Equities

Ethnic minorities account for 40% of the US population, 29% of bachelor degrees, but just 16% of Fortune 500 board seats. Sub-conscious bias plays a big role. A structured approach to hiring and mentoring are required for change. Diversity can drive innovation and shareholder returns.

Like a pendulum, once equity markets swing one way, they will swing back. Investors can manage market swings by actively allocating to international equities using 3 timeless tactics: diversification, exposure to a unique opportunity set of strong businesses, and buying at attractive valuations.

Portfolio Manager Ed Walczak and Client Portfolio Manager Grant Bughman provide an update on the markets, US Equity portfolio positioning and outlook.

3 steps to help navigate the storm: recognize change, keep an eye on your horizon, and get ahead of structural shifts that will follow the shock of death and economic damage. How we frame the crisis in terms of capital preservation and recovery will affect investment decisions.

We are now witnessing a market panic as the continued spread of the coronavirus is threatening a global recession. Portfolio managers Ramiz Chelat, Jin Zhang and David Souccar explain how they are adjusting their portfolios to take advantage of market dislocations and why quality growth businesses can help provide downside protection.

Modern slavery affected an estimated 89 million people during the 5 years to 2016 – more than Germany’s population. Its profits creep into our homes through imported goods enabled by complex supply chains. Imported goods with content produced by forced labor is a central problem. Active investors have a role.

Jin Zhang provides insights on changes in the global supply chain, long-term beneficiaries of the trade war, India’s growth prospects and Brazil’s path to reform.

David Souccar talks about markets in 2019, long-term structural risks, performance over the cycle, investing in Japan, and international vs US exposure.

Matthew Benkendorf discusses growth vs value investing, finding quality growth opportunities amid volatility and how to approach the markets in 2020.

Donny Kranson talks about UK elections, fiscal stimulus, growth vs value investing, ESG issues and positioning for opportunities in 2020.

Brian Bandsma discusses India’s slowdown, companies impacted by the trade dispute, redirection of global supply chains, and country rhetoric around trade and technology.

The US-China interim agreement reduces recessionary risks in both countries. However, the trade war is far from over and risks of a re-escalation persist.