Art Of Boring

Join Peter Lampert, Portfolio Manager of Mawer's Emerging Markets strategy, as he takes you on a journey from Polish meat counters to UAE boardrooms, revealing how a disciplined bottom-up approach uncovers extraordinary opportunities in overlooked markets. Key Takeaways: • Mawer’s bottom-up philosophy is consistent across markets, but emerging markets require a nuanced focus on the macro and geopolitical environment. • Emerging markets are highly diverse and less efficient, often offering more opportunities for disciplined, active investors. • On-the-ground research—such as recent trips to Poland—helps uncover overlooked businesses and understand local dynamics. • Portfolio examples include Dino Polska and Asseco Poland, both selected for strong management and growth prospects. • The asset class is much broader than China; significant opportunities exist in countries like Poland and the UAE.  • Emphasis on long-term growth, resilience, and finding companies that can thrive in uncertain environments. This epis

In this episode, Karan Phadke, Portfolio Manager for Mawer’s global small cap strategy, shares insights on how small caps are navigating trade policy volatility, the importance of proactive management, and Mawer’s unique approach to process improvement and AI integration in investment research.   Key points from this episode:   • Small caps’ local focus provides insulation from global trade volatility. Importance of proactive management teams in uncertain environments. • Mawer’s “ant model” drives continuous process improvement and collaboration. • Systematic thesis tracking and biweekly case studies enhance investment discipline. • AI and proprietary data are integrated into Mawer’s research process. • Emphasis on not outsourcing critical thinking and decision-making. This episode is available for download anywhere you get your podcasts.   Founded in 1974, Mawer Investment Management Ltd. (pronounced "more") is a privately owned independent investment firm managing assets for institutional and individual i

In this episode, global equity co-manager, Manar Hassan-Agha, examines how tariff policies have created uncertainty for businesses, particularly impacting capital deployment decisions and supply chains. Manar explains how a focus on asset-light, service-oriented businesses with recurring revenue provides resilience during volatile periods, with limited direct exposure to tariff-vulnerable exports. Through specific company examples like Admiral Group, UnitedHealth, and a beauty products business, he illustrates how the team evaluates short-term price movements versus long-term intrinsic value, emphasizing the importance of disciplined position sizing and maintaining a balanced, diversified portfolio across geographies and market caps during uncertain times. Recent tariff policies have created uncertainty for businesses, affecting capital deployment decisions and generating both direct impacts and second-order effects on consumer spending The Global Equity Portfolio has limited direct exposure to tariff-vulner

In this episode, we discuss the defense industry's evolution with equity analyst Joshua Samuel. He highlights the historical underinvestment in European defense, the recent increase in defense spending, particularly Germany's program, and the strategic importance of land systems. The conversation highlights how the current geopolitical environment has transformed defense from an underperforming sector to an investment opportunity, though valuations for companies like Rheinmetall now reflect much of this potential. Key Takeaways: Historical Underinvestment: European military spending dropped dramatically from 2.75% of GDP during the Cold War to approximately 1.3% over the last decade. This resulted in significant inventory reduction (77% fewer tanks, 57% fewer aircraft) and industry consolidation. Germany's Leadership: Germany's substantial defense spending package has garnered attention, though not all European countries have the same fiscal capacity to increase military budgets at the same rate. Supply Cha

In this episode, portfolio manager, Peter Lampert discusses international equities and the impact of tariffs on portfolio management. He provides insights into how his team has been preparing for potential tariffs since Trump's campaign, explaining that most of their international portfolio companies have limited export exposure to the U.S. and instead operate primarily in domestic markets across various regions. He highlights their strategic decision to exit positions that are heavily dependent on global trade, while maintaining confidence in businesses with resilient management teams capable of navigating economic uncertainty. He also shares personal strategies for maintaining a clear head during market volatility and points out some underappreciated silver linings amid tariff concerns.   Key points from this episode: How the international equity team prepared for tariff risks during Trump's campaign, viewing market reactions in February as too benign given potential economic impacts. Many companies in the

