Every week the Asset Allocator Podcast discusses the big issues in UK fund selection, the major investment trends of the moment, and exclusive data on how wealth managers are positioning their portfolios. They'll be joined by guests from across the profession to unpick some of these trends. Asset Allocator is a news and analysis service tailored to the needs of UK wealth managers, fund selectors and discretionary fund managers.
Episodes
UK's improved economic outlook encourages Julius Baer to up its UK allocation
Julius Baer has moved from underweight to neutral on UK equities, but does that mean the investment case for Britain is improving?In this episode of the Asset Allocator podcast, Thomas Watts, MPS portfolio manager at Julius Baer, joins Aamina Zafar and David Thorpe to discuss the firm's latest asset allocation decisions and the opportunities and risks facing global investors.Watts explains why
How to think about alternative assets in portfolios
Are you more exposed to AI stocks than you realise? As the AI trade comes under pressure and bond markets experience renewed volatility, investors could be taking on risks they never intended.Eleanor Ingilby, head of high net worth and senior portfolio manager at Atomos, joins Asset Allocator to explain why global ETFs can leave investors heavily exposed to artificial intelligence and the Magnific
Beyond the Magnificent Seven: Where Aberdeen is investing next
With bond yields rising, inflation remaining stubborn and US stock markets increasingly dominated by a handful of technology giants, are investors rethinking how they build portfolios?Eric Louw, senior investment manager at Aberdeen, joins Asset Allocator to explain why the firm has been reducing exposure to riskier assets, increasing allocations to government and investment-grade corporate bonds,
Royal London's Trevor Greetham says commodities a reliable safe haven if there's an equity downturn in 2027
Commodities should serve as a reliable safe haven in the event of an equity downturn next year according to Trevor Greetham, head of multi-asset at Royal London Asset Management, who shared his prediction when he joined this week’s Asset Allocator podcast.Joining Aamina Zafar and David Thorpe, Greetham draws parallels between today's economic environment and the stagflation of the 1970s, expla
Are rising bond yields a threat to stock markets?
Government bond yields are approaching five per cent, raising a crucial question for investors: could higher interest rates threaten global stock markets, or are bonds becoming a more attractive investment than equities?In this episode of the Asset Allocator podcast, Simoney Kyriakou is joined by Joe Little, global chief strategist at HSBC Asset Management, to discuss the outlook for bond markets,
How to build a defensive portfolio as bond yields rise
How should investors build a diversified portfolio when bond yields are rising, inflation remains a risk and the AI boom is reshaping global equity markets?In this episode of the Asset Allocator podcast, Aamina Zafar and David Thorpe are joined by Darius McDermott, managing director of Chelsea Financial Services, to discuss how investors can position portfolios for today's market environment.M
Macro factors 'more difficult' to forecast in today's environment, says Keyridge boss
Forecasting macro factors are much more difficult than they were in the past.That’s the view of Jordan Sriharan who joined this week’s Asset Allocator podcast this week.The senior fund manager for multi asset at Keyridge Asset Management warned that predicting the macro environment has become significantly more difficult due to shifting government policies and increased volatility compared to the
‘Riskiest’ parts of portfolio investments are performing the best
Higher bond yields are transforming the investment case for fixed income. But with inflation remaining elevated, interest-rate expectations shifting and markets volatile, where are the best opportunities for investors?In this episode of the Asset Allocator podcast, Amina Zafar and David Thorpe are joined by Fahad Hassan, chief investment officer at Albemarle Street Partners, to discuss how investo
Are we in for an even bigger inflation shock?
