Given the sudden volatility in global markets at the end of 2018, we felt it was important to meet with fund managers we currently invest in and seek out potential new opportunities. So we commenced 2019 with an extensive research program meeting 42 investment managers over 4 weeks in Melbourne,... Show More
We conducted a cross-asset scenario analysis on potential outcomes from the upcoming midterm elections in the United States. Using both a macro and a bottom-up approach, our base case was for a Democratic House of Representatives and a Republican Senate, but we also considered the possibility of a sweep in... Show More
Almost 12 months ago, we published an article about the coming boom in Australian infrastructure spending. At the time, a popular chart by Macromonitor (see below) was being passed around among fund managers and economists showing the massive increase in spend over the coming years. Source: Macromonitor While a combination of stock-specific... Show More
The prospect of a Labor government has far reaching ramifications for investors. However, there is one sector that stands to benefit from the election cycle whatever the result, says Matthew Haupt from Wilson Asset Management. Matt told us: “The one area I think investors should focus on is infrastructure, both sides... Show More
We have seen a plethora of analyses in recent weeks from investment banks such as UBS, Morgan Stanley and Citigroup sounding warning bells on the domestic housing market and data from the latest CoreLogic Home Value Index suggests that the Melbourne and Sydney markets are now firmly in retreat. Show More
Arden Jennings, Co-Portfolio Manager of the Ausbil MicroCap Fund, says the majority of his time is spent on 'bottom up' analysis of companies outside the ASX200. The Ausbil approach is described as 'style neutral' - which means they can invest wherever they find the best opportunities. Jennings says they're ideal... Show More
For the last few years the Australian economy has been meandering between 2-3% growth. This remained the case through last year with December quarter GDP up just 0.4%, and annual growth of 2.4% as a bounce a year ago dropped out. In the quarter growth was helped by consumer spending... Show More
CommSec's Tom Piotrowski speaks with BKI Investment Company (BKI) Portfolio Manager, Tom Millner about the company’s first half results, its low fee structure and investment opportunities in the infrastructure, financial & healthcare sectors. Show More
For the past 16 years we have produced “The Big Issues” report – a report that has sought to highlight the issues that are expected to influence the economy over the forthcoming 12 months. Show More
At today’s WAM Funds presentation, Chief Investment Officer, Chris Stott, shared some of the key themes and holdings from their current portfolio. He covers their views on the Australian economy, mining services, and retail. He also discusses a company that hadn’t received a visit from an analyst in two years. Show More
As the housing construction boom comes to an end, the obvious question for investors is ‘where next?’ One potential opportunity lies in transport infrastructure construction, which is poised to double over the next few years. Between roads and rail, annual spend is expected to increase to $16B by 2020. Show More
We know Europe has been through a touch economic cycle over the last few years since the GFC. That's somewhat on the mend now. Once the European earnings come through, the markets will start to appreciate that and reward those stocks - both with a re-rating as well as seeing... Show More
Several significant corporate transactions saw us add Seven Group Holdings (ASX:SVW) to our portfolio during the September quarter. These included: Show More
Australia has just celebrated 26 years without a recession and the Government as well as the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) are cheering the ongoing growth. In fact, the common consensus amongst these authorities is that growth is set to rebound from its current 1.9% year on year rate and... Show More
Portfolio Manager Gerald Stack discusses the role that sovereign risk plays when selecting infrastructure stocks, US President Donald Trump’s proposed plans for infrastructure and whether the rally in infrastructure stocks is stretching valuations. Show More
Shares in toll road asset manager, Macquarie Atlas Roads (ASX:MQA), performed strongly during May. Show More
There have been some well publicised concerns raised recently about the prospect of elevated risks across asset markets. So, Livewire went on the hunt for insights on how to remain invested in the current market, firstly asking a selection of fund managers: From your perspective is there a heightened level... Show More
Forecasts suggest that globally, between US$60 and 70 trillion will need to be spent on infrastructure over the next 15 years. This huge global need for infrastructure is being driven by the following three major economic and demographic tailwinds: Show More
To cut through the deafening noise around this week’s Federal budget, Livewire has asked four of Australia’s leading Economists to boil the budget down to its single most important theme, and to explain what it means for investors. We also asked which specific sectors of the market are going to... Show More
Each budget is different. The economic environment, global context, budget priorities and goals are all different. In terms of this budget – the first in the Government’s new term – the Government wants to be seen as “making the right choices”. That focus makes sense – the Government has to... Show More