
Capital Ideas Podcast
Want to learn how professional investors do it? The Capital Ideas podcast brings you the latest investment thinking from Capital Group, one of the world’s largest investment management organizations. Each week we’ll get inside the minds of portfolio managers, analysts and economists to break down market trends, macroeconomic forces, investing approaches and lessons learned from personal experience. Take 30 minutes and tap into the intellectual capital of Capital Group.
Capital Client Group, Inc.
All Capital Group trademarks mentioned are owned by The Capital Group Companies, Inc., an affiliated company or fund. All other company and product names mentioned are the property of their respective companies.
For full disclosures go to capitalgroup.com/global-disclosures.
Latest episodes

Mar 8, 2019 • 24min
Today’s retirement realities
Employer-sponsored 401(k)s and other defined contribution plans have become the foundation of the U.S. retirement system, but there's a $5 trillion savings gap that still needs to be addressed. In this episode, Ralph Haberli, head of the retirement business at Capital Group, suggests how 401(k) plans could do better for their participants. Ralph Haberli is a sales director and heads the institutional retirement business at Capital Group. He has 18 years of industry experience, two at Capital. Ralph was formerly head of distribution for defined contribution at BlackRock. He holds an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and a bachelor's from Yale. Your host Matt Miller is the policy and communications advisor for Capital Group. An author and former Washington Post columnist, Matt was co-host of the public radio program Left, Right & Center. This content is published by Capital Client Group, Inc. Do you have any suggested topics for Capital Ideas? Please contact our editorial team at capitalideas@capgroup.com.

Feb 22, 2019 • 41min
On the ground in China
Recorded in Hong Kong, this episode takes you behind the scenes for an in-depth look at China and the critical issues of growth, trade and geopolitics. Host Matt Miller dropped in on investment analyst Andrew Dougherty, economist Stephen Green and portfolio manager Steve Watson to get their perspectives on themes of vital importance to investors the world over. Andrew Dougherty covers Asia-Pacific real estate as an equity analyst. He has 14 years of investment industry experience, all with Capital Group. Earlier in his career at Capital he was a China economist and research director. He holds degrees from Cambridge and George Washington University. Stephen Green covers Asia as an economist. He has 14 years of investment industry experience, four with Capital. Previously, he was head of research for Greater China at Standard Chartered Bank in China and Hong Kong. Before that he ran the Asia program at Chatham House, the U.K. think tank. He holds a PhD in government from the London School of Economics and a first-class honors degree in social and political sciences from Cambridge. Steve Watson has 31 years of investment experience, 29 with Capital. Earlier in his career, as an equity investment analyst at Capital, he covered Asian property and transportation, as well as European transportation and utilities companies. He has an MBA in finance and an MA in French studies from New York University as well as a bachelor's in French from the University of Massachusetts. Your host Matt Miller is the policy and communications advisor for Capital Group. An author and former Washington Post columnist, Matt was co-host of the public radio program Left, Right & Center. This content is published by Capital Client Group, Inc. Do you have any suggested topics for Capital Ideas? Please contact our editorial team at capitalideas@capgroup.com.

Feb 15, 2019 • 30min
Which way Brexit?
As the U.K. approaches a March 29 deadline to leave the European Union, Capital Group investment professionals discuss the market and economic implications of this seismic shift away from four decades of European integration. What does it mean for future economic growth, the political landscape and the long-term investment outlook for U.K. financial assets? Equity portfolio manager Caroline Randall has 21 years of investment experience, 13 with Capital Group. As an analyst, she covers European utilities. Previously, Caroline was head of European utilities research at J.P. Morgan and an analyst at Schroder Securities. She holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in economics from Cambridge. Economist Robert Lind has 31 years of industry experience, two with Capital Group. He previously worked as group chief economist at Anglo American and head of macro research at ABN AMRO. Robert holds a bachelor's degree in philosophy, politics and economics from Oxford. Political economist Talha Khan has 10 years of investment industry experience, all with Capital Group. He covers the eurozone and broader geopolitical issues. Talha holds a master’s degree in international political economy from the London School of Economics and a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from Macalester College. Fixed income portfolio manager Vantil Charles has 31 years of investment experience, 16 with Capital Group. As an analyst, he covers non-U.S. utilities, global automobiles and building materials, as well as Europe as a generalist. Previously, Vantil worked as a senior credit analyst at AXA Investment Managers and deputy head of the credit rating and research group at National Westminster Bank. Your host, Matt Miller, is the policy and communications advisor for Capital Group. An author and former Washington Post columnist, Matt was co-host of the public radio program Left, Right & Center. This content is published by Capital Client Group, Inc. Do you have any suggested topics for Capital Ideas? Please contact our editorial team at capitalideas@capgroup.com.

