Robeco Asset Management Podcast

With current market valuations now exceeding those of 1929, and even of 1999, the term ‘peak insanity’ is coined. Arnout van Rijn, CIO Asia Pacific, is less concerned. “It is not as bad as 1999. It's just a small segment of the market that is really at multiples that are hard to defend. The bigger segment of the market that now trades at relatively elevated multiples are just healthy cash flow-positive stocks that the market is willing to pay up for because of the TINA argument – ‘there is no alternative’.

The wave of inflows continues into ESG-focused funds and impact-targeting strategies. But what lies behind the impressive product labels and glossy marketing materials? What does it truly take to identify to build sustainable investment portfolios? Rachel Whittaker, Head of SI Research, discusses the latest thinking in this field.

In our latest podcast, we discuss China’s challenges – from property to power shortages. We also zoom in on China’s ambition as it moves from a trade war to a tech war with the US. "The rivalry will only intensify," says Jie Lu, Head of Investments China. Tune in for more fascinating insights.

While many quant equity strategies have struggled over the past few years, the performance of quant credits has been robust. Patrick Houweling, Co-head of Quant Fixed Income, talks about the tricks of the quant trade, how his team is integrating sustainability into models, and the potential impact of a rise in inflation. Tune in to our latest podcast episode.

A fundamental shift is occurring in how and where the internet is used. Investors could be caught out by who the real winners are in this transition, according to Robeco portfolio managers Bryan Satterly  and Michiel van Voorst. They explain why in our latest podcast.

More and more investors say they choose their fund manager based on their sustainability credentials. But is the industry ready for this fundamental shift towards ESG and impact investing? In our latest podcast, Masja Zandbergen, Robeco’s head of sustainability integration, discusses what it takes to keep up the pace. She also tackles some hot topics in ESG investing, including activism, health and biodiversity

Value stocks are in revival – this after what seemed like an endless run of underperformance relative to growth stocks. But, is this the long-awaited value rotation? Andhow big is the opportunity from here onwards? David Cohen is portfolio manager for the Boston Partners Large Cap Value strategy and our guest in our latest podcast episode. Tune in

It’s never a dull moment in the asset management industry. Innovation, market swings, increasing regulatory pressure, the rotation from growth to value and, of course, the growing importance of climate investing solutions, are among the pressing themes in the industry. Each change and challenge offers opportunity to excel. Chief investment officer Mark van der Kroft discusses these topics – and more – in our latest podcast episode. Tune in.

It’s inevitable that the forceful fiscal stimulus and exceptionally loose monetary policy currently in place will result in higher inflation. But, say Rikkert Scholten and Bob Stoutjesdijk, portfolio managers in the Robeco Global Macro Fixed Income team, the impact will be temporary. “There are a number of very strong secular forces keeping inflation in check”. Tune in to hear why they’re not falling for the inflation fearmongering.

“The more you read about climate change, the more worried you become”, says Carola van Lamoen, Head of Sustainable investing. However,  “mankind is hugely creative, and we can live up to the challenge”, says Climate Strategist Lucian Peppelenbos. The two experts discuss the risks and opportunities of climate change for asset managers in our latest podcast episode. Tune in.