Citywire: Mistakes Were Made

From infiltrating an ECB press conference to trying to side-step stampeding crowds, Mark Dowding is at the forefront of fixed income’s many moving parts. In this latest episode, the bond chief for RBC-owned BlueBay Asset Management, digs into where he feels both he, and the wider market, are prone to going wrong.

Maybe our most honest guest yet? Could be! Morningstar’s Christine Benz shares not one but four investments mistakes from her time as a fund analyst and director of personal finance. No spoilers, but Mark Mobius, Janus 20, and market timing all make an appearance.

From ‘Tiger mum’ regulators to emotional stock pickers, there is a lot that Western investors (including Frank!) don’t understand about Chinese markets. Rayliant Global Advisors’ CIO Jason Hsu joins Mistakes Were Made to educate us (and the rest of the Western hemisphere) about China.

Fund industry stalwart Jean-François Hautemulle talks about the challenges faced by both fund selectors and companies trying to put exciting ideas in front of them. As part of this discussion, the UniCredit and JPM Asset Management veteran, also outlines lessons on dealing with big egos and misguided expectations.

Aperture Investors’ founder Peter Kraus takes aim at a major failing he thinks is hurting asset management industry, as well as his own slow response to the need for a serious shift in mentality. The former AB chief also talks about other elements of engrained thinking that could be deemed problematic.

Queens Park Rangers manager Mark Warburton explains why he gave up a lucrative career in the City to pursue his dream of being a football coach. We also talk footballers and investments. Trigger warning: NFTs, property, and tax schemes may be mentioned!

‘Bond King’ Bill Gross reveals regrets about joining Janus, ponders a bund blunder, shares the secret to being a star manager, and tells the tale of a bump into Trump. Plus so much more!

A false start with Nike, pumping the brakes on O'Reilly Auto Parts, and the stress of starting out as a deep value guy… …Polen Capital’s growth guru Dan Davidowitz shares some early (and much more recent) mistakes from his investment career, and the lesson he’s learned.

Martin Gilbert, co-founder and former CEO of Aberdeen Asset Management, looks back (not so fondly) on a high-profile scandal, warns about PE valuations, and shares the qualities he looks for in a fund manager.

In a special episode, Alex, Frank and Chris run the rule over the nine investment heavyweights who joined the Mistakes Were Made podcast for season two. From major operators who came unstuck by options to those who were left reeling by wildly ambitious trades early in their careers, we dissect and discuss common themes and concerns that emerged this time around.