Investment uncut

If you're trying to outperform the market, how do you actually decide where to invest? And what about areas like AI where the future is highly uncertain? And there's risks too – how do you ensure you're paying a fair price given the risks you're exposed to? To answer these questions, we step into the mind of an equity manager. We're talking to Alison Savas, Investment Director at Antipodes, to understand the steps they go through when deciding whether to buy, hold or sell a stock like Alphabet. For our Views from the Boardroom section, Jacob Shah and Peter Abrahams give a preview on a long-running debate they've been having: should investors go underweight to the US? Tune in and decide where you stand.

S6 Ep.20: Andy Howard - what could an ESG rollback in the US mean for European investors? by Lane Clark & Peacock

What is achieved in the first 100 days of presidency are often seen as an indication of a President's success or failure. Trump's first 100 days (2.0) ended on 29 April, and he had certainly been busy. In this episode we review what's happened so far, but mainly we focus on what might happen next. We were delighted to interview PIMCO's Head of Public Policy, Libby Cantrill, for this episode. Libby helped us characterise Trump's actions (maximalist and well organised), how far the dollar might weaken (incremental, but without a broad referendum on the dollar's reserve currency status) and the impact of Trump's policy changes on climate change. We also touched on the tax bill (when not if) and to what extent Trump cares about market reactions. Important! This interview took place on 1 May. Events between then and the episode release on 7 May do not feature. For our Views from the Boardroom section, Jacob interviews Richard Tomlinson, CIO of LPPI. Richard touches on decision making in volatile times, how to think about time horizons and his views on protection strategies. If you are interested in finding out more about the topics in this episode, sign up to our Investment Conference happening on the 25th of June 2025: https://www.lcp.com/en/events/investment-conference

In this episode, we speak with Jenny Harbord, Head of Real Assets at LCP to explore the UK affordable housing market and why institutional investors are increasingly drawn to this sector. For our Views from the Boardroom section, Jacob speaks to Sarah Smart (Chair at TPR) to talk about the challenges and opportunities facing the pension scheme industry.

The cryptocurrency market has seen significant highs and lows over the years. In this episode, we break down the fundamentals of cryptocurrency, the current state of the crypto industry, factors driving its growth and volatility, and the increasing institutional adoption.

Recorded for the PLSA investment conference 2025. Today we cover day 3 of the conference, with interviews from: Professor Mike Berners-Lee - Climate Researcher and Author - The Future's Bright: What the Green Transition Means for Investors Karen Ward - Chief Market Strategist EMEA at JP Morgan Asset Management - The Global Economy: Stabilising Investments in Times of Instability Pav Sharma - UK ETF Distribution at JP Morgan Asset Management - Active ETFs: What's All the Noise About? Zuhair Mohammed – Head of Investment at LCP – Reflections on the conference and key takeaways

Recorded for the PLSA investment conference 2025. Today we continue to cover day 2 of the conference, with interviews from: John Clements and Leandros Kalisperas – Partner at LCP and CIO and the British Business Bank respectively - How Asset Owners Can Engage Effectively with Fossil Fuel Companies Stephen Budge – Partner at LCP - Solved: The Challenges of Investing in Venture Capital Barnaby Low - Strategic Client Portfolio Manager at Charles Stanley - Going for Growth: Priorities for Trustees and Boards

Recorded for the PLSA investment conference 2025. Today we cover day 2 of the conference, with interviews from: Shalin Bhagwan - Chief Actuary at the Pension Protection Fund - Could DB Schemes Invest More in Productive Assets? James Coke - Head of Institutional UK Real Estate at Columbia Threadneedle - Unloved, Undervalued and Misunderstood: The Productive Finance Asset No-one is Talking About Paul Morton – CEO at G2M Group - Why the UK's Existing Housing Infrastructure is a Trillion-pound Opportunity Gregg McClymont – Executive Director at IFM Investors - Open For Business: Private Markets and UK Growth

We are building on the success of last year and are taking Investment Uncut on the road again, recording for the Pension and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) Investment Conference 2025 this week! If you're attending the conference, we look forward to seeing you there. Today we cover day 1 of the conference, with interviews from: Laura Myers, Ed Bussey, David Rosenberg, Tim Dougall and Matthew Webb, and Ped Phrompechrut.

Australia's superannuation system is often hailed as a global success story, but what can UK pension schemes learn from it? With growing regulatory pressures, consolidation trends, and a shifting investment landscape, are there lessons from down under that could help shape the future of UK pensions? In this episode, we speak with Michael Ambery of Standard Life to explore how Australia's superfunds are structured, how they operate and what this means for how they invest.

