15: DB: The strategic case for alternative credit
The falls over the past two years in high yield and emerging market debt (‘alternative credit’) credit spreads, along with indications of late-cycle behaviour in the US, has made some investors nervous about allocating to these areas. But should pension schemes reconsider? We discuss attractive qualities of alternative credit and how fund manager Martin Reeves has his whole family invested in h...
17m Oct 23, 2018
17m
14: Behind the scenes: LGIM Asset Allocation team
How well an investment team works is determined by more than a documented investment process. In this episode, the Asset Allocation team take a candid look at how they respond to the challenges of working to reach a ‘team’ view, using three key themes as working examples: operating in a new political paradigm, investing in technology and how sometimes you just need a dollar. To read more about...
24m Oct 16, 2018
24m
13: Decumulation Demystified: Should we retire the 4% rule?
Retiring the 4% rule: Decumulation demystified The 4% drawdown rule forms the basis of many advisers’ decumulation propositions. Where there was once complexity – and expensive portfolio analysis – the rule promises simplicity; set, forget, and spend (if required). However, our research shows that the results can often vary significantly depending on when you decide to start saving for your re...
19m Oct 09, 2018
19m
12: ESG versus ethical investing
A flood of ‘responsible investment’ funds into the market has caused some confusion in the press about what kinds of companies should be included or excluded from these products. Jeannette Andrews, Corporate Governance Manager, lays out the key distinctions between incorporating environmental, social and governance (ESG) concerns for financial reasons and ethical concerns for moral purposes. L...
24m Oct 04, 2018
24m
11: Property investing – moving on from the mainstream
Shops, offices and sheds: the three cornerstones of commercial property investment. But now property investors are starting to increase allocations to alternative sectors in search of income resilience. Eleanor Jukes discusses why more and more are increasingly looking to this area of property investing, the types of properties drawing most attention and why alternatives really need a better na...
22m Oct 01, 2018
22m
10: DC: Challenging retirement stereotypes
The landscape for defined contribution is changing – for savers and retirees, employers and trustees, and for those who are responsible for managing client assets. In partnership with Ignition House, we spoke to some DC members (aged between 55 and 65) about their saving and spending patterns as well as their approach to life after work. One of the key findings was the desire for flexibility. ...
37m Sep 20, 2018
37m
9: Demographic strategy: the cost of unhealthy living
Raising the retirement age can help with the fiscal costs of living longer – but our unhealthy lives could force us to look at other options. We’ve become used to rising life expectancy, yet lately statistics seem to show that the rate of improvement has slowed. What challenges does this pose to policymakers and how can they tackle this trap? For more information on today’s episode, visit htt...
23m Sep 20, 2018
23m
8: E-commerce logistics: Warehouse robots and disruptive retailers
A Chinese warehouse fulfils 200,000 orders a day and yet employs only four human workers. Automation technologies are disrupting the e-commerce logistics industry at an incredible rate and consumers and certain retailers are poised to make significant gains. In this episode, we discuss Ocado, Amazon, JD.com and many more which are embracing this technological change. To find out more, visit ht...
33m Sep 13, 2018
33m
7: Factors: Should we be worried about overcrowding or capacity?
Given the rise in popularity of factor-based investing, there’s a lot of concern in the market about certain factors becoming too expensive (overcrowding) and that the costs of factor indices have increased (capacity). Today’s episode with David Barron looks at whether there’s truth behind these fears and if index investors should indeed be worried. For more information on today’s episode, vis...
18m Sep 09, 2018
18m
6: DC Governance checklist: Is your scheme following best practice?
That’s the question asked by Colin Clarke, Head of Product Policy Strategy. Ultimately, if advisers and service providers are not performing as expected, we believe trustees or sponsoring employers should push them to improve the situation as quickly as possible or replace them. In our conversation, Colin lays out the governance factors instrumental in delivering your DC scheme objectives. For...
23m Sep 05, 2018
23m
5: DB: Raising cashflow awareness
As defined benefit pension schemes mature and become cashflow negative, cashflow management becomes increasingly important. Schemes, particularly underfunded ones, may be better off focusing on being cashflow aware than being cashflow matched. In this discussion, Graham Moles highlights that it remains important not to consider cashflow management in isolation of other scheme risks. For more i...
10m Sep 03, 2018
10m
4: ROBO Global: Investing in the robotics revolution
From smart speaker devices in our homes to driverless tractors in the agricultural sector, the robotics revolution is already here – the question is, how can you invest in it? To find out more about the latest developments in the robotics, automation and AI space, sign up for the ROBO Global newsletter here: https://www.roboglobal.com/newsletter-signup/ Guest: Richard Lightbound Host: Mark Ch...
24m Sep 03, 2018
24m
3: Battling behavioural biases
Why are meetings dominated by the Highest Paid Person’s Opinion (HIPPO)? Why do people overestimate their share of household chores? Understanding how the mind can help or hinder investment success is a cornerstone of fund management. Increasingly, investors are using knowledge about investment biases to design better investment solutions and gain an advantage over the rest of the market. For ...
18m Sep 03, 2018
18m
2: What the battle against plastics means for oil demand
In many ways, plastic is the perfect product. It’s lightweight, cheap and durable. But cleaning up the world’s plastic waste will be a monumental effort – one which will have major implications for petrochemical companies and the long-term demand for oil. We chat to Nick Stansbury about the underexplored investment consequences of the recent public outcry. For more information on today’s episo...
28m Sep 03, 2018
28m