Programme 2019

Diversification, Sustainability & Resilience

Thursday, October 3, 2019
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
 
9:00 AM - 9:10 AM
 
9:10 AM - 9:45 AM
In an era of global power shifts, disruptive trade wars and the rise of populism, investors are facing new types of risk. Examine how geopolitical uncertainty and other structural changes are shaping the risk profile of a global portfolio.
9:45 AM - 10:00 AM
The credit markets have evolved dramatically since the financial crisis, with the globalisation of both the corporate landscape and of the debt capital markets, providing significant opportunities for investors to access a broad array of fixed income areas. There now exists powerful diversification characteristics when blended with a traditional, domestic bond allocation in the post-capital controls era. This session will assess the importance of fully harnessing flexibility in order to optimise both downside defence and income.
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
The Value of an Allocation to Global Small Cap
  • Global small caps have delivered more compelling long-term absolute and risk-adjusted returns compared to large caps;
  • For long-term investors, global small caps have delivered consistent outperformance and may provide diversification benefits;
  • Small caps have tended to deliver faster earnings growth and provide investors with access to a much larger and more dynamic universe of companies;
  • In an environment of elevated trade tensions, the domestic nature of small caps may benefit investors;
  • Small cap markets have been less efficient, providing opportunity for skilled managers;
  • An active approach may also be better suited to deal with inherent risks of the asset class, including liquidity, ESG and other stock specific risks;
  • Advantages of a global small cap approach vs a regional small cap approach;
  • The strength of small caps during market rebounds and the challenges of timing the asset class. Performance of small caps prior to, during, after market downturns.
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
The millennial generation presents new opportunities for global companies as they continue to demand innovation and drive new trends in global markets. This powerful group of 1.8 billion people is the first generation to grow up in a tech world, they value experiences over goods, drive companies to be more socially aware and have a strong preference for authentic and engaging brands. In the US alone, millennials and generation X stand to inherit $30 trillion over the coming decades, making them a key group that companies across the globe are increasingly paying close attention to. We take a closer look at why the millennial generation is so important now and how investors can best capture the long-term growth opportunities this generation drives.
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
  • The investment characteristics of currency management
  • A look at the historical performance of currency management and the Icelandic Krona
  • A framework on what an investor would look at for addressing currency in their portfolio:
    - The amount of currency exposure you should have
    - Whether to manage currency actively or passively
    - Who should be responsible for managing your currency exposure?
10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
 
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Examine allocation considerations that balance short-term challenges with long-term pension horizons to create portfolios that can withstand market volatility and manage new types of risk.
11:45 AM - 12:25 PM
Examine how new technologies will disrupt the everyday and transform how we live and work. Explore how accelerated globalisation will lower barriers and create new markets, and what investors can do to navigate the opportunities that will arise from emerging and disruptive technologies. Assess critical questions including: what are the social challenges arising from the use of data? How is technology transforming healthcare and what will this mean for longevity and pension calculations? How can we understand the downstream effect of the 5G revolution?
12:25 PM - 1:25 PM
 
1:25 PM - 1:40 PM
 
1:40 PM - 1:55 PM
Investors today are focused on the large amount of private credit that has been raised, including the current amount of 'dry powder'. This presentation will discuss ways in which managers can source deal flow in a highly differentiated manner to mitigate this concern. Another concern of investors is that the credit cycle is very mature, yet there are no clear signs of an imminent recession. How do investors prudently deploy capital in the current environment and maintain risk discipline? The presentation will address balancing risk and return in today's environment through thoughtful portfolio management policies.
1:55 PM - 2:10 PM
Value-add real estate opportunities exist in all phases of the market cycle. The core market in Europe continues to have a strong appetite for stabilised assets and tenant interest for quality accommodation remains robust across sectors. Within this favourable context, a value-add strategy focused on creating properties that appeal to both occupational and investment demand is well-positioned.
2:10 PM - 2:55 PM
Gain an investor outlook on private markets, sources of premium and key considerations for managing risk and achieving diversification, income and risk-return objectives.
2:55 PM - 3:10 PM
 
3:10 PM - 3:25 PM
For actively managed public equity strategies, an integrated focus on ESG within a robust fundamental research process can help drive long-term returns. Consistent and direct engagement with companies conducted by experienced financial analysts is a critical component in deciphering the potential risks and rewards of a business and promoting positive change. Learn how continually updating the materiality of key ESG attributes, understanding their potential effect on a stock’s performance and partnering with portfolio companies to develop sustainable business practices can be important drivers of investment success.
3:25 PM - 3:45 PM
 
3:45 PM - 4:30 PM
 
4:30 PM