In this Quarterly episode, Crista Caughlin, lead portfolio manager for Canadian bonds, and Jeff Mo, lead portfolio manager for U.S. midcaps, discuss market performance through Q1 2025 and the significant volatility that followed in early Q2—particularly after "Liberation Day" when the Trump administration imposed sweeping tariffs, followed by retaliation from other countries, and then a partial pause. The discussion explores how these trade tensions have created uncertainty affecting business confidence, consumer spending, and investment decisions. Crista explains that the growth outlook has worsened due to this uncertainty, regardless of whether tariffs ultimately reach 10%, 25% or are delayed. Both emphasize the team’s investment approach during this volatility relies on maintaining a disciplined process, avoiding "hero trades," and carefully modeling potential impacts on individual companies. Key points from this episode: The Trump administration initiated significant trade tensions in early Q2 2025 with

Mawer President and portfolio manager, Jim Hall, discusses the current market environment and the team's approach to risk management. The conversation covers what triggered the vast volatility and uncertainty seen in markets, potential scenarios to come, and what the team at Mawer is doing about it. He emphasizes the importance of staying calm, being prepared, and diversifying portfolios to manage risks.   Host: Andrew Johnson, CFA, Institutional Portfolio Manager  Guest: Jim Hall, CFA, MBA, President, Portfolio Manager   This episode is available for download anywhere you get your podcasts.   Founded in 1974, Mawer Investment Management Ltd. (pronounced "more") is a privately owned independent investment firm managing assets for institutional and individual investors. Mawer employs over 250 people in Canada, U.S., and Singapore. Visit Mawer at https://www.mawer.com.   Follow us on social:  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/mawer-investment-management/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mawerinv

In this episode, U.S. mid cap equity portfolio manager, Jeff Mo, discusses the market's sharp sell-off following President Trump's announcement of widespread tariffs on nearly all U.S. trading partners. He provides both short and long-term perspectives on potential economic impacts, including reduced business investment and consumer spending, while explaining that Mawer's investment approach during this volatility remains focused on preparation as opposed to prediction.   Key Takeaways: "Liberation Day" Tariffs - Trump administration announced widespread tariffs (10-40%) on most trading partners, surprising markets with their scope and scale. Market & Economic Response - S&P 500 dropped nearly 5% in one day with bond yields falling; concerns about negative impacts on global growth, business investment, and supply chains Consumer Sentiment Impact - Potential weakening of consumer spending due to market losses ("wealth effect") and general uncertainty affecting household financial decisions Investment

In this episode, we discuss the early months of the new U.S. administration with Grayson Witcher, lead portfolio manager for the U.S. equity strategy at Mawer. Grayson touches on the impact of tariffs, including the practical and unpredictable aspects of tariffs and how they influence decision-making. Grayson also shares insights on the potential long-term effects of the AI boom and highlights recent portfolio adjustments in response to evolving market dynamics.   Key Takeaways: The market initially surged post-election but has since reversed, with the S&P 500 dropping below election day levels. Policy shifts have hit sectors like pharma, defense, and life sciences. Volatility is rising, inflation concerns persist, and consumer caution is growing. [00:01:34] The current investment approach focuses on avoiding industries most exposed to tariffs, such as autos, agriculture, and luxury exports. Short-term risks include inflation and declining consumer confidence, while long-term consequences are harder to p

In this episode, we discuss credit markets with Brian Carney, lead portfolio manager of the Mawer Global Credit Opportunities strategy. Brian touches on the tightening of credit spreads, risks in the leveraged loan market, and the limited compensation for high-yield bonds relative to their risks. He also reviews concerns about U.S. government credit quality, private credit profitability, and corporate policy shifts. Looking back on Mawer's GCO strategy performance in 2024, Brian highlights future plans for growth, process refinement, and team expansion. Key Takeaways: Credit spreads are tightening across all markets, benefiting investors but reducing risk premiums. U.S.-centric policies support domestic companies, yet lenders may not share in the gains. Brian recommends investors avoid chasing yield in lower-quality or long-duration bonds. Collateralized Loan Obligations (CLOs) drive the $1.2 trillion leveraged loan market, with issuance surging in 2024. This leverage-heavy, opaque market raises concerns ab