Fears over a lack of de-escalation in Iran and reservations about whether AI companies can continue their trajectory have led to bond market volatility and worryingly persistent inflation. But amid the tumult, stocks and emerging markets have remained surprisingly resilient. Joe Little, chief strategist for HSBC Asset Management, sits down with FT Adviser's Simoney Kyriakou to discuss wh
Tech stocks could ‘suffer’ and face a ‘difficult’ time if bond yields continue to rise
Are bonds becoming attractive again? Can the AI trade continue to drive equity markets? And with concerns over government debt, inflation and geopolitical risk mounting, where can investors still find a safe haven?Janet Mui, head of market analysis at RBC Brewin Dolphin, joins the Asset Allocator podcast to discuss the outlook for government bonds, equities, artificial intelligence and gold.Mui ex
‘Stay away from UK equities’: where Bentley Reid’s CIO sees opportunities
UK equities may look cheap, but are they cheap for a reason?Paul O’Neill, chief investment officer at Bentley Reid, joins the Asset Allocator podcast to explain why global investors should “stay away” from the UK market for now – despite seeing genuine valuation opportunities for individual investors and fund managers.With investment flows remaining negative, the UK market shrinking and small and
How should investors position portfolios as geopolitical tensions reshape markets?
In this episode of Asset Allocator, Patrick O'Donnell, chief investment strategist at Omnis, explains why the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could have long-lasting consequences for global markets, inflation and economic growth.He discusses the knock-on effects across commodities and supply chains, from energy markets to materials critical for semiconductor production, and explains why rising
Why gold isn't acting like gold and why the AI boom might become a bubble
Gold is falling when investors expect it to rise. AI stocks are wobbling. So where should investors look next?FT Adviser Editor-in-Chief Simoney Kyriakou is joined by Joe Little, Chief Strategist at HSBC Asset Management, to unpack the biggest investment questions facing markets. Watch or listen to previous episodes of Asset Allocator here.They discuss why gold has become more volatile, whether AI
The momentum behind the AI trade may be breaking down
Recent activity suggests markets are reconsidering their approach to AI-themed companies, but what's going on exactly? To answer, David Combs, head of multi-asset at Rathbones Asset Management joins Aamina Zafar and David Thorpe on Asset Allocator.David gives his opinions on the best ways for investors to access the AI revolution right now, as well as looking at how to navigate the increasingly ji
How to build more resilient portfolios
With fresh opportunities emerging across equities, fixed income, and alternative assets, where should investors be focusing?That's the question Asset Allocator's Aamina Zafar and David Thorpe put to Ed Cole, equity strategist at Man Group.Ed discusses diversification and how inflation may hit portfolios this year, with the things that asset managers need to be aware of when building their portfoli
Is Passive Investing still passive?
Why do professional investors increasingly avoid the phrase "passive investing"?Dan Caps, portfolio manager at Evelyn Partners, argues that modern index investing is anything but passive. From factor exposures and asset allocation to tactical implementation and disciplined rebalancing, today's portfolios are far more nuanced than many investors realise.In this episode of Asset Allocator, we explor
Two shocks, one boom, and an investment multiverse
AI boom or bubble? Emerging markets comeback? And what do geopolitical shocks mean for investors in 2026? In this episode of the Asset Allocator podcast, FT Adviser editor Simoney Kyriakou sits down with Joe Little, Chief Strategist at HSBC Asset Management, to unpack the forces reshaping global markets.From geopolitical tensions and commodity volatility to China's manufacturing resurgence and the
Lessons of history not always useful in active vs passive debate
Is passive investing making markets more concentrated? Will today's AI winners still exist in a decade? And why might cash be one of the most misunderstood assets in investing?In this episode of Asset Allocator, Nathan Sweeney, chief investment officer for multi-asset at Marlborough, joins Amina Zafar and David Thorpe to discuss how investing is changing in an era of artificial intelligence, socia
Currency hedging the key to protecting clients income
Financial advisers must hedge against currency risk if they want to truly protect their client’s income, explains Jason Da Silva, the director of global investment strategy at Arbuthnot Latham.Discussing the relevance of the dollar’s weakness for UK advisers and their clients, Da Silva highlighted the importance of currency management in both equity and fixed income portfolios.Also on this episode
Emerging and developed market government bonds have "swapped places"
Bond and equity markets are sending very different signals. While stocks continue to rally on optimism around earnings and AI-driven growth, bond investors are grappling with inflation risks, geopolitical tensions and mounting government debt.In this episode of the Asset Allocator Podcast, Aamina Zafar and David Thorpe are joined by Henry Cobbe, head of research at Elston Consulting, to discuss wh
Is 3% the new 2% when it comes to the UK’s inflation target?
