In this episode, Crista Caughlin, lead Portfolio Manager of the Canadian Bond Strategy, and Brian Carney, lead Portfolio Manager of the Global Credit Opportunities Strategy, provide their thoughts on recent economic data releases, a shift in central bank language, and recent market volatility. They delve into new issuance activity in the U.S. and C…

In this episode of the podcast, Mark Rutherford, Co-Manager of the Canadian large-cap equity strategy, discusses the current investment landscape in Canada, highlighting the wide dispersion in sector performance and the impact of central bank policies. He delves into the long-term theme of the global energy transition and its far-reaching effects o…

In this episode, Portfolio Manager Manar Hassan-Agha discusses how the Global Equity Team navigates an exuberant market environment while staying true to Mawer’s disciplined investment approach. He delves into the potential impacts of emerging trends, namely artificial intelligence (AI), and provides examples of the team’s measured approach to eval…

Portfolio Manager Crista Caughlin discusses the economy and factors that drove markets in the second quarter of 2024. Key points from this episode: Because inflation is easing at a gradual pace, central banks with likely be cutting rates gradually. We are at the end of a global tightening cycle and starting to see countries tweak their policies to …

In this episode, Portfolio Manager Jeff Mo makes the case for investing in U.S. mid-cap equities, highlighting the country’s strong business environment, large domestic market, and GDP growth. He discusses current market trends, including artificial intelligence, and his team’s risk management evaluation, especially with a pivotal U.S. election loo…

In this episode, Portfolio Manager Jeff Mo discusses common behavioral biases that can hinder clear sell decisions, and the tools, such as checklists and trigger points, that can help slow down emotional thinking. He provides examples of companies that he and his team properly exited based on changing fundamentals as well as those they may have hel…

In this episode, we explore the growing electricity demands of data centers stemming from artificial intelligence (AI) with Chris Silvestre, Analyst on the U.S. Equity Team. He shares insights from a recent research trip visiting data centers in Northern Virginia—the data center capital of the world—and discusses challenges around meeting demands g…

Portfolio Manager Karan Phadke discusses his views on the global markets and the performance of the global small-cap portfolio. He illustrates how businesses are adapting to and utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting the difference between the value-added reseller and IT consultant business models. Two portfolio holdings, CBIZ and Con…

In this episode, Portfolio Manager Colin Wong shares strategic insights on disruptive technologies and recent adjustments in the U.S. equity portfolio. Colin discusses how his team navigates market exuberance, consensus risks, and economic ebbs and flows with a focus on resilient returns. Through compelling examples, Colin provides actionable insig…

Portfolio Manager Wen Cheong debunks the perceived challenges of investing in the emerging market space, highlighting his team’s concentrated approach and candour. He details how his focus on best-in-class management and passion for identifying attractive valuations has powered returns. Key points from this episode: • Small-cap companies are a pond…

Building on his conversation in Episode 153, Portfolio Manager Samir Taghiyev takes a deep dive into the mental models and frameworks that Mawer uses to evaluate company management teams, particularly within the small-cap space. Using both personal and financial examples, he illustrates the benefit of exploration and exploitation, striking a balanc…

Portfolio Manager Samir Taghiyev discusses the current landscape of the Canadian small-cap space through the lens of the “Mr. Market” narrative and crowd-driven sentiments. Using Converge Technology Solutions as an example, Taghiyev sheds light on his team’s due diligence process and how they find opportunities by tuning out the noise. Key points f…

As markets continue on a dynamic trend, fixed income portfolio manager Crista Caughlin discusses the economy and factors that drove markets in the first quarter of 2024. In addition, the reemergence of a more typical correlation pattern between stocks and bonds, getting central banks off the sidelines, and the concern that markets may be being too …

Portfolio Manager Manar Hassan-Agha discusses the importance of position sizing in investing and how factors like behavioural biases, market structures, and optimal betting strategies under the Kelly Criterion can impact returns at varying position weights. The conversation explores limitations in precisely calculating probabilities and edges for s…

Portfolio Manager Peter Lampert breaks down the decision to re-open the strategy to new institutional investors and the key inputs that determine the strategy’s capacity. In addition, “a tale of two acquisitions”: one head scratching, the other improving the investment thesis of the holding. Key Points From This Episode: Breaking down the decision …

In this episode, host Rob Campbell and 11 colleagues on the research team engage in a comprehensive post-mortem analysis, sharing candid reflections on their decision-making processes over the past year. This episode underscores the significance of learning from both successes and mistakes, highlighting the value of vulnerability and introspection …