In this episode, balanced portfolio manager, Steven Visscher, covers 2024 performance, asset allocation decisions, trade uncertainty, potential tariffs, and AI-driven productivity growth. Above all, he emphasizes long-term discipline, diversification, and avoiding emotional investment decisions in an unpredictable market environment. Key Takeaways: The balanced portfolio saw strong absolute returns in 2024, with all asset classes performing well. Despite early economic concerns, inflation eased without a recession. Relative performance lagged benchmarks, causing some disappointment. The portfolio maintained a neutral 60% equity target in 2024, trimming gains to manage risk. A key structural shift was introducing a 3% allocation to U.S. mid-caps, enhancing diversification and improving valuation metrics by targeting medium-sized companies with long-term growth potential. Tariffs and policy shifts are monitored but not pre-positioned for in asset allocation due to their unpredictability. Instead, adjustments

In this episode, we discuss the escalation of U.S./Canada tariff tensions with Mark Rutherford, co-manager of Mawer’s Canadian equity strategy. Mark provides historical context of how we got here; highlights the potential economic impact tariffs may have on the Canadian economy; provides specific portfolio holding examples of how businesses and industries may be affected; and mentions several potential benefits for Canada. Ultimately, he stresses that adhering to a disciplined, long-term investment approach is vital amid uncertainty. Key Takeaways: In the U.S., manufacturing’s decline has driven trade and financial deficits, exacerbated by a strong dollar. Tariffs aim to correct these imbalances. Being diversified and adjusting portfolio positioning from a bottom-up and scenario planning lens is key amidst uncertainty. Tariffs could cause a potential Canadian recession, a weaker dollar, and lower interest rates. The team is monitoring U.S. dollar strength, risk havens, and possible global currency intervent

In this episode, we discuss 2024's economic landscape and what to expect in 2025, with Crista Caughlin, lead portfolio manager of the Mawer Canadian bond strategy. Crista highlights U.S. and Canadian growth trends, central bank rate adjustments, housing market dynamics, equity and fixed-income performance, and political uncertainties. She also discusses Mawer’s asset allocation strategy, balancing risks with opportunities amidst shifting fiscal policies, trade tensions, and global economic developments heading into 2025. Key Takeaways: The year 2024 saw resilient U.S. growth despite headwinds, while Canada faced weaker growth and higher unemployment. Q4 showed modest improvements in Canadian growth and employment, but inflation trends potentially shifted upward in both regions late in the year. In 2024, the Bank of Canada aggressively eased rates, cutting 175 basis points, responding to weaker growth and target-level inflation. The Fed eased more gradually, cutting 100 basis points, as robust U.S. growth su

In this episode we discuss the Canadian equity market with Mark Rutherford, co-manager of Mawer’s Canadian equity strategy. Mark highlights the key drivers behind Canadian equities' strong 2024 performance, highlighting standout sectors like technology, financials, energy midstream, and gold. He also examines challenges in telecommunications and real estate, discusses risks from slower economic growth, inflation, and higher mortgage rates, and emphasizes strategic portfolio adjustments. Key Takeaways: Canadian equities excelled in 2024, driven by strong performance in technology, financials, energy midstream, and gold companies. Elevated valuations now prompt focus on sustainable growth and identifying new opportunities. In 2024, banks benefited from moderated loan growth, margin expansion, cost controls, and strong wealth management and capital markets earnings. Canadian insurance companies transitioned to stable earnings through improved product mixes, rational competition, and capital efficiency. Industr

In this episode, we discuss Mawer’s EAFE large cap portfolio with Ian Turnbull, an equity analyst at Mawer. Ian explores the portfolio's diversification benefits, offering exposure to resilient, high-quality companies in 21 markets such as the Nordics, Switzerland, and Singapore. The team targets proven companies with strong moats and global leadership. Key holdings include Wolters Kluwer, BAE, and Chugai. AI's potential in healthcare R&D is highlighted, though regulatory hurdles persist. The team emphasizes balancing risks, leveraging themes like pharma innovation, defense, electrification, and AI, and addressing geopolitical uncertainties for a resilient, long-term portfolio.   Key Takeaways: • The EAFE Large Cap portfolio provides diversification, mitigating risks like U.S. concentration and valuation fragility. It offers compelling opportunities in smaller, well-performing countries like the Nordics, Switzerland, and Singapore. The team’s bottom-up approach targets high-quality companies, emphasizing

