As European countries increase defence spending, allocators are weighing up the risk and opportunity of allocating more to the sector. For some, investing in defence sits relatively comfortably with stakeholders but for others, investing “in things that kill people” remains a highly controversial conversation.
When global asset owners gathered at London’s historic Rosewood Hotel to gauge market sentiment and explore investment strategies and ideas, the tone was remarkably upbeat in a conversation that spanned currency strategies, the muted impact of geopolitics on asset prices, and the importance of managing human bias.
Celebrated academic Timothy Garton Ash reflects on the vital changes that Europe needs to achieve to thrive in its next evolution: success in Ukraine, its own defence industry, implementation of Draghi’s recommendations, and a resolution to the cultural and social tensions gripping the continent – to name a few.
The US has driven portfolio returns for decades, but investors are increasingly concerned that US-dominant portfolios are jeopardising precious diversification. USS, NBIM and IMCO share strategies to foster diversification including different currency exposures and investing in emerging markets.
Ensuring a sustainable income in retirement is an enduringly knotty problem and one that continues to preoccupy countries’ pension systems and their asset manager partners. NEST, Sweden’s Fund Selection Agency and US asset manager Apollo reflect on the future of retirement.
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