The Sharpe End

With plenty of debate about the state of the US economy, whether the inflation dragon is slain or not, if the landing will be a soft one, and when the Fed might start cutting rates, the team discuss whether the US economic porridge is too hot, too cold or just right. The US consumer is next on the menu as some recent weakness in areas of consumer spending has the team pondering if these shifts in how hard-earned cash is being spent are cyclical or longer-term in nature. Finally, the team turn to Sony, of PlayStation and Walkman fame, to discuss why the business is more than just its well-known electronics and what has made the company an interesting investment for the funds.

This podcast was recorded on 11 April 2024.

If during this podcast the team reference any terms you're unfamiliar with, please see our glossary www.rathbonesam.com/glossary-of-terms-and-faqs which will provide an explanation.

Rathbones multi-asset investing team:

David Coombs, Head of Multi-Asset Investments
Will McIntosh-Whyte, Fund Manager, Rathbone Greenbank Multi-Asset Portfolio funds and Rathbone Multi-Asset Portfolio funds
Craig Brown, Senior Multi-Asset Investment Specialist
Rahab Paracha, Sustainable Multi-Asset Investment Specialist 

About Rathbones:
Rathbones, a FTSE 250 listed company, provides individual investment and wealth management services for private clients, charities, trustees and professional partners. Rathbones Asset Management is a UK fund manager, offering equity and bond unit trusts and a multi-asset fund range to meet your capital growth and income requirements. Rathbones Asset Management Limited is a wholly-owned, London-based subsidiary of Rathbones Group plc.

This podcast is intended for retail and professional investors. Any views and opinions are those of the investment manager, and coverage of any assets held must be taken in context of the constitution of the fund and in no way reflect an investment recommendation. Past performance should not be seen as an indication of future performance. The value of investments and the income from them may go down as well as up and you may not get back your original investment. This podcast has been produced for information purposes only and isn’t intended to constitute financial advice. Any views expressed during this recording belong to the individuals and are based on market conditions at the time of recording; Investments referred to may not be suitable for all recipients. Any mention of a specific security should not be interpreted as a solicitation to buy or sell a specific security. Rathbones Asset Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. A member of the Investment Association. A member of the Rathbones Group. Registered office: 8 Finsbury Circus, London, EC2M 7AZ. Registered in England No. 02376568.

While the US economy and markets seemingly look in a pretty good place right now, the team discuss one of the potential flies in the ointment: US commercial real estate. Many worries have been floated about large cuts to office property values – are they valid? And if so what second order impacts could there be? The focus then turns eastward to the rise of Japan’s stock market and increased investor interest. This leads the team to discuss whether years of corporate reform could mean a new dawn for the nation or just another false one. Finally, the Magnificent Seven is tackled head on as the team discuss Nvidia, the darling of the market, to highlight what the company does, how it has changed, and why it has earned plaudits and a stratospheric share price rise.

This podcast was recorded on 14 March 2024.

If during this podcast the team reference any terms you're unfamiliar with, please see our glossary www.rathbonesam.com/glossary-of-terms-and-faqs which will provide an explanation.

Rathbones multi-asset investing team:
David Coombs, Head of Multi-Asset Investments
Will McIntosh-Whyte, Fund Manager, Rathbone Greenbank Multi-Asset Portfolio funds and Rathbone Multi-Asset Portfolio funds
Craig Brown, Senior Multi-Asset Investment Specialist
Rahab Paracha, Sustainable Multi-Asset Investment Specialist 

About Rathbones:
Rathbones, a FTSE 250 listed company, provides individual investment and wealth management services for private clients, charities, trustees and professional partners. Rathbones Asset Management is a UK fund manager, offering equity and bond unit trusts and a multi-asset fund range to meet your capital growth and income requirements. Rathbones Asset Management Limited is a wholly-owned, London-based subsidiary of Rathbones Group plc.