On this week's Asset Allocator, Simoney Kyriakou is joined by Joe Little, chief strategist at HSBC Asset Management, to discuss the diverging opinion between economists and investors over the repercussions of the Iran conflict and what the closure and blockade of the Strait of Hormuz means for the global economy. Are investors simply ignoring the mood music?Alongside the Middle East conflict, Litt
Achieving diversification in an age of uncertainty
There is still a free lunch in diversification, but investors just need to look a bit harder for it and reframe what that means, says David Aujila, multi-asset fund manager at Invesco. Aujla discusses what true diversification looks like with funds reporter Aamina Zafar and contributing editor David Thorpe.The Asset Allocator Podcast discusses the big issues in UK fund selection and how wealt
Why income portfolios remain relevant in 2026
James Mee, co‑head of multi‑asset and director at W1M, joins funds reporter Aamina Zafar and contributing editor David Thorpe to discuss the latest developments in markets, and why income portfolios remain key to his firm's offering. The Asset Allocator Podcast discusses the big issues in UK fund selection and how wealth managers are positioning their portfolios. Sign up to the newsletter. Hosted
Why active fund management still has a role to play in portfolios
Cranley Macfarlane, head of bespoke private clients and deputy chief investment officer at Church House Investment Management, discusses how client needs are shifting, the use of in-house funds, and whether active management still has a meaningful role to play as passive investing continues to gain momentum, with funds correspondent Aamina Zafar and contributing editor David Thorpe. The Asset Allo
Diversification is not a free lunch for investors
Industry veteran Dan Kemp, founder of Portfolio Thinking, discusses the challenges of diversification on the latest edition of the Asset Allocator podcast.The Asset Allocator Podcast discusses the big issues in UK fund selection and how wealth managers are positioning their portfolios. Sign up to the newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Inflation protection a major priority for Pictet’s multi-asset boss
Focused fixed income portfolios and European nominal bonds are important building blocks of Pictet’s investment strategy to beat inflation, says Shaniel Ramjee, co-head of multi-asset investments at Pictet Asset Management, who dives into the parts of the fixed income and equity markets he regards as attractive right now with Aamina Zafar, funds reporter, and David Thorpe, contributing editor at A
Quilter WealthSelect boss: What 20 years in the MPS market has taught me
Stuart Clark, who jointly runs the WealthSelect range of model portfolios at Quilter, discusses markets and the lessons he has learned along the way with funds reporter Aamina Zafar and contributing editor David Thorpe.The Asset Allocator Podcast discusses the big issues in UK fund selection and how wealth managers are positioning their portfolios. Sign up to the newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See a
RBC Brewin Dolphin: We have moved away from the 60/40 portfolio
David Hood, head of investment solutions at RBC Brewin Dolphin, discusses the traditional asset allocation approach and how his firm tries to do it differently, with contributing editor David Thorpe, and funds correspondent Aamina Zafar. The Asset Allocator Podcast discusses the big issues in UK fund selection and how wealth managers are positioning their portfolios. Sign up to the newsletter. Hos
Why Isio have no government bonds in their MPS
