FundCalibre - Investing on the go

UK smaller companies have been unloved for years, but the tide might be turning. In this interview with Scott McKenzie, co-manager of the WS Amati UK Listed Smaller Companies fund, we discuss why the asset class has struggled, the early signs of improvement, and what could drive a long-term recovery. We explore volatility, valuations, the impact of government policies like the Mansion House Accord, and the outlook for AIM-listed st...

With mounting US debt and stretched valuations, investors are starting to look beyond American markets. This episode dives into the appeal of Asian equities, particularly in regions with strong balance sheets, growing consumer bases, and undervalued companies. Edmund Harriss, co-manager of the Guinness Asian Equity Income fund, explores the economic fundamentals underpinning Asia’s growth, from resilient currencies and orthodox mon...

Gold has broken out to new highs, but have investors truly taken notice? Jupiter Gold & Silver manager Ned Naylor-Leyland explores the evolving role of precious metals in modern portfolios, examining why central banks are buying gold while many investors remain on the sidelines. This episode covers the performance gap between physical assets and mining equities, the bullish case for silver, and why traditional safe havens like ...

With fixed income markets facing heightened volatility, this episode dives into how strategic bond fund managers are navigating uncertainty through flexibility and precision. Colin Finlayson, co-manager of the Aegon Strategic Bond fund, highlights the importance of managing duration risk, anticipating yield curve movements, and selecting corporate bonds based on bottom-up fundamentals. We also touch on the implications of tariffs, ...

We explore how valuation-driven investment strategies are navigating today’s turbulent global markets. Bertrand Cliquet, co-manager on the Lazard Global Equity Franchise fund, explains why the portfolio has a significant underweight to the US, the impact of geopolitical uncertainty, and how tariffs are reshaping global economic dynamics. The interview covers their disciplined approach to stock selection, the importance of predictab...

Ajay Tyagi, manager of the UTI India Dynamic Equity fund, takes a deep dive into the changing dynamics of the Indian economy and equity market. He discusses how India’s growing middle class is driving consumption, which sectors offer long-term potential, and how global trade tensions are influencing market positioning. We also cover the outlook for small and mid-cap stocks and what rising per-capita income means for future growth.

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Commodities have always been cyclical, but today’s mining sector is facing a unique blend of macroeconomic volatility, geopolitical tension, and structural change. In this episode, we hear from Evy Hambro and Olivia Markham, co-managers of the BlackRock World Mining Trust, as they discuss current disruptions like tariffs and trade rerouting, the surprising disconnect between commodity and equity prices, and the rising importance of...

Dividend investing remains a popular strategy, but what makes a great dividend stock? Nick Clay, manager of the TM Redwheel Global Equity Income fund, explains the key characteristics of strong dividend-paying companies, the sectors offering the best opportunities, and the macroeconomic factors influencing global equity income investing. We also discuss the role of dividends in different market cycles and what investors should cons...

In this quarterly market update, Darius McDermott and Juliet Schooling Latter analyse the latest investment trends shaping 2025. From the dominance of tech and US markets to the resurgence of China and the struggles of smaller companies, we cover the key themes impacting global investors. With valuations stretched in some regions and opportunities emerging in others, is it time to diversify? We debate the outlook for the Magnificen...

UK equities have long been overlooked, but things may be changing. In this episode, we sit down with Jeremy Smith, manager of the CT UK Equity Income fund, to discuss why international investors are rediscovering value in the UK market, which sectors are thriving, and the role of mergers and acquisitions in reshaping the investment landscape. We also explore the challenge of sustaining dividend income, the impact of economic trends...

Infrastructure investing goes far beyond toll roads and airports. Shane Hurst, co-manager of the FTF ClearBridge Global Infrastructure Income fund, shares how the essential assets powering our daily lives—from regulated water utilities in the UK to the electric grids supporting AI growth in the US - can provide powerful returns. He covers how global listed infrastructure can provide exposure to powerful themes like energy transitio...

Mark Ellis, manager of the Nutshell Growth fund, shares his fascinating journey to becoming a fund manager with a unique quantitative process at the heart of this fund. The fund blends quality growth, and momentum factors, constantly evolving with twice-monthly reviews to ensure the portfolio holds the world’s best opportunities. Mark explains why trading more frequently doesn’t necessarily lead to higher costs and how his backgrou...

In this episode, we explore how recent AI-fuelled tech dominance may be giving way to a broader market rally. Simon Nichols, manager of the BNY Mellon Multi-Asset Balanced fund, explains how they’re diversifying into industrials, healthcare, and consumer sectors, and how geopolitical factors, including the recent US election, have influenced positioning. We also discuss the evolving bond market, where higher yields are creating new...

Alex Araujo, manager of the M&G Global Listed Infrastructure fund, shares why infrastructure should be a key component of an investor's portfolio. We explore the different types of infrastructure in the fund —economic, social, and evolving — and how they provide essential services while offering stable cash flows and long-term growth. Alex shares insights on the impact of rising interest rates, the energy transition, digit...

Peter Michaelis, manager of the Liontrust Sustainable Future Managed fund, has over 20 years experience in sustainable responsible investment. He shares the evolution of sustainable investing, including challenges in recent years, and why the future remains bright. This fund has over 20 underlying themes, of which we cover a handful, including resource efficiency, circular economy, healthcare innovation and digital security, comple...

This episode discusses the dynamics of fixed income investing, with Stuart Edwards, manager of the Invesco Tactical Bond fund, explaining how a tactical approach can help navigate volatile markets. He explains the fund’s flexible strategy, covering interest rate positioning, corporate bond opportunities, and emerging markets. We also break down the importance of a top-down macroeconomic perspective, combined with bottom-up credit a...

The path to net zero is far from certain. While climate-focused investments are growing at an unprecedented rate, global emissions continue to rise. Deirdre Cooper, manager of the Ninety One Global Environment fund, joins us as we discuss the latest trends in decarbonisation, the influence of political shifts on clean energy, and the role of major players like China in driving investment. We also examine how regulation, interest ra...

Alexandra Jackson, manager of the Rathbone UK Opportunities fund, shares insights on two fascinating UK companies — Bloomsbury Publishing and Games Workshop. Despite market challenges, these companies have successfully capitalised on their niche markets through strategic growth and innovation. From Bloomsbury's ability to thrive in the digital era to Games Workshop's cult-like following and global expansion, learn what ma...

As our expected lifespans increase, so does the complexity of long-term financial planning. In this episode, we explore how societal shifts, like extended careers and aging demographics, influence our financial goals. Carl Stick, co-manager of the Rathbone Income fund, gives his insights into the vital role of dividends, the importance of compounding, and how companies are embracing older workers. Carl and Darius also discuss the e...