In this episode, newly appointed Fixed Income Portfolio Manager at Mawer, Brian Carney, shares his insights on global credit strategies. With over 30 years of experience in the investment industry, Brian discusses his career journey, the evolution of credit markets, and his perspectives on current market dynamics. He highlights Mawer's approach to …

In this episode, Manar Hassan-Agha, co-manager of the Global Equity Strategy, joins host Rob Campbell to discuss applying the 'Moneyball' process in evaluating past investment decisions. They unpack the lessons learned from this approach, emphasizing long-term thinking in investment strategies. The conversation highlights critical insights from the…

In this episode, Kevin Minas sits down with Crista Caughlin, Lead Portfolio Manager at Mawer, focusing on the key economic developments of Q4, including growth levels, inflation trends, and the resilience of financial markets. They speak on the nuances of the Canadian bond strategy and the impact of these economic factors on portfolio management. K…

In this episode, Dave Ragan, co-manager for the EAFE large-cap strategy, speaks on the current state and future prospects of EAFE markets. He delves into Japan's market challenges and opportunities, examines the impact of global interest rates and economic conditions, and explores the decision-making processes in market volatility. Key Points From …

Portfolio Manager Peter Lampert dives into the world of emerging markets, sharing what’s changed for the portfolio since last year, insights on where we’re seeing new opportunities (e.g., Brazil), and the impact of geopolitical risks in Eastern Europe. He also explores why we’ve reduced our weight and exposure in China and what a slowdown in emergi…

Today on the podcast, Equity Analyst Michael Vogel discusses the importance of analyzing technological shifts beyond artificial intelligence and how these shifts can impact non-tech companies in the portfolio. Michael emphasizes the cultural approach to holding views lightly and shares examples of how the Research team navigates these changes. Key …

A recap of the quarter and our thoughts on the hard vs. soft landing debate. Highlights: Main drivers of the market pullback Inflation’s persistent “stickiness” and potential implications of “higher for longer” interest rates How are consumers faring? Asset mix update Looking ahead—what’s on our radar…

Main themes impacting the portfolio and the benefits of systematically tracking investment decisions. Highlights: Valuation considerations in a higher rate environment How (and why) we’ve started systematically tracking and analyzing our investment decisions Portfolio adjustments—adding AltaGas, exiting Enbridge and Agnico Eagle Quick dive into Dol…

A look at the strategy a year on and why we think valuation should be more top of mind for investors. Highlights: Influence of big tech stocks on the U.S. market and associated impacts to the small and mid cap space The AI theme continues—Elastic, Concentrix, Moderna Why is the U.S. market more expensive compared to its developed market peers? Regi…

How we approach finding new ideas in the widest investment universe. Highlights Eagles and vultures mental model—why idea generation is better enabled by one shared investment philosophy and knowledge base E.g., Novo Nordisk and Publicis What is the “Bathroom List” and its role in our investment process and ESG considerations—e.g., JDE Peet’s Why n…

Unpacking one of our key mental models around investing and managing risk. Highlights: What we mean by “non-predictive decision making” Examining the question, “what’s your outlook and how you are positioned accordingly?” through a non-predictive decision-making lens The important difference between vulnerabilities and triggers Vulnerabilities we’r…

Market drivers that stood out this quarter, where inflation is at, and an asset mix update. Highlights: How markets have been climbing a “wall of worry” Recalling Cisco Systems and considering implications around the current concentration of tech stocks in the S&P 500 Our thoughts on the continuing rate hikes and “soft landing” scenario Holding cas…

Top highlights from the team’s recent research trips and a few business models we’re excited about. Highlights: Insights from visiting Norway, the Netherlands, Kazakhstan, India and some holdings—Equinor, AutoStore™, Ahold Delhaize, Adyen, Genmab, Kaspi, Weir, HDFC Bank Why we’ve been reducing our weight in China and our current thinking around reg…

A deep dive into key themes we’ve been focusing on, recent additions to the portfolio, and a few changes. Highlights: Quick recap: What has changed with the portfolio since 2022? What we mean by “engaged owners” (and the difference they can make) Why we are looking for companies with lower duration How we try to find a variant perception from the m…

Why management teams matter, energy companies rarely meet our investment criteria, and JPMorgan and State Street differ from many regional banks. Highlights Potential implications of the recent advancements in generative AI U.S. regional banking challenges and our exposure Why we don’t currently own any energy sector companies in the portfolio A lo…

Why genuine knowledge building and the ability to learn effectively in investing is difficult, and how we try to work around those challenges. Highlights: Context setting: What does “epistemology” mean, and why did we get excited about it in relation to investing? What is knowledge? How do you create it? The two founding blocks: Inductive and deduc…

