Finding opportunities in EM Debt through a specialist boutique approach

Aktia Asset Management is a true pioneer in sustainable investing within Emerging Market Debt, having established a very substantial and well-established capability across Hard, Local and Local Frontier EMD bond strategies since 2007.

Aktia EMD’s investment philosophy is based on a benchmark agnostic, country fundamental driven approach which incorporates ESG integration and has no tracking error limits. Aktia believes their benchmark agnostic approach can lead to better sustainability outcomes as they can zero weight countries to avoid significant ESG risks.

Aktia have a particular expertise in Frontier Markets. Whilst Frontier Markets encompass less established economies compared to traditional EM investing, they can typically offer strong economic growth potential with independent return drivers, in other words low correlation to global markets risk sentiment/other asset classes. Despite this, Frontier Local Currency Markets are typically overlooked by international investors.

Aktia AM has been awarded the Best European Fixed Income fund house 2022 in the boutiques series within the Refinitiv Lipper Funds Awards comparison.

Precision Medicine is real: how to get ahead of the curve

Precision Medicine is a fundamental change in medicine happening now, but most people have never heard of it. It is an accelerating trend with decades of growth ahead so now is an excellent time to get ahead of the curve. Precision Medicine is the opposite of everything that has happened for the last 100+ years. It moves away from the current 'one size fits all' method to a more tailored approach to treating disease, with huge benefits for patients, society and investors. Mark will explain what it is, why it is attractive and how this unique fund captures its growth with a process that is different. Most importantly, he will explain it in plain English.

How Global Fixed Income can deliver capital preservation and diversification in an environment of disinflation and heightened recessionary risk

Mondrian Investment Partners has successfully managed Global Fixed Income portfolios for institutional investors for over 30 years, utilising a value-oriented philosophy, which offers high income in real (inflation-adjusted) terms. Mondrian’s portfolio manager, Matt Day, will discuss how the Mondrian Global Fixed Income Fund aims to deliver excess returns, income, capital preservation and diversification.

Uncovering opportunities in biodiversity

30% of biodiversity decline is caused by land usage for large scale food production and international trade is likewise responsible for 30% of global species threat. As biodiversity loss moves up the regulatory, consumer and policy agenda, Amanda O’Toole, lead portfolio manager of the Redwheel Biodiversity Strategy, explains her approach to identifying the technologies and products that will have the greatest impact on reducing threats to biodiversity and the greatest potential for generating returns.

Navigating the emerging markets opportunity

Emerging markets present a distinctive context in which to operate a business, with constant evolution – and sometimes revolution – in economic, political, regulatory and financial conditions. Investors have been reminded of this reality recently following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Chinese state’s focus on ‘common prosperity’ and the risk of an economic cold war between the United States and China. This presentation highlights the need to focus on alignment, and only investing alongside managers and owners in emerging markets with good reputations. As Thomas Jefferson said “a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor”.

Asia High Dividend Equity Investing

Dividend income is a core return component when investing in Asia, with c.56% of the total return of the MSCI AC Asia ex-Japan Index coming from dividends since 2001.

There is a significant positive correlation between Dividend Payout Ratio and Return on Equity within the mid to large cap space in Asia - presenting an attractive universe to hunt for high quality companies.

By undertaking deep fundamental research, Value Partners seek to identify companies with financial health, strong earnings growth and stable cash flows, which can be translated into dividend and growth potential.