67. Finance, Philosophy, and the Yen Carry Trade feat. John Normand
May 11, 2024
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Former head of Cross-Asset Strategy at JP Morgan, John Normand, shares insights on investment strategy at superannuation funds, defined benefit/contribution plans, ethics of investing, macro environment views, and the Yen carry trade. Must-listen for understanding capital allocation in public/private markets.
Understanding the purpose and mechanics of investment strategies in superannuation funds.
Exploring the macroeconomic outlook for growth, inflation, and the role of AI in finance.
Recognizing the impact of real rates on exchange rates and the importance of effective altruism in finance.
Deep dives
I-Connections Funds for Teachers Initiative
The I-Connections Funds for Teachers initiative, supported by the Ron Clark Academy and the Wall Street Skinny, aims to empower educators nationwide by providing access to professional development opportunities. Events organized in major cities raise funds to support teachers' participation in RCA's training programs, with all proceeds going directly to the academy to aid teachers financially.
Investment Strategy Insights from Wall Street Skinny Hosts
The podcast discusses investment strategies from the standpoint of superannuation funds, highlighting the importance of managing money for institutional investors like pension funds. The hosts emphasize the value of diverse qualifications in the finance industry, recognizing the role of degrees and certifications in signaling expertise and offering confidence to professionals. Their conversation delves into the personal career paths of industry experts and the significance of qualifications in the financial sector.
Macro View and Impact of AI on Finance
The podcast delves into the macroeconomic outlook for growth, inflation, and policy up to 2024, predicting good but not exceptional growth and gradual changes in inflation. Discussing AI as an enhancer rather than a replacement in knowledge-based roles, the speakers share insights on how AI can increase efficiency and productivity in finance. They explore the evolving roles of individuals in finance and the potential impact of AI on skill-based labor and knowledge-based professions.
Understanding Real Rates and Exchange Rates
Real rates play a critical role in determining purchasing power, influenced by the difference between nominal rates and inflation rates. Countries like Japan with negative real rates contrast the US with positive real rates. The historical discrepancy in real rates between the two nations impacts exchange rates, with cash flowing from low yield to high yield assets.
Concept of Effective Altruism and Finance Ethics
Effective altruism focuses on maximizing the impact of charitable giving, requiring thoughtful consideration to ensure the greatest good. In the finance industry, balancing personal financial interests with societal responsibilities is crucial. Understanding the role of finance in allocating capital helps navigate ethical dilemmas while promoting economic efficiency.
We often talk about institutional investors as the allocators of capital to the public and private markets. They are huge, active participants driving supply and demand dynamics in the fixed income and equity markets, and they often make sizable investments as LPs in private equity and private credit funds. But what exactly are they trying to accomplish, and why?
We sat down with John Normand --- the former head of Cross-Asset Strategy at JP Morgan and the current head of Investment Strategy at Australian Super --- to discuss investment strategy at a superannuation fund (what we in the US think of as a "pension fund"). John is one of our most accomplished and distinguished guests to date. Not only does he explain the mechanics of defined benefit / defined contribution plans, but he also shares his philosophical perspective on the ethics of investing, his current views on the macro environment, and a crash course in one of the staples of fixed income markets: the Yen carry trade. This episode is a must listen for anyone who wants to understand how some of the biggest allocators of capital in both the public and private markets approach investment strategy.
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Our content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
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