At a time when most investors are chasing the next shiny thing, Isio portfolio manager Daniel Nielsen is dusting off an old classic and bringing asset-backed securities back into the conversation, with Asset Allocator's contributing editor David Thorpe, and editor of FT Adviser Simoney Kyriakou. The Asset Allocator Podcast discusses the big issues in UK fund selection and how wealth managers are p
Why there are no safe havens left
David Coombs, head of multi-asset at Rathbones, discusses the ongoing market turbulence and the search for safe havens with Asset Allocator contributing editor David Thorpe and FT Adviser chief reporter Tara O'Connor. The Asset Allocator Podcast discusses the big issues in UK fund selection and how wealth managers are positioning their portfolios. Sign up to the newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See ac
How Fidelity think about risk in their new MPS
Caroline Shaw, who jointly runs the new model portfolio range at Fidelity, discusses how she hopes to stand out in a crowded market, and how she thinks about risk management at a time of elevated volatility in markets, with FT Adviser editor Simoney Kyriakou and Asset Allocator contributing editor David Thorpe.The Asset Allocator Podcast discusses the big issues in UK fund selection and how wealth
Govt bonds ‘still the best safe haven and store of capital’
James Klempster, Liontrust's deputy head of multi-asset, discusses portfolio construction at a time of severe market strife with FT Adviser's Tara O'Connor and Asset Allocator's contributing editor David Thorpe. The Asset Allocator Podcast discusses the big issues in UK fund selection and how wealth managers are positioning their portfolios. Sign up to the newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.co
What 7IM means by rules-based investing
Shanti Kelemen, co-CIO of 7IM, discusses how her firm uses rules-based investing when creating portfolios and how those rules evolve in different market conditions.The Asset Allocator Podcast discusses the big issues in UK fund selection and how wealth managers are positioning their portfolios. Sign up to the newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Volatility means active management now increasingly attractive in US
Alex Harvey, senior portfolio manager at Momentum Global Investment Management, discusses the changing nature of allocations to US equities, his views on gold and alternative assets, and more, in the latest edition of the Asset Allocator podcast.The Asset Allocator Podcast discusses the big issues in UK fund selection and how wealth managers are positioning their portfolios. Sign up to the newslet
Why One Four Nine Group has cut its equity exposure by 5%
Bevan Blair, chief investment officer at One Four Nine Group discusses his recent decision to reduce the equity exposure across all client portfolios, why gold is not an investible asset class, and what he is looking for in an equity fund manager.The Asset Allocator Podcast discusses the big issues in UK fund selection and how wealth managers are positioning their portfolios. Sign up to the newsle
Is active management making a comeback?
Andrew Spence, founder of Aspen Advisers, discusses the perils of concentration risk in equity portfolios and the options for achieving diversification, with chief reporter Joseph Wilkins and contributing editor David Thorpe.The Asset Allocator Podcast discusses the big issues in UK fund selection and how wealth managers are positioning their portfolios. Sign up to the newsletter. Hosted on Acast.
How Canaccord Wealth are allocating to profit from dollar weakness
Richard Champion, co-chief investment officer at Canaccord Wealth, joins Asset Allocator contributing editor David Thorpe and chief reporter Joseph Wilkins to discuss the firm's exposure to assets that can protect in a world of currency debasement and dollar weakness.The Asset Allocator Podcast discusses the big issues in UK fund selection and how wealth managers are positioning their portfolios.
