Investment grade (IG) credit markets have rallied strongly over the past year, particularly since the Fed signalled in November its intention to start cutting rates. As a result, while yields for the IG credit index remain high, and well above long term averages, credit spreads are approaching historically tight levels. Despite the tight spreads, yields remain high and fundamentals continue to point to IG companies being in good health and demand for the asset class remains robust. These factors mean that, in our view, IG credit looks well placed to continue to deliver results with many opportunities to be found. 

Workshop Objective: In his presentation, fixed income investment director, Jeremy Cunningham, will give insights into where we are seeing these opportunities and how the Capital Group Global Corporate Bond Fund (LUX) adds consistent excess returns over the market cycle.

Company Profile: Founded in the US in 1931, Capital Group is one of the world’s largest active investment managers. Throughout our history of more than 90 years, our aim has always been to deliver superior, consistent results for long-term investors.

Investment management is our only business, and the stability of our privately owned organisation has enabled us to maintain a long-term perspective throughout the decades; we believe this perspective helps to align our goals with the interests of our clients. 

Capital Group has an integrated global research network of 479 investment professionals and portfolio managers have an average of 28 years of investment experience.

With so much attention focussed on the US large cap market in recent years, not to mention the so-called “Magnificent 7” technology stocks, we believe that there is an opportunity to reassess the somewhat overlooked small cap part of the market once again. 
With the US economy proving to be far more robust than expected in the face of higher interest rates and tightening financial conditions, associated fears of a deep recession have somewhat receded too. With moderating inflation and a more favourable economic outlook, US small caps are well positioned with their bias to the domestic economy and cheap relative valuation. 
Added to this, we believe that our active investment process can continue to deliver consistent and predictable outperformance in different market conditions with a focus on bottom-up stock selection in a relatively style and sector-neutral portfolio.

Workshop Objective: To present the opportunities we’re seeing in US small caps through an active, bottom-up approach to stock selection in a core small cap portfolio.

Company Profile: At Columbia Threadneedle Investments, we invest to make a difference in your world, and the wider world. Millions of people rely on us to manage their money and invest for their future; together they entrust us with €554 billion. We’re globally connected with a team of over 650 investment professionals providing diverse expertise, spanning almost every asset class and market. We’re intense about research as we believe that original independent research makes investment decisions smarter. We have a responsible ethos as investment decisions today help define the future we all seek. Every day, we’re looking for opportunities to improve how we invest and what our clients experience; our focus on continuous improvement means that we never stand still. Whatever world you want, our purpose is to help you achieve it. Source: Columbia Threadneedle Investments as of September 30, 2023.

In an era defined by rapid global shifts and evolving societal values, savvy investors seek more than just financial gains; they seek sustainable, long-term growth. Today, we unveil CM-AM Conviction Euro and CM-AM Conviction USA, two innovative mutual funds poised to lead investors into the future. With a combined track record spanning over 33 years, these funds embody a commitment to harnessing global, structural, and sustainable trends for value creation. CM-AM Conviction Euro offers exposure to growth-oriented companies across all capitalizations, integrating ESG criteria for sustainability. Meanwhile, CM-AM Conviction USA targets high-quality growth companies in North America, aligning investments with major trends like innovation and sustainable economies. Embrace the future of investing with these funds, driving both profit and positive impact.

Workshop Objective: Equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of how to leverage global, structural, and sustainable trends for long-term investment success with CM-AM Conviction Euro and CM-AM Conviction USA.

Company Profile: La Française and Crédit Mutuel AM are asset managers, members of Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale.

Organized around two business lines, financial and real estate assets, La Française serves institutional and retail clients in France and abroad. La Française manages over €45 billion in assets and has operations in Paris, Frankfurt, Hamburg, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Milan, Seoul and Singapore (30/06/2023).

Crédit Mutuel AM offers a wide range of funds and asset management solutions to third parties. Crédit Mutuel AM manages over €75 billion in assets and has recognized know-how in equity management, fixed income management, diversified management and formula funds. It also has recognized expertise in responsible finance, which reflects in a full range of responsible funds.
www.creditmutuel-am.eu

Following a two-year downturn, is now the right time to invest in listed real estate? Can sustainability, particularly emissions reduction help drive enhanced financial returns? The Nuveen Global Real Estate Carbon Reduction fund capitalises on the cyclical value and structural emissions reduction opportunities, offering an attractive income return with lower correlation to business cycles. Join us to uncover how a portfolio allocation to diversified real estate securities can outperform over the medium term.

Workshop Objective: Learn about the cyclical value opportunity in listed real estate, why carbon reduction correlates well with better financial performance, and about Nuveen’s strong performance track record in the sector.

Company Profile: Nuveen, the investment manager of TIAA, offers a comprehensive range of outcome-focused investment solutions designed to secure the long-term financial goals of institutional and individual investors. Nuveen has $1.2 trillion in assets under management as of 31 Dec 2023 and operations in 27 countries. Its investment specialists offer deep expertise across a comprehensive range of traditional and alternative investments through a wide array of vehicles and customized strategies. For more information, please visit www.nuveen.com.