This podcast is intended for retail and professional investors. Any views and opinions are those of the investment manager, and coverage of any assets held must be taken in context of the constitution of the fund and in no way reflect an investment recommendation. Past performance should not be seen as an indication of future performance. The value of investments and the income from them may go down as well as up and you may not get back your original investment. This podcast has been produced for information purposes only and isn’t intended to constitute financial advice. Any views expressed during this recording belong to the individuals and are based on market conditions at the time of recording; Investments referred to may not be suitable for all recipients. Any mention of a specific security should not be interpreted as a solicitation to buy or sell a specific security. Rathbones Asset Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. A member of the Investment Association. A member of the Rathbones Group. Registered office: 8 Finsbury Circus, London, EC2M 7AZ. Registered in England No. 02376568.

The Magnificent Seven was the buzz phrase of 2023 as seven stocks drove so much of the return from US equity markets. America isn't the only place with a concentration issue though: it’s the same picture in Europe and the UK. The team look forward and discuss what risks and opportunities may lie ahead as a result of this phenomenon. They then turn to the defence sector and why there might be some meaningful changes afoot to drive more government spending in this area. Finally, Canadian e-commerce company Shopify is on the agenda as the team outline the company's broad appeal, along with the ups and downs of their journey owning this name.

This podcast was recorded on 8 February 2024.

If during this podcast the team reference any terms you're unfamiliar with, please see our glossary www.rathbonesam.com/glossary-of-terms-and-faqs which will provide an explanation.

Rathbones multi-asset investing team:
David Coombs, Head of Multi-Asset Investments
Will McIntosh-Whyte, Fund Manager, Rathbone Greenbank Multi-Asset Portfolio funds and Rathbone Multi-Asset Portfolio funds
Craig Brown, Senior Multi-Asset Investment Specialist
Rahab Paracha, Sustainable Multi-Asset Investment Specialist 

About Rathbones:
Rathbones, a FTSE 250 listed company, provides individual investment and wealth management services for private clients, charities, trustees and professional partners. Rathbones Asset Management is a UK fund manager, offering equity and bond unit trusts and a multi-asset fund range to meet your capital growth and income requirements. Rathbones Asset Management Limited is a wholly-owned, London-based subsidiary of Rathbones Group plc.

This podcast is intended for retail and professional investors. Any views and opinions are those of the investment manager, and coverage of any assets held must be taken in context of the constitution of the fund and in no way reflect an investment recommendation. Past performance should not be seen as an indication of future performance. The value of investments and the income from them may go down as well as up and you may not get back your original investment. This podcast has been produced for information purposes only and isn’t intended to constitute financial advice. Any views expressed during this recording belong to the individuals and are based on market conditions at the time of recording; Investments referred to may not be suitable for all recipients. Any mention of a specific security should not be interpreted as a solicitation to buy or sell a specific security. Rathbones Asset Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. A member of the Investment Association. A member of the Rathbones Group. Registered office: 8 Finsbury Circus, London, EC2M 7AZ. Registered in England No. 02376568.

After the roller coaster that was 2023, the team discuss getting their bearings for the year ahead. Then, speaking of creaking behemoth structures in need of investment, they explain why they’ve been buying general infrastructure funds for the first time ever. Finally, a new portfolio holding is German medtech company Carl Zeiss, which specialises in cutting-edge tools for eye health. Perhaps some of Carl Zeiss’ products may help us all better see what the year ahead might hold…

This podcast was recorded on 11 January 2024.

If during this podcast the team reference any terms you're unfamiliar with, please see our glossary www.rathbonesam.com/glossary-of-terms-and-faqs which will provide an explanation.

Rathbones multi-asset investing team:

David Coombs, Head of Multi-Asset Investments

Will McIntosh-Whyte, Fund Manager, Rathbone Greenbank Multi-Asset Portfolio funds and Rathbone Multi-Asset Portfolio funds

Craig Brown, Senior Multi-Asset Investment Specialist

Rahab Paracha, Sustainable Multi-Asset Investment Specialist

About Rathbones:

Rathbones, a FTSE 250 listed company, provides individual investment and wealth management services for private clients, charities, trustees and professional partners. Rathbones Asset Management is a UK fund manager, offering equity and bond unit trusts and a multi-asset fund range to meet your capital growth and income requirements. Rathbones Asset Management Limited is a wholly-owned, London-based subsidiary of Rathbones Group plc.

