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More talk than action on data usage

Fund managers show a keen willingness to embrace data science and systems such as centralised data platforms for decision making when it comes to formal surveys. But the reality is still something different. According to a survey of 300 global asset management firms sponsored by the asset servicing arm of Northern Trust, nearly half (48…

Greg Bright | 30th Jul 2021 | More
Value and ‘the frailties of human psychology’

The value vs growth competition isn’t a competition, according to Schroders. Value will always outperform because it exploits “the one thing that never really changes”: human beings. Markets have seen a period of very strong value performance since the announcement and rollout of effective Covid-19 vaccines – the so-called “Vaccine Monday” – as markets reappraised…

Lachlan Maddock | 30th Jul 2021 | More
  • Singularity: where innovation meets sustainability

    In the beginning was the word and the word was ‘ethical’. Now we have lots of words: ‘responsible’, ‘sustainable’, ‘stewardship’, ‘environmental’, ‘social’ and ‘governance’. And perhaps a new word: ‘singularity’. The Singularity Group is a Zurich-based global investment boutique and research firm which uses quantitative techniques to seek out companies which have sustainable innovation as…

    Greg Bright | 30th Jul 2021 | More
    Equity funds growth continues to slow

    The recovery of inflows into equity and other growth-orientated managed funds which started towards the end of last year has faltered, with the second-consecutive quarter of slower growth. According to the latest figures from Calastone, the global funds data network, net inflows for both Australian equities and Australian-domiciled global equities funds were, together, down about…

    Greg Bright | 23rd Jul 2021 | More
  • Assets up, profits flat, future downbeat: consultants look ahead for global fund industry

    New studies from two big-name consulting firms show the global funds industry struggled to increase profit margins in 2020 despite reporting bumper growth in assets under management (AUM). Reports from both EY and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) found double-digit expansion in global funds management AUM during 2020. The BCG study says AUM increased year-on-year…

    David Chaplin | 23rd Jul 2021 | More
    How ACSA prepares for ‘Uber’ moments

    A key and enduring theme of the work of the Australian Custodial Services Association is the search for ever-greater efficiency in financial markets. Custodians need always be prepared for the next ‘Uber moment’. The latest such moment came in February last year when Magellan Financial Group launched the first quoted managed fund, on behalf of…

    Greg Bright | 23rd Jul 2021 | More
    ESG impacts fund managers’ future

    The flow of money into ‘dedicated sustainable investing’ will accelerate over the next four years, with global assets hitting US$13 trillion (A$17.8 trillion) by 2050. But there are steep hurdles for fund managers hoping to take part. According to a study by Casey Quirk, a US-based Deloitte business, the four-fold predicted increase from the US$2.8…

    Greg Bright | 23rd Jul 2021 | More
    Missing the rally wasn’t Magellan’s biggest mistake

    Failing to take advantage of the recovery trade looks bad. But with Alibaba, Magellan missed a risk you could see from space. Hamish Douglass, Magellan chairman and chief investment officer, has been much maligned in recent months for something that’s probably his fault but not actually his problem: missing the market rally in late 2020….

    Lachlan Maddock | 23rd Jul 2021 | More
    “Sometimes super is not the answer”: Fryer

    Trustees need to be wary of seeing everything through the lens of super, according to Chant West’s Ian Fryer. Engaging with controversial ideas around its uses can be a boon for member outcomes. As the big banks and their superannuation products copped a hiding in the Hayne royal commission , the rivers of gold correspondingly…

    Lachlan Maddock | 23rd Jul 2021 | More
  • ‘Pre-mortems’ key to YFYS test

    Trustees should consider “pre-mortem” stress tests and a whole of portfolio approach to the YFYS performance benchmarks to avoid underperformance, according to Willis Towers Watson (WTW). Jonathan Grigg, WTW director for investments, says avoiding test failure will be a high priority for funds, but not one that can override the obligation to act in members’…

    Lachlan Maddock | 16th Jul 2021 | More
    How Mainstream proved its true value on a world stage

    To most market observers, Mainstream Group shareholders struck the jackpot with the takeover battle for the company. While happy with the result, it was not quite like that for the three founders. Judged on a world stage, they believe, the final $415 million bid represents about fair value. Sure, they recommended a lower bid worth…

    Greg Bright | 16th Jul 2021 | More
    Merger race already won

    There is a growing fear that the post-YFYS landscape will be dominated by a handful of megafunds, with competition – and differentiated member outcomes – disappearing. Super funds are about to experience a quick and bloody cull. With the first underperformance results expected on September 1, and letters to be sent out soon after advising…

    Lachlan Maddock | 16th Jul 2021 | More
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