMorgan Emerging Markets Trust, shares what’s behind that strength: from currency cycles and interest rate shifts to transformative themes like AI, semiconductors, and infrastructure. John shares insights into how disciplined, quality-focused investing and low portfolio turnover can unlock compounding returns across regions such as Chin...

With the appointment of Japan’s first female prime minister and inflation returning after decades of deflation, the country is entering a new era. Baillie Gifford’s Thomas Patchett joins us to discuss how corporate reform, automation, and AI are creating exciting long-term opportunities in Japan’s market. From tightening labour conditions and surging share buybacks, to the rise of companies like SoftBank, Shimano, and Nintendo, Tho...

We sit down with Stephen Snowden, manager of the Artemis Corporate Bond fund, to unpack the state of the bond market. He explores key concepts such as credit spreads, duration, and the relationship between corporate and government bonds, while examining how inflation and fiscal pressures are shaping yields today. The conversation also touches on how shorter bond maturities and improving corporate balance sheets have changed the cre...

Discover the dynamic world of technology with Allianz Technology Trust’s lead manager, Mike Seidenberg. From navigating mega-cap dominance and tariff concerns to uncovering opportunities in AI and cybersecurity, he shares how his team balances risk, valuation, and long-term conviction. Listeners gain insights into the global nature of the tech sector, the evolving impact of artificial intelligence, and why disciplined portfolio man...

The UK stock market is often dismissed as stagnant, but as Simon Murphy, manager of the VT Tyndall Unconstrained UK Income fund explains, that perception doesn’t tell the full story. In conversation with Darius McDermott, Simon discusses the surprising strength of the FTSE, the undervalued potential of mid and small-cap companies, and why he believes the UK economy is far more resilient than many assume. They also look ahead to the...

Vince Childers, manager of the Cohen & Steers Diversified Real Assets fund, joins us to discuss all things real assets and examines their strategic importance in modern portfolios. He explains the four key categories — global real estate, infrastructure, commodities, and resource equities — and how they respond to inflation shocks and market surprises. We discuss a range of topics from valuation trends, long-term performance an...

Markets in 2025 have been anything but predictable, with geopolitical shifts, tariffs, and surprising regional performances keeping investors alert. In this quarterly market update, Darius and Juliet unpack the latest global investment trends and surprises from Q3. They discuss the shifting performance between regions, with Europe and Latin America outpacing the US, while China’s rally sparks debate on sustainability. Tariffs, infl...

In this episode, we explore how European companies are responding to global headwinds, from tariffs and political unrest to slowing demand. Despite headlines often painting a bleak picture, many niche businesses are thriving by tapping into structural growth drivers. David Walton, manager of the IFSL Marlborough European Special Situations fund, discusses the resilience of smaller and micro-cap companies, highlighting standout perf...

This episode unpacks how overlooked companies and unloved markets can offer attractive returns, why technical analysis and timing matter, and the risks of following the crowd into overcrowded trades. Sean Peche, manager of the Ranmore Global Equity fund, tells us how market cycles, crises, and hype—from the Magnificent 7 to artificial intelligence—can present both risks and opportunities for patient investors. With real-world examp...

Sue Norfolk, manager of the Schroder Income Growth Trust, shares how UK companies are adapting their capital distribution strategies with a shift towards share buybacks and stable dividend growth. We also cover the evolving landscape of domestic versus international opportunities, sector-specific insights into financials, consumer discretionary, and industrials, and how geopolitical tensions are factored into portfolio decisions. F...