This podcast is intended for retail and professional investors. Any views and opinions are those of the investment manager, and coverage of any assets held must be taken in context of the constitution of the fund and in no way reflect an investment recommendation. Past performance should not be seen as an indication of future performance. The value of investments and the income from them may go down as well as up and you may not get back your original investment. This podcast has been produced for information purposes only and isn’t intended to constitute financial advice. Any views expressed during this recording belong to the individuals and are based on market conditions at the time of recording; Investments referred to may not be suitable for all recipients. Any mention of a specific security should not be interpreted as a solicitation to buy or sell a specific security. Rathbones Asset Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. A member of the Investment Association. A member of the Rathbones Group. Registered office: 8 Finsbury Circus, London, EC2M 7AZ. Registered in England No. 02376568.

It’s that time of year again where the whole Sharpe End team get together for the Christmas Special and become David’s judge and jury on the predictions he made for 2023 at the end of last year. Did David’s crystal ball serve him well in calling what happens to the bond markets, commodity markets, equity markets, and a few more random areas too!? Last year David managed 5.5 points, an advance on the 4.5 points of the year previous. Will his march toward prediction perfection continue, or will it all come crashing down to reality with a bump?

Rathbones multi-asset investing team:
David Coombs, Head of Multi-Asset Investments
Will McIntosh-Whyte, Fund Manager, Rathbone Greenbank Multi-Asset Portfolio funds and Rathbone Multi-Asset Portfolio funds
Craig Brown, Senior Multi-Asset Investment Specialist
Rahab Paracha, Sustainable Multi-Asset Investment Specialist 

About Rathbones:
Rathbones, a FTSE 250 listed company, provides individual investment and wealth management services for private clients, charities, trustees and professional partners. Rathbones Asset Management is a UK fund manager, offering equity and bond unit trusts and a multi-asset fund range to meet your capital growth and income requirements. Rathbones Asset Management Limited is a wholly-owned, London-based subsidiary of Rathbones Group plc.

This podcast is intended for retail and professional investors. Any views and opinions are those of the investment manager, and coverage of any assets held must be taken in context of the constitution of the fund and in no way reflect an investment recommendation. Past performance should not be seen as an indication of future performance. The value of investments and the income from them may go down as well as up and you may not get back your original investment. This podcast has been produced for information purposes only and isn’t intended to constitute financial advice. Any views expressed during this recording belong to the individuals and are based on market conditions at the time of recording; Investments referred to may not be suitable for all recipients. Any mention of a specific security should not be interpreted as a solicitation to buy or sell a specific security. Rathbones Asset Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. A member of the Investment Association. A member of the Rathbones Group. Registered office: 8 Finsbury Circus, London, EC2M 7AZ. Registered in England No. 02376568.

Is US President Joe Biden’s huge infrastructure stimulus bending the US Treasury yield curve more than Beckham at the dead ball? Moderating inflation hasn’t stopped long-term US Treasury bond yields from whipping higher (and therefore prices falling sharply) in the past couple of months – could it be worries around government spending and the much larger amount of bonds being sold at auction? Meanwhile, earnings season has dominated stock markets recently, so the team discuss the winners and losers this time round and why. Lastly, they share why US landfill and recycling business Waste Management is more exciting than you may first think.

This podcast was recorded on 2 November 2023.

Rathbones multi-asset investing team:
David Coombs, Head of Multi-Asset Investments
Will McIntosh-Whyte, Fund Manager, Rathbone Greenbank Multi-Asset Portfolio funds and Rathbone Multi-Asset Portfolio funds
Craig Brown, Senior Multi-Asset Investment Specialist
Rahab Paracha, Sustainable Multi-Asset Investment Specialist 

About Rathbones:

Rathbones, a FTSE 250 listed company, provides individual investment and wealth management services for private clients, charities, trustees and professional partners. Rathbone Unit Trust Management (Rathbone Funds) is a UK fund manager, offering equity and bond unit trusts and a multi-asset fund range to meet your capital growth and income requirements. Rathbone Unit Trust Management Limited is a wholly-owned, London-based subsidiary of Rathbones Group plc.