Jan 25, 2019 • 37min
3 views on the markets in 2019
This episode features a revealing mix of perspectives from three Capital Group portfolio managers. Barry Crosthwaite examines the fundamentals of U.S. and Chinese markets to make sense of today's perplexing global economic cycle. Brad Freer looks beyond a recent rough spell for emerging markets equities to reveal long-term opportunities he’s finding there. And Pramod Atluri shares strategic moves that the fixed income group has made to stay ahead of U.S. monetary and fiscal policy. Equity portfolio manager Barry Crosthwaite has 22 years of investment experience, all with Capital Group. Previously, as an investment analyst, he covered U.S. electrical equipment and appliances, global energy equipment and oil field services and drilling companies. He holds an MBA from Stanford and a bachelor’s in chemistry from Occidental College. Equity portfolio manager Brad Freer has 26 years of investment experience, 25 with Capital Group. Earlier in his career at Capital, he was an equity investment analyst covering multiple sectors in Australia and India. Before that, Brad was an equities trader in Singapore and Hong Kong. He holds a bachelor's degree in international relations from Connecticut College and is a CFA charterholder. Fixed income portfolio manager Pramod Atluri has 20 years of investment experience, three with Capital. He previously worked at Fidelity and McKinsey & Co. He holds an MBA from Harvard and a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Chicago. Your host Matt Miller is the policy and communications advisor for Capital Group. An author and former Washington Post columnist, Matt was co-host of the public radio program Left, Right & Center. This content is published by Capital Client Group, Inc. Do you have any suggested topics for Capital Ideas? Please contact our editorial team at capitalideas@capgroup.com.

Jan 11, 2019 • 43min
Beyond yields and spreads: What drives the global bond market?
Capital Group portfolio manager Mark Brett discusses worldwide opportunities in the fixed income markets. As rising interest rates, global trade disputes and geopolitical conflicts keep investors on edge, Brett explains his approach to identifying untapped value and seeking to avoid excessive risks. Mark Brett is a portfolio manager specializing in global bonds. He has 39 years of investment experience and has been with Capital Group for 24 years. Prior to joining Capital, Mark was an economist and strategist with Barclays de Zoete Wedd (formerly de Zoete and Bevan). He is based in London. Your host Matt Miller is the policy and communications advisor for Capital Group. An author and former Washington Post columnist, Matt was co-host of the public radio program Left, Right & Center. This content is published by Capital Client Group, Inc. Do you have any suggested topics for Capital Ideas? Please contact our editorial team at capitalideas@capgroup.com.

Dec 28, 2018 • 60min
2019 Outlook: Markets and economies
Late 2018 has been an unsettling time for investors. In this episode, three seasoned investment professionals deliver Capital Group's 2019 Outlook, offering their perspectives on the global economy as well as equity and fixed income markets. Want continuing education credit? Financial professionals (CFP* and CIMA) can take the quiz after listening. Rob Lovelace is vice chairman of Capital Group and an equity portfolio manager. He has 32 years of investment experience, all with Capital. He holds a bachelor's degree in geology from Princeton and is a CFA charterholder. John Smet is a fixed income portfolio manager. He has 36 years of investment experience, 34 with Capital Group. He has covered mortgage-backed securities and railroads. John earned an MBA in finance from the University of Wisconsin and is a CFA charterholder. Economist Jared Franz covers the U.S. and Latin America. He joined Capital Group in 2015. He holds a PhD in economics from the University of Illinois and a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern. This content is published by Capital Client Group, Inc. Do you have any suggested topics for Capital Ideas? Please contact our editorial team at capitalideas@capgroup.com. *CFP credit available only in the U.S.

