Money Maze Podcast

Howard Marks, Co-founder of Oaktree Capital Management, is a celebrated voice in investing, known for his insightful memos. In this engaging conversation, he emphasizes that it's not about what you buy, but what you pay. Marks discusses the necessity of being contrarian and warns against the perils of overconfidence. He shares how human emotions influence market cycles and the importance of intellectual humility when navigating uncertainty. Additionally, he touches on the implications of rising government debt while advocating for personal fulfillment over pure profit.

Mick Davis, the founder of Vision Blue Resources and former CEO of Xstrata, shares his wealth of expertise in the commodity sector. He dives into critical supply-demand mismatches, the energy transition, and investment opportunities in metals like lithium and graphite. Davis also discusses the geopolitical landscape and its impact on commodity prices, alongside insights on effective management and the benefits of ethical sourcing. His perspective sheds light on misconceptions about mining companies' governance, highlighting their role in responsible resource management.

Star Trek’s opening lines were potent: "Space: The final frontier. These are the voyages of the Starship Enterprise. Its mission? To boldly go where no man has gone before!” Whether Star Trek or Star Wars, such films offered tantalising glimpses of another world. But it’s actually here now! The WEF & McKinsey predict that the space sector will reach a value of $1.8tn by 2035. That’s only 1 decade ahead! Mark is CEO of the world’s first listed space tech fund, Seraphim Space, and he discusses this final frontier. He explains what is going on in the world of space and where there is money to be made.   Mark first discusses why Elon Musk has transformed the industry by lowering the price point of launch in such a gargantuan way and why the worlds of public and private are scrambling for a piece of the action. He describes their investment process, how targets are identified, weighed, and capital allocated. He explains why data, digital infrastructure, communications, health and space debris are priorities, with their emphasis on profitable, shorter term opportunities. He discusses why the militaries are disproportionately investing, where he thinks money will be made, and why the Seraphim Investment Trust’s discount is a source of continued frustration. ​​The Money Maze Podcast is kindly sponsored by Schroders, World Gold Council, LSEG and IFM Investors. Sign up to our Newsletter | Follow us on LinkedIn | Watch on YouTube

James Anderson, a renowned investor and Managing Partner at Lingotto, shares his transformative journey in equity investing. He discusses the inadequacies of traditional evaluation methods, focusing instead on innovative approaches tailored for the tech-driven market. The conversation touches on how successful investments in companies like Tesla and Amazon reflect changing dynamics, and addresses the critical gap in Europe’s ambition for long-term investment success. The debate on the benefits of public versus private ownership further enriches this insightful dialogue.

Discover valuable career tips from top financial executives. They share insights on the importance of creativity and differentiation in navigating the finance industry. Self-awareness and resilience are emphasized for personal growth. Learn the significance of investing time to understand complex concepts and the necessity of mentorship for stress management. Additionally, explore how building supportive networks empowers success, especially for women in finance. These lessons inspire a unique approach to career paths in a rapidly changing landscape.

Luba Nikulina, Chief Strategy Officer at IFM Investors and former Head Global of Research at WTW, dives into the booming world of infrastructure investment. She discusses its growing prominence as a mainstream asset class, likening it to private equity. Luba highlights why countries like Australia and Canada are leading with significant allocations, while others catch up. She also examines the resilience of infrastructure against external shocks and explores the role of government policies in fostering investment opportunities, particularly in renewable energy.

Reflecting on an exciting year, the show celebrates surpassing 2 million downloads and over 200 interviews. Notable figures from finance and geopolitics, including former leaders, share their insights. New initiatives, such as a multilingual series and educational programs, highlight a commitment to accessible finance. The conversation about future directions promises continued growth and innovation, keeping listeners engaged and informed.

Nicky Gumbel, a barrister-turned-clergyman and the visionary behind the Alpha Course, shares his transformative journey. He discusses how the Alpha Course modernized Christianity for a new generation, appealing to millions worldwide. Gumbel delves into the intersections of faith and secularism, emphasizing the role of charismatic leadership in various fields. He also highlights the importance of generosity, morality, and community support in today's society, making a strong case for the relevance of faith in both personal and global contexts.

Scott Bessent, a globally respected macro hedge fund investor and founder of Key Square Capital Management, discusses his journey from working with George Soros to becoming the U.S. Treasury Secretary. He dives into macro investment strategies, tackling themes like de-dollarization and the evolving markets in China and Japan. Bessent shares insights on risk management, the impact of AI on productivity, and how political dynamics shape investment opportunities. His experiences highlight the balance between financial acumen and philanthropy in today's complex investment landscape.

Marcie Frost, CEO of CalPERS, leads America’s largest public pension fund, managing over $500 billion in assets. She shares her inspiring journey in public service, emphasizing mentorship and networking. The conversation dives into asset allocation strategies and the balance between sustainability and returns. Marcie discusses the fund's increasing focus on infrastructure investments and the challenges of public scrutiny. She offers valuable advice for women in finance, highlighting the importance of organizational culture and effective leadership.