In conversation - January 2022
Welcome to our latest ‘In conversation’ series which delivers invaluable insights direct from our fund managers.
Much has happened since our last series. COVID-19 threw us another curveball with Omicron spreading fast. This aggravated existing supply chain and employment issues, fuelling inflation and political instability. Central bankers are under pressure to tighten monetary policy earlier than expected. So, what does this all mean for investor sentiment?
Our managers explain how they are navigating current challenges and opportunities, outlining fund performance, positioning and what they believe lies ahead for 2022.
We trust these insights will help you assess the role our funds can play in your investment propositions and client portfolios.
Introduction to the 'In conversation' series
Join head of regional sales Ben Johnson as he introduces our latest ‘In conversation’ series. A lot has happened since the last check-in with our managers. The world isn’t yet back to normal, yet there are plenty of opportunities on the horizon. Ben explains how these videos provide a concise and pertinent overview of our funds.
1 min
Rathbone Global Opportunities Fund
Manager James Thomson explains how he picks his best ideas from around the world. As 2022 progresses, he believes we will remain in a world of unreliable growth, with the worst of the supply chain disruption behind us. This could lower the bar for earnings expectations, making for a year of explosive earnings upside, but the journey might be less than smooth.
1 min
Rathbone Income Fund
Co-managers Alan Dobbie and Carl Stick explain why UK Equity Income could offer an antidote to the corrosive effects of inflation. Throw in better economic news, a UK stock market that’s cheap versus other major markets, and an environment where sentiment can seemingly only get better, then arguably there is a margin of safety in UK income that should warrant careful consideration by investors.
1 min
Rathbone UK Opportunities Fund
If investors are concerned about global valuations, the UK could offer a rare combination of ‘growth’ and ‘value’. Manager Alexandra Jackson explains how she is buying UK “quality growth superstars” on a postcode-driven discount. With unpredictable COVID-19 outbreaks, tax increases, Brexit wrangling and central bank tightening both here and abroad, she explains how she is navigating hurdles and finding opportunities into 2022.
1 min
Rathbone Ethical Bond Fund
Manager Bryn Jones believes credit markets will get more volatile over the next six months, driven mainly by government bonds. However, he thinks he is well positioned for this. He also discusses how his fund is meeting growing investor demand for bond strategies that meet positive social and environmental criteria, and considers the themes that excite him most.
1 min
Rathbone Greenbank Global Sustainability Fund
Manager David Harrison explains how his fund aims to create long-term value for investors, society and the environment. Outlining the huge step-change as more companies truly embrace sustainability, he covers themes such as electrification and improved water infrastructure, as well as giving his take on “greenwashing”. Find out how he’s seeking out the best global companies that fulfil his fund’s rigorous sustainability criteria.
1 min
Rathbone High Quality Bond Fund
Manager Noelle Cazalis highlights her fund’s focus on bonds issued by high-quality companies operating in resilient industries. With inflationary worries set to continue, she explains how her fund’s focus on shorter-duration investments may help protect investor’s capital.
1 min
Rathbone Strategic Bond Fund
Manager Bryn Jones explains how his fund aims to deliver low-volatility returns and can pull several different levers as bond market conditions change. He considers the impact of recent interest rate rises and what he expects for the year ahead. He also examines some of the key themes and opportunities he’s finding in credit markets.
1 min