Insights Exchange 2024
by Private Clients

May 2024

In this series of short videos, our investment team sits down with esteemed financial journalist, Bruce Whitfield to share their views on markets, investment themes and where they are currently seeing opportunities.
Market Overview

In this lively discussion, Andrew Dittberner (Chief Investment Officer at Private Clients by Old Mutual Wealth) and Bruce Whitfield talk about how to invest an increasingly volatile and unpredictable world. They discuss current dynamics and major trends and emphasise the importance of a robust investment philosophy and process aimed at identifying high-quality companies led by exceptional management teams.

Specific mentions: US recession expectations, interest rates, inflation, economic cycles, central bank funding, government debt levels, valuations, asset bubbles, fundamentals, behavioural finance, key long-term earnings drivers, elections.

Duration: 19:38

Applied Technology: Sifting through the Vast Opportunities

Tasneem Samodien (Research Analyst at Private Clients by Old Mutual Wealth) talks to Bruce Whitfield about how specific holdings within our portfolios are positioned to benefit from Applied Technology. She unpacks how we identify companies and management teams that have the ability to competently navigate and maximise technological advances.

Specific mentions: AI, generative AI, robotics, succession planning, Apple, Microsoft, Open AI, ChatGPT, Stryker, Amazon, Google, Accenture.

Duration: 11:22

Prioritising National Interests: Risk or Opportunity?

Victor Mupunga (Head of Research at Private Clients by Old Mutual Wealth) and Bruce Whitfield talk about how globalisation is currently being challenged by governments and companies increasingly prioritising their national interests. Victor makes the point that this trend in favour of national interests will have significant implications for markets and unpacks the risks and opportunities for investors.

Specific mentions: globalisation, the rise of nationalism, manufacturing, near-shoring, reconfiguration of supply chains, Apple, BRICS, electric vehicles, semi-conductors, Atlas Copco, Honeywell.

Duration: 11:58

Closing Thoughts

In our final video, Bruce brings our investment team together and challenges them with some interesting questions. He asks about their biggest disagreement in the past year, stressing the importance of healthy debate within an investment team. He also prompts a discussion on their views on Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies.  

Duration: 10:23