Assets to own to protect against a Trump-induced market shock
Peter McLean, head of multi-asset portfolio solutions at Stonehage Fleming, discusses the options for investors looking for diversification in an era of frequent market shocks, with Asset Allocator chief reporter Joseph Wilkins and contributing editor David Thorpe.The Asset Allocator Podcast discusses the big issues in UK fund selection and how wealth managers are positioning their portfolios. Sig
How to diversify US equity exposure in the age of Trump
The latest guest on the Asset Allocator podcast is Ben Yaearsley of Fairview Consulting, who joined Contributing editor David Thorpe and chief reporter Joseph Wilkins to discuss diversification within the US market, the outook for fixed income, and his views on the merits of alternative assets.The Asset Allocator Podcast discusses the big issues in UK fund selection and how wealth managers are pos
The biggest question impacting portfolios in 2026
Supply shocks from the adoption of AI and as a result of increasingly isolationist trade policies mean markets could be at risk from heightened inflation and volatility, and create uncertainty around the correlations between bonds and equities.That is the view of Sophie Huynh, portfolio manager and strategist at BNP Paribas Asset Management; our first guest of the new year on the Asset Allocator p
Resilience needed to attract clients to sustainable funds
EQ Investors' head of impact investing Damien Lardoux discusses the evolution of the sustainable investment market with Asset Allocator.The Asset Allocator Podcast discusses the big issues in UK fund selection and how wealth managers are positioning their portfolios. Sign up to the newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ability to pass on tariff costs becoming limited for US companies
US businesses have to date been able to protect their margins and pass on any costs as a result of tariffs, but data indicates this could be coming to an end, according to Peter Dalgliesh, chief investment officer at Parmenion. Speaking with Asset Allocator, Dalgliesh discusses his outlook for markets and inflation amid opaque data sources; his outlook for global equities and fixed income in the y
Why JM Finn expects muted bond market response to Budget
On the latest edition of the Asset Allocator podcast, Jon Cunliffe of JM Finn discusses the implications of the forthcoming UK Budget and how he sees wider markets, with Asset Allocator chief reporter Joseph Wilkins and contributing editor David Thorpe.The Asset Allocator Podcast discusses the big issues in UK fund selection and how wealth managers are positioning their portfolios. Sign up to the
US market is diversification target for EBI
Jonathan Griffiths, head of investment at EBI, joins the Asset Allocator podcast to discuss his firm's new fund-of-fund range, how he thinks about the role of gold in portfolios, diversification, and where he can find value in markets right now.The Asset Allocator Podcast discusses the big issues in UK fund selection and how wealth managers are positioning their portfolios. Sign up to the newslett
UK equity funds Evelyn Partners are sticking with
Despite Evelyn Partners generally reducing exposure to UK equities, fund manager James Burns said he retains his “highest conviction” positions and revealed which funds escaped the cut.Speaking with Asset Allocator chief reporter Joseph Wilkins and contributing editor David Thorpe, Burns explained the evolution of his UK equity allocation, and also discussed his exposure to emerging markets, the U
Diversification in an age of uncertainty
The level and nature of risk in markets means diversification must happen within asset classes, not just between them, according to Richard Philbin, an asset allocator at Hawksmoor.Speaking with Asset Allocator podcast hosts Joseph Wilkins and David Thorpe, Philbin says one of the ways he is responding to present market conditions is moving down the market cap scale.Find out more, listen to the fu
Why Tatton are underweight US equities and overweight Japan
Olivia Geldenhuys, head of investment specialists at Tatton, discusses the firm's equity exposure in the latest episode of the Asset Allocator podcast, hosted by chief reporter Jospeh Wilkins, with contributing editor David Thorpe.The Asset Allocator Podcast discusses the big issues in UK fund selection and how wealth managers are positioning their portfolios. Sign up to the newsletter. Hosted on
Why reducing Japanese equity exposure now is sensible portfolio management
Premier Miton's Chris Robinson joined Asset Allocator chief reporter Joseph Wilkins and contributing editor David Thorpe to discuss equity markets, and revealed that he has recently taken profits on a number of markets. Robinson discussed his outlook on Japan and the US in particular. The Asset Allocator Podcast discusses the big issues in UK fund selection and how wealth managers are positioning
Resurgence of strategic bond funds "not surprising"
On the latest edition of the Asset Allocator podcast, chief reporter Joseph Wilkins and contributing editor David Thorpe are joined by David Aujla, multi-asset investor at Invesco, to discuss the latest market trends.The Asset Allocator Podcast discusses the big issues in UK fund selection and how wealth managers are positioning their portfolios. Sign up to the newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See aca
How the Schroders multi-asset team is reacting to dollar weakness
This week Tara Fitzpatrick, multi-asset portfolio manager at Schroders, joins funds correspondent Joseph Wilkins and contributing editor David Thorpe to discuss how her team have reacted to the relative weakness of the dollar in 2025.The Asset Allocator Podcast discusses the big issues in UK fund selection and how wealth managers are positioning their portfolios. Sign up to the newsletter. Hosted
Why earnings growth justifies US tech stock outperformance
Gene Salerno, chief investment officer for UBP UK, joins Asset Allocator's Joseph Wilkins and David Thorpe to discuss global markets, and in particular why US equities may deserve another look.The Asset Allocator Podcast discusses the big issues in UK fund selection and how wealth managers are positioning their portfolios. Sign up to the newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more
Which is the last cheap equity market in the world?