The major themes of the quarter, where we are in the interest rate hike cycle, and our thoughts on the recent banking crisis. Highlights: The slow-moving impacts of central bank policy on inflation Our banking exposure Why it’s important for investors not to fear recessions Asset mix update

This episode, we discuss our seven-point management assessment framework (with examples), our risk management approach, and overall thoughts on energy. Highlights: Why it’s difficult to find energy companies with sustainable competitive advantages—and where we see some opportunities—e.g., Parex Resources and International Petroleum Corporation Anot…

Digging into last year’s performance drivers, the current opportunity set, and benefits of resuming boots-on-the-ground research. Highlights: A review of the market and our strategy’s performance in 2022 and three key learnings Why we exited Kakao, and some of the new additions to the portfolio: Salik, Vesta Risks we’re monitoring—and managing: Chi…

The nuanced impacts of inflation to companies’ balance sheets that investors might be missing. Highlights: How inflation can present major challenges to businesses Why investors need to look more closely at maintenance capital expenditures and depreciation expenditures—e.g., Dollar General A return to accounting basics and monitoring inventory bala…

Chief Investment Officer Paul Moroz shares takeaways from the Research team's annual post-mortem discussions. Highlights: The cyclical—and long-term—aspect to investment learnings Why interest rake hikes were a big factor and topic of conversation “Fishtailing” and the difficulties of trying to right-size information How emotional intelligence make…

Portfolio Manager Crista Caughlin walks listeners through the tumultuous bond market experiences of 2022 and outlines three main economic scenarios the team is monitoring for 2023. Highlights: Are reports of the 60/40 portfolio’s death greatly exaggerated? 2022 recap: What happened in bond markets? How can the yield curve un-invert? Key takeaways f…

Some of the main challenges facing the continent, what we gleaned from visiting over 45 companies, and ESG considerations that are front of mind for major European investment firms. Highlights: Our thoughts on the prevailing macro concerns—e.g., inflation energy crisis “Collective corporate memory” and why the history of Europe is an important and …

A review of last quarter, the major themes and takeaways from 2022, and what’s on the horizon for the new year. Highlights: How we did—and what factors impacted relative performance Why 2022 was difficult for Balanced investors Discount rates have gone up…where are valuations at? Inflation expectations, interest rates, labour markets, earnings, and…

What investors can learn from the s-curves of technologies both old and new. Highlights How S-curves relate to TAM (total addressable market)—and what piqued our interest about them in the first place Types of S-curves Where different technologies fall into an S-curve: E.g., cars, refrigerators, landlines, TVs, Kindles, USB ports, and biologic drug…

What we think about the newly proposed tax on share buybacks in Canada, a balanced take on the energy theme, and where we’ve trimmed, exited, and added in the portfolio. Highlights: Which sectors may be most affected by the buyback tax Holdings that showed strong fundamentals throughout this year’s volatility—e.g., Canadian Natural Resources, Sunco…

How do investors figure out what a company is worth? (Especially in a higher inflationary and interest rate environment?) Highlights Why doing a qualitative assessment of each company is our first filter How we try to determine valuations without missing the actual fundamentals (e.g., Trisura and Kinsale) and why valuation is only one input in the …

A deep dive—right to the atomic level—of how semiconductors work and the potential implications for the industry when Moore’s Law comes to an end. Highlights The transistor—a brief history What is a semiconductor? Why are they special? (Hint: atomic-level, laser precision manufacturing) HSMC, ASML, Amazon, KLA, Samsung—what the end of Moore’s Law m…

The deglobalization shift, long-term opportunities we’re seeing in utilities, and what’s interesting about gravel. Highlights: Impacts of currency swings and a strong U.S. dollar at the portfolio and company level Why we’re shifting to more domestic companies: E.g., Texas Instruments, Martin Marietta, Paychex The long-term runway potential for util…

The “Swiss cheese” mental model for risk management, why we initiated in Moderna, and how to test if you have a variant perception from the broader market.

Market swings, central bank moves, and rising interest rates. A look at Q3.

What makes the U.S. mid cap investable universe unique, some key learnings since the strategy’s launch, and how inflation can be a “positive” for wealth-creating companies.

Why small caps may zig while large caps zag, the advantage of businesses that sell scarce skills (CBIZ, Insperity, RS Group), and why eyewear retail is harder than it…looks.

The impacts of inflation, interest rates, and sharp currency movements on the portfolio, and the importance of leaning in to process and keeping a long-term perspective.