Talking Heads

Asian equities rode high early in the year amid optimism over the recovery in China, the new US administration and improved relations with China, and the advent of vaccines. The outlook for investor flows into much of the region remains positive, even after a recent valuation-related setback.  Zhikai Chen, head of Asian equities, discusses the prospects for the asset class this year.  Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Eliminating carbon dioxide emissions over the coming decades will require multi-billion dollar investments, as well as a wide range of efforts to reduce energy consumption, increase efficiency, electrify and decarbonise processes, and nurture alternative fuels to economic viability. As Thibaud Clisson, senior ESG analyst at our Sustainability centre explains, there are more and more technologies that put the challenging promise of net zero within reach.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Applying factors when selecting corporate bonds for investment helps build a portfolio with a performance that can be shown to be resilient when markets face rising interest rates and increased volatility. Olivier Laplenie and Charles Cresteil explain. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Bond investors may well need to change tack as they navigate a positive outlook for economic growth and the implications that currently has for fixed income returns. Alex Johnson, head of multi-strategy fixed income – absolute return, explains.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The pandemic has led to greater awareness of environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, both in a personal and business sense. This has reinforced the case for ESG investing as a way to do good while also targeting positive returns. Gabriel Wilson-Otto explains. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Massive financial support from governments and central banks during the lockdowns in 2020 underpinned valuations for European high-yield bonds. The secret to doing well this year will be a total return approach allied to a keen eye for pockets of value, argues high-yield bond portfolio manager Olivier Monnoyeur. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Market mechanisms can play an important role in managing the energy transition. In two markets, recent developments have signalled potential shifts: carbon prices appear to be heading higher in anticipation of the introduction of green hydrogen, while the cost of offshore wind could jump as competition heats up. Chief sustainability strategist Mark Lewis explains. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Markets in private debt and real assets offer investors potential for meaningfully positive returns with diversification. David Bouchoucha, head of private debt and real assets, discusses the opportunities of this alternative investment segment. He underscores how important sustainability is in constructing a resilient portfolio. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The pandemic has underscored existential problems, climate change in particular. This is spurring a wave of awareness, ambitious projects and investments in technology that will be crucial for decades to come. Edward Lees, co-portfolio manager in our environmental strategies investment group, explains.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

US government spending to help the economy cope with the dire consequences of COVID-19 looks set to reach record peacetime levels, but absent a boost to inflation, it is unlikely to set in motion a push for higher interest rates anytime soon. Senior US economist Mark Allan explains. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.