The latest episode of the Asset Allocator podcast features hosts Jospeh Wilkins and David Thorpe discussing where value might be found in equity markets with Chelsea Financial Services managing director Darius McDermott, who reveals the market he thinks is the only cheap one left.The Asset Allocator Podcast discusses the big issues in UK fund selection and how wealth managers are positioning their
Inside Quilter's passive alternatives strategy
Quilter portfolio manager Sacha Chorley sat down with Asset Allocator contributing editor David Thorpe to discuss the firm's relative unqiue way of gaining alternatives exposure, the role of derivatives in asset allocation and where they are finding opportunities during the present volatile market conditions.The Asset Allocator Podcast discusses the big issues in UK fund selection and how wealth m
Why boutique fund managers represent a compelling opportunity
Rob Burdett, an industry veteran who is currently head of multi-manager investments UK at Nedgroup, joins Asset Allocator contributing editor David Thorpe to discuss why he prefers investing into mandates run by boutique fund houses, rather than with industry giants.He also discusses the changing nature of wealth management and the focus on pre-set rules, such as the requirements many investors ha
Why this allocator is 30% underweight to the US
Downing’s Simon Evan-Cook tells the latest edition of the Asset Allocator podcast that he has just 30 per cent of the capital he manages in US funds, and reveals the reasons why. That is less than half the weighting of the US market in the global benchmark, and he admits it leaves many "aghast".He also reveals the role cash and bonds play in his portfolios at a time of heightened market stres
What is the best way to buy an index fund?
Rob Starkey, multi-asset investor at PortfolioMetrix, joins the latest edition of the Asset Allocator podcast to give his take on the different elements to consider when choosing index funds, ranging from cost to tracking error. He also revealed what he looks for when choosing actively managed funds, and the sell discipline he deploys when a fund is not meeting expectations.The Asset Allocator Pod
Is active management reaching a turning point?
The market turbulence of this year could mean actively managed funds come back into fashion, says David Aujla, multi-asset portfolio manager at Invesco, on the latest edition of the Asset Allocator podcast. Aujla says that for many years an investor who simply owned a US equity tracker fund would have achieved good returns, but in his view the dominance of the magnificent seven group of stock
Why 7IM sold out of healthcare
This week Ben Kumar, head of equity strategy at 7IM, joins David Thorpe and Joseph Wilkins to explain why 7IM sold out their healthcare exposure and which themes they are backing now. They also discuss how he’s approaching dollar weakness and what UK banking stocks can tell us about crypto as an investment.The Asset Allocator Podcast discusses the big issues in UK fund selection and how wealth man
Can anything stop the S&P 500 from going up?
Despite what may seem like Donald Trump’s best attempts, the S&P 500 continues to rise ever upwards.This week Dave Baxter and Joseph Wilkins talk to Ernst Knacke, head of investment research at Shard Capital, about whether it’s continued rise is justified or whether the markets are missing something.The Asset Allocator Podcast is a weekly series aimed at discretionary fund managers, fund selec
Can a portfolio ride out every bump?