What if the green transition – meant to save the planet – ends up making inequality worse? We often think of climate action as a universal good, but the reality is more complex. The shift to a low-carbon economy is set to create winners and losers, not just between industries, but within societies. So, who bears the cost? And how can institutional investors, ensure that tackling climate change doesn't come at the expense of social cohesion? In this episode, we speak with Paul Rissman of Rights CoLab on his recent paper exploring how climate finance decisions can widen economic divides – and what can be done to mitigate this risk.

In this episode, we speak to Paul Collier (Professor of Economics and Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford) on the subject of his latest book “Left Behind”. We explore the economic divides reshaping societies, why certain places have been left behind and what policymakers, regulators and investors do to help these communities catch up.

As we head into 2025, the economic landscape is shifting. In this episode, we break down the key macroeconomic themes shaping the year ahead. What does the growth trajectory look like amidst evolving global challenges? Will interest rates finally stabilise, or is more turbulence ahead? Inflation remains a pressing concern—are central banks winning the fight, or are we facing a new normal?

Are you happy? Do you think you're happier than you were 20 years ago? Or, put a different way, why aren't you happier despite living in one of the wealthiest periods in history? Three simple questions, but all of them have complicated answers. So how do we start to unpick this? In this episode, we dive into the world of happiness economics with Professor Lord Richard Layard. We explore the factors that drive happiness, why GDP isn't the ultimate goal, and how policies could shift to prioritise well-being over consumption. For our Views from the Boardroom section, Jacob interviews fellow co-host Laasya who is unfortunately leaving LCP. They discuss Laasya's career so far, highlights from her time at LCP and her favourite episode of Investment Uncut that she's hosted.

This week we are joined by two guests from the Border to Coast Pensions Partnership: Tim Manuel, Head of Responsible Investment and Teju Akande, Climate Change Manager. Before speaking to Tim and Teju, we also speak to LCP Partner Clay Lambiotte. We hear about how sovereign wealth funds are thinking about their investments, the recent conference Clay attended in Oman (where Elon Musk was the keynote speaker) and whether we'll be having events on the Moon in the future!

In this episode, we speak to our very own Gen Z representative, Koko Lotharukpong, about how Gen Z investors will shape the future of investing! Before talking to Koko, we also speak to Michelle Thompson-Dolberry, Chief Diversity Equity and Inclusion Officer at MFS. She explains how, when DEI is done well, it makes things better for everyone.

Elections can represent big shifts in political power that alter a nation's direction and economic policies, which influences investor sentiment and market returns. And we've arguably gone through the biggest election so far this year! So, what is the impact on investors of the US election result? In this episode, we're joined by Paul Gibney (Head of Macroeconomic research at LCP) to discuss the possible policy changes in the US administration, market reaction and potential longer-term impact on global economies.

In this episode, we question the limits of modern portfolio theory with Jon Lukomnik, co-author of Moving Beyond Modern Portfolio Theory and credited by Forbes as a pioneer of modern corporate governance. We challenge a cornerstone of finance and whether it is fit for purpose in today's complex and interconnected world.

In this week's episode, we chat to Sam Hollister, Head of Energy and Policy at LCP Delta, on investing in the energy transition. Before we interview Sam, Jacob talks to Sarah Leslie, Professional Trustee at NDapt for our ‘Views from the Boardroom' segment.

Steve Hodder, Partner at LCP, joins the hosts this week to chat reimagining your portfolio. Before we interview Steve, Laasya talks to Surendra Ravikumar, Analyst at LCP, on his new blog looking at deflation as a systemic risk and what the impact could be on defined benefit pension schemes.

In this episode, we bring you the highlights from our Investment Conference: Turning Turbulence into Tailwinds. Covering topics such as geopolitical instability, transition resources, the US election, purposeful investing, private markets and even astropolitics! We chat to guests and speakers to bring you the highlights of the conference, their key takeaways and new investment ideas.

In this preview, Jacob and Laasya set out what listeners can look forward to in the coming season: from markets, to elections, to Gen Z trends and even how to invest in a way that makes you happy… it's going to be a great season full of exciting topics!

In our final episode of the series, Jacob Shah and Laasya Shekaran speak to Charlotte O'Leary, CEO of Pensions for Purpose. She gives us a great insight into the assumptions we currently make in the world of investing that we need to challenge. Before this discussion, we reflect on our highlights over the series so far – discussing some of our favourite topics that were covered. We also have a call for action for listeners to let us know if there are any key topics they want covered in our next series!

In this week's episode Jacob Shah and Laasya Shekaran are joined by two guests: Emma Hunt, head of Responsible Investment at HSBC Bank Pensions Trust and Stephen Barrie, Deputy Chief Responsible Investment Officer at the Church of England Pensions Board. Both guests give us a great insight into how long-term asset owners are thinking about systemic risks and universal ownership.

