Capital Ideas Podcast

Greg Wendt, a seasoned equity portfolio manager with 37 years at Capital Group, shares invaluable insights into small-cap investing. He reflects on his unique journey from retail to finance, including transformative experiences with Sam Walton. Wendt emphasizes the significance of on-the-ground research, personal connections, and resilience through market downturns. He also highlights promising companies like Texas Roadhouse, revealing how passion and commitment can drive success in investments. This conversation serves as a reminder that investing can be as engaging as it is rewarding.

Darrell Spence, an economist at Capital Group, discusses the recent downgrade of the U.S. credit rating and its implications for the economy and investment strategies. He highlights the staggering $37 trillion national debt and the rising interest rates reshaping investor priorities. The conversation touches on the uncertainty surrounding tariffs and the potential for a recession, coupled with political indifference towards the growing debt. Spence also emphasizes the need for effective policy changes to manage government spending while celebrating women's milestones in sports.

Barbora Matouskova, a fixed income investment analyst at Capital Group, dives into the transformative energy transition impacting European utilities. She highlights the ambitious decarbonization goals and how geopolitical tensions are reshaping the landscape. Barbora discusses strategic investments in renewable energy while also addressing the risks investors face in this volatile market. She offers insights on navigating capital expenditures amid global disruptions and the complexities following the energy shock from the Ukraine crisis.

Diana Wagner, an equity portfolio manager at Capital Group, shares her financial journey from Latvia to New York City. She highlights how recent market volatility can reveal investment opportunities and the importance of diversifying portfolios. Wagner discusses identifying durable companies that thrive through economic cycles, and underscores the critical role of leadership in investment success. The conversation also delves into balancing conviction with diversification, and the personal connections that drive passion in investing.

Jens Sondergaard, a currency analyst at Capital Group, dives into the recent dramatic fall of the U.S. dollar. He discusses the paradox of its ongoing strength during market volatility and the risks of a weaker dollar for investors. Sondergaard explores potential future scenarios for the dollar amidst global shifts and the rise of alternative currencies. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of cryptocurrencies, highlighting their investment risks compared to traditional assets, and the dollar's lasting significance in the global economy.

Andrew Suzman, an equity portfolio manager with over 30 years of experience, shares his investment wisdom with Mike Gitlin. They discuss the importance of getting back to basics in a world flooded with information. Suzman reveals how the country of domicile can obscure great companies and emphasizes the dangers of ignoring valuation. He humorously notes the rarity of using a calculator in meetings and highlights the lasting value of combining management analysis with financial metrics for successful investing.

Jody Jonsson and Chit Purani, both Capital Group portfolio managers, dissect the impacts of rising tariffs on global markets. Jody provides insights on equity market volatility, stressing the importance of diversification and long-term strategies amid trade tensions. Chit discusses fixed income strategies, focusing on interest rate duration and credit quality for portfolio resilience. They share valuable lessons from past economic downturns, emphasizing adaptability and patience for investors navigating uncertain times.

Equity investment analyst Rich Wolf looks at how increased life expectancy is reshaping healthcare and investment strategies, highlighting advancements in healthcare, the impact of aging, and promising areas in medical technology. #CapGroupGlobal For full disclosures go to capitalgroup.com/global-disclosures For our latest insights, practice management ideas and more, subscribe to Capital Ideas at getcapitalideas.com. If you're based outside of the U.S., visit capitalgroup.com for Capital Group insights. Watch our latest podcast, Conversations with Mike Gitlin, on YouTube: https://bit.ly/CG-Gitlin-playlist This content is published by Capital Client Group, Inc. U.K. investors can view a glossary of technical terms here: https://bit.ly/49rdcFq To stay informed, follow us LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/42uSYbm YouTube: https://bit.ly/4bahmD0 Follow Mike Gitlin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikegitlin/ About Capital Group Capital Group was established in 1931 in Los Angeles, California, with the mission to improve people's lives through successful investing. With our clients at the core of everything we do, we offer carefully researched products and services to help them achieve their financial goals. Learn more: capitalgroup.com Join us: capitalgroup.com/about-us/careers.html Copyright ©2025 Capital Group

High-yield bonds are showing strong income potential. Bond manager David Daigle discusses how these bonds have evolved from the 1980s' debt-fueled buyouts depicted in the movie Wall Street. In a conversation with Mike Gitlin, he compares high-yield debt investing to avalanche safety training and shares which investors may benefit from exposure to high-yield bonds. David also relays how investing in companies that ended in bankruptcy shapes his view on risk. If you're interested in income-seeking investment ideas for your portfolio, this episode is for you. #CapGroupGlobal For full disclosures go to capitalgroup.com/global-disclosures For our latest insights, practice management ideas and more, subscribe to Capital Ideas at getcapitalideas.com. If you're based outside of the U.S., visit capitalgroup.com for Capital Group insights. Watch our latest podcast, Conversations with Mike Gitlin, on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbKcvAV87057bIfkbTAp-dgqaLEwa9GHi This content is published by Capital Client Group, Inc. U.K. investors can view a glossary of technical terms here: https://www.capitalgroup.com/individual-investors/gb/en/resources/how-to-invest/glossary.html To stay informed, follow us LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/capital-group/posts/?feedView=all YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapitalGroup/videos Follow Mike Gitlin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikegitlin/ About Capital Group Capital Group was established in 1931 in Los Angeles, California, with the mission to improve people's lives through successful investing. With our clients at the core of everything we do, we offer carefully researched products and services to help them achieve their financial goals. Learn more: capitalgroup.com Join us: capitalgroup.com/about-us/careers.html Copyright ©2025 Capital Group

Chris Buchbinder, a veteran equity portfolio manager at Capital Group, shares invaluable insights from his extensive experience navigating market crises. He emphasizes patience as a vital investment strategy amid volatility, drawing lessons from past economic upheavals and the current AI boom and trade tensions. Buchbinder discusses opportunities in resilient sectors like healthcare and the evolving landscape of autonomous vehicles. He also highlights the importance of mentorship in investing and shares his favorite reads that inspire strategic thinking.