Dec 14, 2018 • 27min
Global bond market outlook
As rising U.S. interest rates reverberate around the world, Capital Group portfolio manager Rob Neithart discusses his outlook for the global bond market, including high-grade government bonds, corporate credit and emerging markets debt. As a fixed income portfolio manager, Rob Neithart focuses on global multi-currency fixed income, emerging market debt and global high income portfolios. He has 30 years of investment experience, all with Capital Group. He is chairman of Capital Strategy Research, Inc. and serves on the Fixed Income Management Committee. Your host Matt Miller is the policy and communications advisor for Capital Group. An author and former Washington Post columnist, Matt was co-host of the public radio program Left, Right & Center. This content is published by Capital Client Group, Inc. Do you have any suggested topics for Capital Ideas? Please contact our editorial team at capitalideas@capgroup.com.

Nov 16, 2018 • 36min
Is AI the next big economic growth catalyst?
Capital Group economist Jared Franz discusses the rapid development of artificial intelligence and machine learning, including the relevant implications for investors. Can AI provide a meaningful boost to U.S. economic growth? Franz shares his view. Jared Franz is an economist at Capital Group, responsible for covering the U.S. and Latin America. He has 12 years of investment industry experience, three with Capital. Previously, Jared was head of international macroeconomic research at Hartford Investment Management Co. and an economist at T. Rowe Price. He holds a doctorate in economics from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Northwestern University. He is based in Los Angeles. Your host Matt Miller is the policy and communications advisor for Capital Group. An author and former Washington Post columnist, Matt was co-host of the public radio program Left, Right & Center. This content is published by Capital Client Group, Inc. Do you have any suggested topics for Capital Ideas? Please contact our editorial team at capitalideas@capgroup.com.

Nov 2, 2018 • 37min
Can the U.S. bull market keep running?
While many investors wring their hands over a prolonged U.S. bull market — waiting for the other shoe to drop — portfolio manager Alan Berro bides his time. The fact that Berro doesn’t think the end of this expansion is imminent may be beside the point. Most of the high-flying, value-stretched growth stocks getting all the attention fall outside the purview of the growth-and-income and balanced funds he manages. A patient investor with a fondness for out-of-favor companies, Berro shares which sectors and industries hold his interest today and offers keen insight into the life of a professional investor. Alan Berro is an equity portfolio manager at Capital Group. He has 32 years of investment experience, 27 with Capital. He has covered U.S. utilities, capital goods and machinery companies. He has an MBA from Harvard Business School and a bachelor’s in economics from UCLA. Your host Matt Miller is the policy and communications advisor for Capital Group. An author and former Washington Post columnist, Matt was co-host of the public radio program Left, Right & Center. This content is published by Capital Client Group, Inc. Do you have any suggested topics for Capital Ideas? Please contact our editorial team at capitalideas@capgroup.com.

Oct 18, 2018 • 37min
A flexible approach to global investing
Capital Group investment director David Polak discusses the challenges facing global investors amid increasingly bitter trade disputes and a widening return gap between U.S. and non-U.S. stocks. David Polak leads the investment specialist team representing Capital Group’s global equity services. He has 34 years of investment industry experience, 13 of them with Capital. Prior to joining Capital, David held a variety of marketing and management positions in the equity division at UBS. He has a bachelor’s degree in economics from University College London. Your host Matt Miller is the policy and communications advisor for Capital Group. An author and former Washington Post columnist, Matt was co-host of the public radio program Left, Right & Center. This content is published by Capital Client Group, Inc. Do you have any suggested topics for Capital Ideas? Please contact our editorial team at capitalideas@capgroup.com.