Capital Allocators – Inside the Institutional Investment Industry [REPLAY] James Aitken – Macro Strategist Extraordinaire (Capital Allocators, EP.58)
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Jul 10, 2023 
James Aitken, Founder of Aitken Advisors and former macro strategist at prestigious firms, shares his profound insights on navigating financial crises. He reflects on the 2007-2008 turmoil and its lessons for investors. Aitken discusses the Eurozone challenges, flexible strategies for emerging markets, and the growth potential of India compared to China. He emphasizes the need for contemplation over impulsive reactions in investing, stressing discipline and routine as keys to success in today's complex financial landscape.
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AIGFP Experience
- James Aitken's time at AIG Financial Products provided a unique perspective on the financial crisis.
- He witnessed concerning practices, like underwriting large mortgage portfolios at low rates, and noted early warning signs of instability.
UBS and the Crisis
- At UBS, Aitken used his AIGFP knowledge to advise clients on market risks, like the impact of declining house prices.
- Despite his warnings, many were unwilling to acknowledge the looming crisis due to conflicting incentives.
Aitken Advisors Launch
- Aitken's transition to Aitken Advisors was unplanned, prompted by client encouragement after his successful navigation of the 2008 crisis.
- Initial anxieties about the changing market landscape after the crisis were mitigated by client trust and the emergence of the Eurozone crisis.