This podcast is intended for retail and professional investors. Any views and opinions are those of the investment manager, and coverage of any assets held must be taken in context of the constitution of the fund and in no way reflect an investment recommendation. Past performance should not be seen as an indication of future performance. The value of investments and the income from them may go down as well as up and you may not get back your original investment. This podcast has been produced for information purposes only and isn’t intended to constitute financial advice. Any views expressed during this recording belong to the individuals and are based on market conditions at the time of recording; Investments referred to may not be suitable for all recipients. Any mention of a specific security should not be interpreted as a solicitation to buy or sell a specific security. Rathbone Unit Trust Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. A member of the Investment Association. A member of the Rathbones Group. Registered office: 8 Finsbury Circus, London, EC2M 7AZ. Registered in England No. 02376568.

The team discuss the very different approaches to government investment in the US and UK and how this impacts the relative attractiveness of those economies. Next-generation weight loss drugs have grabbed the headlines of late, but unpicking the long-term impacts of these treatments on businesses is fraught with difficulty. Then, in the interests of balance, the team turn to alcohol and burgers as they discuss their recent switch from drinks giant Diageo to fast-food behemoth McDonalds.

This podcast was recorded on 5 October 2023.

Rathbones multi-asset investing team:
David Coombs, Head of Multi-Asset Investments
Will McIntosh-Whyte, Fund Manager, Rathbone Greenbank Multi-Asset Portfolio funds and Rathbone Multi-Asset Portfolio funds
Craig Brown, Senior Multi-Asset Investment Specialist
Rahab Paracha, Sustainable Multi-Asset Investment Specialist 

About Rathbones:

Rathbones, a FTSE 250 listed company, provides individual investment and wealth management services for private clients, charities, trustees and professional partners. Rathbone Unit Trust Management (Rathbone Funds) is a UK fund manager, offering equity and bond unit trusts and a multi-asset fund range to meet your capital growth and income requirements. Rathbone Unit Trust Management Limited is a wholly-owned, London-based subsidiary of Rathbones Group plc.

This podcast is intended for retail and professional investors. Any views and opinions are those of the investment manager, and coverage of any assets held must be taken in context of the constitution of the fund and in no way reflect an investment recommendation. Past performance should not be seen as an indication of future performance. The value of investments and the income from them may go down as well as up and you may not get back your original investment. This podcast has been produced for information purposes only and isn’t intended to constitute financial advice. Any views expressed during this recording belong to the individuals and are based on market conditions at the time of recording; Investments referred to may not be suitable for all recipients. Any mention of a specific security should not be interpreted as a solicitation to buy or sell a specific security. Rathbone Unit Trust Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. A member of the Investment Association. A member of the Rathbones Group. Registered office: 8 Finsbury Circus, London, EC2M 7AZ. Registered in England No. 02376568.

With an array of UK retailers struggling and the housing market slump deepening, the team discuss managing exposure to the UK and why they are keeping an eye on the escalating government clampdown on Airbnb. Also, in recognition of National Inclusion Week, the team share how they think about diversity when investing and why Nike, one of the few consumer stocks they hold, is one company that has navigated this area successfully.

This podcast was recorded on 7 September 2023.

Rathbones multi-asset investing team:

David Coombs, Head of Multi-Asset Investments

Will McIntosh-Whyte, Fund Manager, Rathbone Greenbank Multi-Asset Portfolio funds and Rathbone Multi-Asset Portfolio funds

Craig Brown, Senior Multi-Asset Investment Specialist

Rahab Paracha, Sustainable Multi-Asset Investment Specialist

About Rathbones:

Rathbones, a FTSE 250 listed company, provides individual investment and wealth management services for private clients, charities, trustees and professional partners. Rathbone Unit Trust Management (Rathbone Funds) is a UK fund manager, offering equity and bond unit trusts and a multi-asset fund range to meet your capital growth and income requirements. Rathbone Unit Trust Management Limited is a wholly-owned, London-based subsidiary of Rathbones Group plc.

This podcast is intended for professional investors, and must not be shared with a non-professional audience. Any views and opinions are those of the investment manager, and coverage of any assets held must be taken in context of the constitution of the fund and in no way reflect an investment recommendation. Past performance should not be seen as an indication of future performance. The value of investments and the income from them may go down as well as up and you may not get back your original investment. This podcast has been produced for information purposes only and isn’t intended to constitute financial advice. Any views expressed during this recording belong to the individuals and are based on market conditions at the time of recording; Investments referred to may not be suitable for all recipients. Any mention of a specific security should not be interpreted as a solicitation to buy or sell a specific security. Rathbone Unit Trust Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. A member of the Investment Association. A member of the Rathbones Group. Registered office: 8 Finsbury Circus, London, EC2M 7AZ. Registered in England No. 02376568.

