July 08, 2025

A Different Perspective with Marty Connaghan, Senior Investment Director at abrdn and Co Portfolio Manager of Murray International Trust PLC

1 hour 4 minutes

This week Nick talks to Marty Connaghan.

Marty began his career at Glasgow-based investment firm Murray Johnstone in 1998, and joined Aberdeen in 2001 following its acquisition of Murray Johnstone. Over the years, he has held various roles, including Dealer, ESG Analyst, and Credit Analyst. For the past 17 years, Martin has specialised in managing Global Equity and Income mandates. He has been a member of the Murray International Trust fund management team since 2017.

Nick and Marty discuss Marty's career journey and investment philosophy. Marty shares how he entered the finance world unexpectedly, starting as an office junior at Murray Johnstone after leaving university early. His curiosity and persistence led him through roles in investment accounting, trading, credit analysis, and eventually into fund management. Over nearly three decades, he has developed a focus on global equity and income strategies, managing portfolios with a strong emphasis on quality companies with reliable and growing dividends. Marty highlights the importance of understanding businesses deeply and constructing portfolios that balance yield, sustainability, and long-term value.

Nick and Marty also discuss macroeconomic dynamics, the impact of political volatility—especially from the U.S.—on markets, and the challenges and opportunities within sectors like healthcare, consumer staples, and emerging markets. Marty emphasises the disciplined approach of staying true to the fund's objective rather than chasing market fads. They also cover ESG integration, passive investing’s distortion of markets, and UK equity undervaluation.

Marty's Book choices where:
All That Matters - Sir Chris Hoy
Andre Agassi - Open
Danny Champion of The World - Roald Dahl

Marty's music choice was:
Nothing Can Change This Love by Otis Reading

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