We speak with Michael Gilmore, Head of Research at Albizia Capital, who shares his thoughts not only on the challenges presented by Coronavirus, but also on the wider regional pressures facing the South-Eastern Asian market, together with an in-depth look at the Fund’s research strategy and stock selection.

For the second instalment in this series we are delighted to share with you our discussion with explorer and environmental activist David Mayer de Rothschild. David has carved a path beyond the family business, from expeditions to social enterprises, notably crossing the Arctic in 2006, becoming the youngest British person ever to reach both geographic poles.

David speaks with us about his experience dealing with isolation on expeditions; the importance of routine, maintaining a sense of purpose and appreciating the people and comforts we so often take for granted.

As we all adapt to isolation, find new daily routines and try to cope with the current uncertainty, we speak with British skipper Alex Thomson to gain some wisdom on dealing with isolation. As one of the world’s top solo offshore sailors, Alex spends months alone at sea separated from society, everyday comforts and loved ones, putting him in a unique position to reflect on the current situation facing our world.

Looking back at the first quarter of 2020, we consider the impact of COVID-19 on an initially promising economic outlook. Exploring how portfolios have fared, we analyse how diversifiers have worked to offset market volatility and suggest that there is much opportunity to be found in these exceptional circumstances. 

Exploring the recent governmental measures used to tackle COVID-19, we question whether it's premature to interpret the economic shutdown as longer-term damage. Taking a specific look at portfolio protection and the performance of diversifiers, we maintain that the market currently presents more opportunities than threats.

After a positive New Year consensus, the prospect of a possible pandemic, together with the recent plunge in oil prices, has created significant economic disruption. This podcast addresses your questions on our macroeconomic view, how portfolios have fared and how we are positioned to take advantage of weakened markets.

We sit down at the end of the quarter to highlight any changes to portfolios over the last three months, provide our thoughts on the coming quarter and address your questions.