In this week's episode, Jacob Shah chats to Joel Hartley, Partner at LCP, on tail risk strategies. Before we interview Joel, Jacob also talks to Steve Webb, Partner at LCP, to get his insights on how the new Labour government might want to influence how pension schemes invest in the UK.

In this week's episode, Jacob Shah and Laasya Shekaran chat to Catherine Thomas-Humphreys, financial coach at Maji. With Catherine we learn what financial coaching is, the benefits of financial coaching and some tips that listeners can use on their own financial journeys.

In this week's episode, Jacob Shah and Laasya Shekaran chat to Torsten Sløk, Partner and Chief Economist at Apollo. With Torsten, we discuss whether markets are currently in a bubble, how this is related to AI and inflation, and the current challenges being faced by central banks.

In this week's episode, Jacob Shah and Laasya Shekaran chat to Torsten Sløk, Partner and Chief Economist at Apollo. With Torsten, we discuss whether markets are currently in a bubble, how this is related to AI and inflation, and the current challenges being faced by central banks.

In this week's episode, Jacob Shah and Laasya Shekaran chat to Jackie James, co-founder and direction of Black Women in Asset Management. With Jackie, we talk about the landscape for Black women in asset management and the work that she and others are doing to improve diversity, equity and inclusion in the industry. Before we interview Jackie, Laasya interviews Sapna Patel, Principal at LCP. Together they discuss the latest edition of LCP's investment magazine Vista and Sapna's article on social systemic risks. We find out what social systemic risks are, why they matter to investors and dive into the under-appreciated topic of Anti-Microbial Resistance a bit more. Follow the link to read Sapna's article: https://lcpuk.foleon.com/vista/lcp-vista-spring-2024/you-said-antimicrobial-resistance-our-survey-said

In this week's episode, Jacob Shah and Laasya Shekaran chat to Andy Blocker, Global Head of Public Policy and Strategic Partnerships at Invesco. With Andy, we get the update from Washington on the key political and policy issues ahead of the US elections in November 2024. Before this Jacob talks to James Candia, Consultant at LCP, on the space economy. We find out what it is, what's new about investing in the space economy and how you can actually invest in it.

In this week's episode, Mary Spencer and Jacob Shah discuss ethnographic research and identifying growth opportunities in emerging markets with Tassos Stassopoulos, Founder, Managing Partner and CIO at Trinetra.

In this episode, Mary Spencer, Jacob Shah and Laasya Shekaran get together to discuss Caroline Criado-Perez's Invisible Women. They also chat about the importance of investors taking a long-term view with David Archer, Client Director at ZEDRA Governance.

In this week's episode, Mary Spencer and Jacob Shah discuss election forecasts and keeping your finger on the pulse of society with Kelly Beaver, CEO at IPSOS. Before we interview Kelly, we also welcome back fellow co-host Laasya Shekaran from her three-month sabbatical. Laasya gives us her highlights from her trip, the biggest surprises and what she is most looking forward to now she's home.

In this week's episode, Mary Spencer and Lia Licietis chat to Peter Oppenheimer, Chief Global Equity Strategist & Head of Macro Research Europe at Goldman Sachs' Global Investment Research Group. We discuss his two books on equity market cycles and how they relate to the market dynamics we're seeing today. In light of International Women's Day 2024, Jacob Shah also interviews Mary. who explains what this year's theme #inspiredinclusion means to her.

In the fourth and final episode of this special mini-series from the PLSA Investment Conference 2024, we bring you interviews with Sandra Carlisle, Head of Responsible Investment at USS and Nigel Peaple, Director of Policy and Advocacy at PLSA. Our regular Investment Uncut co-host Mary Spencer also returns to share her thoughts on the conference.

This week, Investment Uncut is live at the PLSA investment conference 2024. In this special mini-series, we bring you the PLSA investment conference from our podcast booth in the conference hall.

This week, Investment Uncut is at the PLSA Investment Conference 2024 in Edinburgh. In this episode of this special mini-series, we speak to Paul Johnson at the Institute of Fiscal Studies and Natalie Mee from CMS on Day 1 of the conference.

This week, Investment Uncut is live at the PLSA investment conference 2024. In this special mini-series, we bring you the PLSA investment conference from our podcast booth in the conference hall.

In this week's episode, Mary Spencer and Jacob Shah explore drug pricing and the dynamics within the pharmaceutical industry with Sreeram Ramagopalan, Principal and Market Access & Payer Evidence Lead within LCP's Health Analytics team.

In episode nine, Mary Spencer and Jacob Shah explore insurance-linked securities with David Garcia, investment consultant within LCP's manager research team. Before we interview David, we also speak to Alex Waite, Partner at LCP, for our “Views from the Boardroom” feature. With Alex, we discuss artificial intelligence, the discussions he's been having with a wide range of groups on AI, what he thinks puts people off using AI and where to start.