In this episode, we discuss the U.S. mid-cap landscape with Jeff Mo, manager of the U.S. mid cap equity strategy at Mawer. Jeff touches on risk management, emphasizing disciplined adherence to investment philosophy and the benefits of balancing risk and return through natural contradictions, like pairing discretionary consumer-focused SharkNinja with countercyclical firms such as FTI Consulting. Additional topics include preemptive risk management, maintaining an all-weather portfolio, and leveraging a robust inventory process to adapt. Key Takeaways: In a hot market, risk management means resisting the temptation to chase speculative trends or high-growth fads without competitive advantages. Instead, it requires disciplined adherence to an investment philosophy—prioritizing quality businesses with strong fundamentals and sustainable value. Purposeful diversification includes inherent contradictions, ensuring steady wealth creation across interest rate cycles by balancing companies benefiting from both low-

In this episode, we discuss key trends and positioning in credit markets with Brian Carney, lead portfolio manager of the Mawer global credit opportunities strategy. We touch on the year’s strong performance driven by tighter spreads, higher yields, and emerging risks such as low risk premiums and the U.S. election. Topics include corporate issuance, fallen angels, and public-private credit convergence. Emphasizing capital preservation, Brian highlights portfolio positioning in high-quality, short-duration securities, such as North American bank bonds, while avoiding high-yield exposure. Key Takeaways: Credit markets have performed well this year, driven by tighter spreads and higher benchmark yields, but risk premiums are historically low. Brian suggests investors prioritize capital preservation over chasing yield, avoiding high-yield bonds and long-dated credit. Post-U.S. election, vigilance is key amid potential policy-driven market shifts. Trends in the past quarter include fallen angels, commercial rea

In this episode, we discuss the global equity strategy with Christian Deckart, chief investment officer and portfolio manager at Mawer. Christian stresses managing absolute risk over relative risk for better long-term outcomes and details Mawer’s approach to risk management, focusing on decision-making, portfolio risks, and external factors such as government debt and rising rates. He also discusses adapting to AI trends, preferring companies leveraging AI applications over infrastructure investments. He emphasizes maintaining focus on fundamentals amid evolving global and technological landscapes. Key Takeaways: Effective risk management begins with a sound decision-making culture, clear accountability, and thorough evaluation of securities, portfolios, and systemic exposures to avoid unintended biases. Market and portfolio vulnerabilities include rising government debt, interest rate shocks, hidden real estate losses, over-specialized economies, and investor psychology driven by greed and fear. Disciplined

In this episode, we discuss market insights with two representatives from the trading desk: Rita Tien, who trades the Americas from Toronto, and Peter Dmytruk, who trades Asia from Singapore. Rita and Peter highlight the complexities of trading, emphasizing the importance of regional differences and the role of the trading desk in executing investment decisions. They discuss the impact of the Japanese carry trade, the shift to T+1 settlement cycles in the U.S. and Canada, and the influence of ETFs and retail investors on market volatility. They also touch on the role of multi-strategy hedge funds and the challenges of managing market risks. The conversation underscores the need for long-term investment strategies and the importance of understanding market structures and dynamics. Key Takeaways: The trading desk plays a critical role in executing investment decisions effectively, navigating market nuances and regional differences. Market events like U.S. elections and Fed rate decisions significantly impact m

In this episode, Mawer portfolio managers and analysts discuss what they fundamentally look for in a bank as an investment. Specifically, how they view banks and the industry trends, as well as local dynamics, and ultimately what makes each of these businesses both unique and attractive. David Ragan discusses Scandinavian banks, highlighting Handelsbanken's smart lending and DNB's stability. Josh Samuel analyzes DBS in Singapore, emphasizing its low cost of funds and high ROE. Grayson Witcher focuses on J.P. Morgan in the U.S., noting its strong management and unique financial assets, while Alex Romaines examines First Citizens Bank in the U.S., which capitalized on market turmoil. Mark Rutherford covers Canadian banks, noting their conservative strategies and high ROE. Siying Li discusses HDFC Bank in India, and Asim Hussain explores Mitsubishi UFJ in Japan, emphasizing their unique upward-sloping yield curve. Key Takeaways: The ideal bank investment is stable, lends to reliable clients, and operates in a