This week saw the launch of Shard Capital's 'permanent portfolios' which shun the traditional 60:40 model to create a proposition to protect against major drawdowns that could result from macroeconomic and geopolitical turmoil.Dave Baxter and Joseph Wilkins discuss these portfolios and whether it is possible to create a single solution which rides out every bump.They also discuss whether increased
Is American exceptionalism over?
Ever since Donald Trump announced he was "reforming" the US approach to trade, the question of whether the American equities and government bonds will continue to hold their pre-eminent position has been hotly debated.This week Joseph Wilkins, David Thorpe and Damian Fantato discuss the extent to which allocators are moving away from the US.They also discuss the state of the wealth management sect
What role does factor investing play?
A lot of focus recently has been on the pros and cons of equal-weight exposure but other factors are available, such as minimum volatility, momentum and value.This week David Thorpe and Joseph Wilkins are joined by William Marshall, chief investment officer of Hymans Robertson Investment Services, to discuss why he is keen on factor investing and how he uses it.They also discuss the recent volatil
How is the economic cycle affecting portfolios?
Typically, fiscal and monetary policy is counter cyclical but in recent years this appears to have changed, most prominently in the US fiscal policy. This is complicating monetary policy and the task of running portfolios.This week David Thorpe and Joseph Wilkins are joined by Peter Dalgliesh, chief investment officer at Parmenion, to discuss how this is affecting his portfolios and how it is affe
Should UK gilts do the twist?
In 2011 the Federal Reserve stopped issuing 30-year bonds to "twist" the maturity profile and reduce the nominal value of US debt.This week we're joined by Henry Cobbe, the founder and head of research at Elston Consulting, who has recently written a white paper calling for a British version of what became known as "operation twist".David Thorpe and Joseph Wilkins discuss how he thinks retail inve
What's the case for increasing exposure to the US?
At times it might seem like Donald Trump's campaign slogan was actually "make markets volatile again". If so, he seems to have succeeded.This week David Thorpe and Joseph Wilkins are joined by Nathan Sweeney, chief investment officer of multi-asset solutions at Marlborough.They discuss navigating Donald Trump's role in the markets, why he's been adding to the US and Japan and the search for protec
The struggles of measuring MPS performance
Comparing the performance of model portfolio solutions can sometimes be a challenge, given the difference risk levels and approaches across the market.This week David Thorpe and Joseph Wilkins discuss the trials and tribulations of achieving this, given Arc's recent decision to launch a performance index.They also discuss SDR labelling regulations and the FCA's decision to pause these for portfoli
Do risk variable portfolios work?
There are many ways to skin a cat, and even more ways to run a model portfolio service.This week Ash Weston, head of MPS at 8AM Global, joined David Thorpe and Joseph Wilkins to offer his take on some of the issues facing MPS providers.They discuss the pros and cons of investment committees, risk-variable portfolios and the tight margins in the multi-manager space.The Asset Allocator Podcast is a
Can you diversify away from tariff volatility?
Markets have been in a tetchy state ever since Donald Trump announced he was launching a trade war with the entire planet (or maybe not as it later turned out).This week David Thorpe and Joseph Wilkins are joined by Julien Dauchez, head of portfolio consulting at Natixis, to discuss whether it's possible to diversify away from the noise during a particularly volatile period.They also discuss why m
Market turmoil reveals the perils of owning US tracker funds
Donald Trump's policy decisions continue to reverberate through markets as he decides whether or not to fire Fed chair Jerome Powell.This week David Thorpe and Joseph Wilkins are joined by Eleanor Ingilby, head of high net worth clients at Atomos, to discuss her thoughts on the US market, managing volatility and why she recently upped her exposure to the UK equity market. They also discu
How Donald Trump liberated the markets from going up
Earlier this month US president Donald Trump announced a series of 'reciprocal' tariffs on most countries in the world. This had the effect of tanking markets across the globe.This week Dave Baxter, Joseph Wilkins and David Thorpe have a chat about the fall out of 'liberation day' and which funds rode out the turmoil better than others.They also discuss whether consumer confidence is the real dang
What’s the role for high yield bonds?