In our eighth episode of season five, Mary Spencer and Jacob Shah explore Systemic risk in the financial sector with David Aikman, Professor of Finance and Director of the Qatar Centre for Global Banking and Finance, at Kings College London. Prior to his current role, David spent 17 years working as an economist at the Bank of England – most recently in the role of Technical Head of Division in the Financial Stability Strategy and Risk Directorate where he led the Bank's work on various macroprudential issues.

In this episode, Mary Spencer, Jacob Shah and Laasya Shekaran all get together to discuss Kate Raworth's brilliant book: Doughnut Economics. This is the first episode all three have recorded, and a special one as it's the last from Laasya before she spends three months travelling (we miss you already Laasya!). We are also joined by Tegs Harding, Head of Sustainability at IGG, for our “Views from the Boardroom feature”. We hear from Tegs about how she is shifting the discussions around sustainability from reporting to real world action on the boards she sits on, how we can power possibility in DB pensions to encourage more impactful investments and thoughts on the outcomes of COP 28.

Our last episode before Christmas is a real treat – we've been longing to do a debate-style episode for some time! In this episode Mary Spencer and Jacob Shah explore the case for investing in India versus China with Amit Mehta (Portfolio Manager at JP Morgan) and Claire Peck (Investment Specialist at JP Morgan) each representing one country. Before we interview Amit and Claire, Laasya Shekaran also speaks to Kelly Tran, Head of UK Institutional Sales at MFS, for our “Views from the Boardroom” feature. With Kelly, we talk about the discussions she's having with her clients and current areas of focus for the PLSA Policy Board (of which she's a member).

This episode of Investment Uncut comes out the day before COP 28 (the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference) takes place in Dubai. With a “stock take” focus, this event could set the tone for the level of climate action we can expect from industries and governments alike over the coming years. In this episode, Mary Spencer and Laasya Shekaran are joined by two guests: Steve Waygood, the Chief Responsible Investment Officer at Aviva Investors (who first attended COP back in 2000, for COP 6!) and LCP Partner Mark Watts, who leads some of our innovative work combining expertise from our energy business LCP Delta with our Investment team to help investors find the right investment opportunities to support the energy transition, whilst delivering attractive returns.

In our fourth episode of season five, Mary Spencer and Jacob Shah explore the residential property market with Lucian Cook, head of residential research at Savills. Before we interview Lucian, we also speak to Joel Hartley, Partner at LCP, for our “Views from the Boardroom” feature. One year on from the gilts crisis, we reflect on the lessons learnt by defined benefit pension schemes, the changes Joel's clients are making to their investment strategies, and thinking carefully about illiquid assets for both well-funded and less well funded pension schemes.

In our third episode of season five, Mary Spencer and Jacob Shah explore the policy side of the energy transition with Josh Buckland, Partner at Flint Global who leads Flint's client work on energy, climate and sustainability issues. Before we interview Josh, we also speak to LCP CEO Aaron Punwani as part of our new “Views from the Boardroom” feature. Aaron talks about his call for action on climate change, supported by re-interpretation of pension scheme trustees' fiduciary duty.

In this episode of Investment Uncut, Mary Spencer and Laasya Shekaran speak to Amlan Roy: demographics expert, LCP colleague and one of the speakers at our inaugural LCP investment conference. We dive into his research on demographics covering why this is such an important, but underappreciated, topic for all investors to think about.

We're back with a brand new season of Investment Uncut! We hope everyone had a well-earned break over the summer. Kicking off Season 5, we have a real treat for our listeners: this episode was recorded live at our inaugural Investment Conference! Hear from guests and speakers, feel the buzz and note down those key takeaways… We also introduce our new co-host, Jacob Shah, who will join Mary Spencer and Laasya Shekaran this season.

In our very final episode of Season 4, we leave you with a very special book review: The Opportunity Index by Gavin Lewis, and we chat to Gavin himself.

This week's episode is a double whammy, combining two recent interviews! First, our interview with colleague Stephen Budge, who we spoke to at the PLSA investment conference in June. He'd just come off a panel session on investing in illiquids in DC. And prompted by that discussion, very excitingly, we were able to line up a chat with the Lord Mayor of London, Nicholas Lyons. It was a real treat to speak to the Lord Mayor the same week as the Mansion House speech, which was so relevant to the conversation we'd already planned to have around productive finance and UK growth!

This week we're joined for a special episode of Investment Uncut, by Sir Steve Webb and Steve Hodder, to discuss the DB pensions aspects of the Mansion House speech on Monday 10 July. Steve & Steve take us through what was announced, why it matters and provide detail on our idea for the future of DB pensions.