The team cast their minds back to the days before we knew what COVID was and when inflation was considered conquered to review an investment report they published in 2019 called Ditch the Models. Which of these models the team suggested ditching panned out the way they expected? And are there any others that could do with being ditched today? The swiftly growing animal health sector is the final topic as the team discuss how to avoid the dogs in the space and hopefully end up as the cats who got the cream.

This podcast was recorded on 28 July 2023.

Rathbones multi-asset investing team:
David Coombs, Head of Multi-Asset Investments
Will McIntosh-Whyte, Fund Manager, Rathbone Greenbank Multi-Asset Portfolio funds and Rathbone Multi-Asset Portfolio funds
Craig Brown, Senior Multi-Asset Investment Specialist
Rahab Paracha, Sustainable Multi-Asset Investment Specialist 

About Rathbones:
Rathbones, a FTSE 250 listed company, provides individual investment and wealth management services for private clients, charities, trustees and professional partners. Rathbone Unit Trust Management (Rathbone Funds) is a UK fund manager, offering equity and bond unit trusts and a multi-asset fund range to meet your capital growth and income requirements. Rathbone Unit Trust Management Limited is a wholly-owned, London-based subsidiary of Rathbone Group plc.

This podcast is intended for professional investors, and must not be shared with a non-professional audience. Any views and opinions are those of the investment manager, and coverage of any assets held must be taken in context of the constitution of the fund and in no way reflect an investment recommendation. Past performance should not be seen as an indication of future performance. The value of investments and the income from them may go down as well as up and you may not get back your original investment. This podcast has been produced for information purposes only and isn’t intended to constitute financial advice. Any views expressed during this recording belong to the individuals and are based on market conditions at the time of recording; Investments referred to may not be suitable for all recipients. Any mention of a specific security should not be interpreted as a solicitation to buy or sell a specific security. Rathbone Unit Trust Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. A member of the Investment Association. A member of the Rathbones Group. Registered office: 8 Finsbury Circus, London, EC2M 7AZ. Registered in England No. 02376568.

The chemicals sector is often the canary in the economic coal mine, so a spate of profit warnings spark a discussion among the team. Meanwhile, is the pent-up demand from COVID-delayed elective surgeries finally coming on stream, and what would it mean for med-tech companies? Finally, the team takes a deep dive on German industrial giant Siemens, which has spent a decade reshaping its business.

This podcast was recorded on 6 July 2023.

Rathbones multi-asset investing team:

David Coombs, Head of Multi-Asset Investments

Will McIntosh-Whyte, Fund Manager, Rathbone Greenbank Multi-Asset Portfolio funds and Rathbone Multi-Asset Portfolio funds

Craig Brown, Senior Multi-Asset Investment Specialist

Rahab Paracha, Sustainable Multi-Asset Investment Specialist

About Rathbones:

Rathbones, a FTSE 250 listed company, provides individual investment and wealth management services for private clients, charities, trustees and professional partners. Rathbone Unit Trust Management (Rathbone Funds) is a UK fund manager, offering equity and bond unit trusts and a multi-asset fund range to meet your capital growth and income requirements. Rathbone Unit Trust Management Limited is a wholly-owned, London-based subsidiary of Rathbone Group plc.

This podcast is intended for professional investors, and must not be shared with a non-professional audience. Any views and opinions are those of the investment manager, and coverage of any assets held must be taken in context of the constitution of the fund and in no way reflect an investment recommendation. Past performance should not be seen as an indication of future performance. The value of investments and the income from them may go down as well as up and you may not get back your original investment. This podcast has been produced for information purposes only and isn’t intended to constitute financial advice. Any views expressed during this recording belong to the individuals and are based on market conditions at the time of recording; Investments referred to may not be suitable for all recipients. Any mention of a specific security should not be interpreted as a solicitation to buy or sell a specific security. Rathbone Unit Trust Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. A member of the Investment Association. A member of the Rathbones Group. Registered office: 8 Finsbury Circus, London, EC2M 7AZ. Registered in England No. 02376568.