Tacit Investment Management has one of the highest exposures to high-yield bonds of all the portfolio managers we cover.This week we are joined by Kypros Charalambous, investment director at Tacit, to find out they pivoted to high-yield bonds since 2022 and the role it plays in their portfolios.He also explains why Tacit prefers a smaller number of holdings and a more concentrated portfolio, and h
Can gold's growth be sustained?
The rising price of gold has been one of the stories of early 2025 so far and Stuart Clark, who runs Quilter's Wealthselect portfolios, is one of the allocators with a long-standing allocation to precious metals.This week he joins David Thorpe and Joseph Wilkins to discuss this thinking on this holding and whether gold's continued strong performance can continue.They also discuss the likelih
Has Europe's time come?
The year has started brightly for the European market, with the Euro Stoxx 50 up more than 10 per cent since the start of 2025. But is that a sign Europe has turned a corner?This week Ian Rees, head of multi-manager at Premier Miton, joins David Thorpe and Joseph Wilkins to discuss whether this is the case or not.They also discuss the challenges of US exceptionalism and the UK listed funds space.T
Is now the time to worry about the US economy?
US president Donald Trump has said there might be "a little disturbance" as he imposes tariffs he claims are necessary. But fears of a recession in the US are growing.This week Joseph Wilkins and David Thorpe are joined by Philip Chandler, chief investment officer of multi-asset at Schroders, to discuss whether investors should start worrying.They also discuss the pivot from the US to European equ
What to make of the US stock slide
Since the start of 2025, the S&P 500 is down nearly 5 per cent due in part to Donald Trump's 'will he, won't he' approach to tariffs. This week tariffs were on again (before they weren't) so the US bluechip index fell by more than 3 per cent.This comes after a period of several years when it seemed like the world revolved around US equities and the strong returns they provided.In this week's e
Mitigating 2024's rise in fund manager moves
Last year saw a spike in the number of fund manager departures, which were at their highest level since Covid.This week David Thorpe, Joseph Wilkins and Dave Baxter have a chat about why that might be and how portfolio managers mitigate this.They also discuss the latest Spot the Dog list of underperforming funds and Fidelity's success at moving into the passive space, with some of its tracker fund
Are we at an inflection point for political risk?
For better or worse, Donald Trump's first few weeks in the White House have involved a flurry of activity - which the markets have always appreciating some of the new US president's decisions.This week David Thorpe and Dave Baxter make up for Joseph Wilkins' decision to go on holiday by chatting with Gene Salerno, chief investment officer at Kleinwort Hambros, about how he is handling political ri
Are equal-weight indices all they’re cracked up to be?
If volatility has made a comeback, are equal-weight indices the solution to this problem? Or do they present different issues?This week David Thorpe, Dave Baxter and Joseph Wilkins have a chat about the pros and cons of these trackers.They also discuss the case for European equities and whether their time has finally come. And finally they explore DFMs’ preference for gilts over Treasuries.The Ass
Is volatility back for good?
With Donald Trump in the White House and China pursuing its AI ambitions, it seems like 2025 is going to be a volatile year.This week David Thorpe and Joseph Wilkins have a chat with Eren Osman, head of investment management at Arbuthnot Latham, to discuss how he is managing portfolios through this volatility.They also discuss whether the antics of the new Trump administration are changing the cal
Benchmarking for success
Selecting a benchmark can be a thorny issue for portfolio managers since it is what their performance is judged against.This week David Thorpe and Joseph Wilkins are joined by Shanti Kelemen, chief investment officer at M&G Wealth, to discuss this issue.They discuss the process she uses, the common pitfalls and what the main challenges are in comparing one range of portfolios against another.T
