FEG Insight Bridge

On this episode of the FEG Insight Bridge Podcast, CIO Greg Dowling welcomes Howard Smith, Partner at Indus Capital Partners and Portfolio Manager for the Indus Japan Strategies. Howard shares his extensive experience investing in Japan, discussing the country’s economic resurgence, corporate reforms, and strategic positioning as an alternative to China. The conversation covers Japan’s role in high-tech industries like semiconductors and robotics, the impact of Abe’s three arrows policy, and the evolving landscape of corporate governance and M&A in Japan. They also delve into the yen carry trade unwind and its global implications, as well as the potential takeover of Seven & I Holdings by Canadian company Couche-Tard.Tune in for key insights on Japan’s economic transformation and investment potential.Key Takeaways:Japan is experiencing renewed interest from investors after decades of stagnation. This resurgence is driven by corporate reforms, a strong manufacturing base, and Japan’s strategic positioning as an alternative to China.Japan offers significant opportunities in high-tech industries such as semiconductors and robotics. The country benefits from lower valuations compared to Western markets and plays a crucial role in the global tech supply chain.Japan’s corporate governance has improved, with increased board independence and better capital allocation. The potential takeover of Seven & I Holdings by Couche Tard highlights Japan’s evolving openness to foreign investment and corporate control.The yen carry trade unwind caused significant market volatility. Additionally, Japan’s high public debt levels are sustainable due to low interest rates and the majority of debt being held by the central bank. However, the terms of trade and reliance on energy imports pose ongoing risks.You can find every episode of FEG Insight Bridge podcasts in one place and sign up to receive our other publications here.

On this episode of the FEG Insight Bridge Podcast, CIO Greg Dowling welcomes Dan Ivascyn, CIO of PIMCO, as he reflects on his 26-year career at PIMCO, from trading structured products to leading their portfolio management. Dan discusses the firm’s evolution, the shift from traditional to alternative fixed income strategies, and the current appeal of high-quality bonds. Hear insights on PIMCO’s secular forums, Federal Reserve policies, and the potential impact of political scenarios like a Harris vs. Trump presidency. The episode also covers global volatility, debt levels, and emerging market debt opportunities. Don't miss this conversation as we go inside the curve. Key TakeawaysDan Ivascyn details how PIMCO has evolved from a focus on traditional fixed income to incorporating alternative strategies, adapting to the complexities of global markets over the past 26 years.This episode explores the significant shift in the fixed income industry from high interest rates to a current environment of higher nominal yields, including a return to traditional fixed income opportunities and the comparative value of private credit.Dan Ivascyn shares his views on the Federal Reserve’s performance and expectations regarding future rate cuts, the impact of political factors on investing, and the broader implications of global economic volatility and national debt levels.You can find every episode of FEG Insight Bridge podcasts in one place and sign up to receive our other publications here.

Join FEG CIO Greg Dowling and FEG CEO Alan Lenahan, for a discussion of “Whipsaw Wisdom.” In this episode, we uncover investment strategies, from historical trends to the landscape of today's markets. Discover FEG's approach to catering to the diverse needs of clients, ensuring resilience in times of change. Explore the evolution of asset management trends, the business model driving FEG forward, and learn how culture helps shape success. Don't miss out on these insights from FEG’s own CEO! Key takeawaysDespite the dynamic nature of the investment industry, FEG maintains a long-term philosophical approach to investing. This approach prioritizes delivering exceptional investment experiences for clients and avoids contemporary fads. FEG emphasizes understanding client's needs and governance structure before tailoring their services. Rather than offering specific business lines like OCIO or consulting, FEG views services as a spectrum that can be customized to meet each client's unique needs. This client-centric approach ensures FEG delivers value to clients by aligning capabilities with clients’ best interests.The investment landscape has evolved, particularly with the decline in alpha generation from traditional investment strategies due to factors like increased regulation and information accessibility. FEG highlights the shift towards private markets, where opportunities exist for informational edge and alpha generation. As CEO, Lenahan emphasizes the importance of focusing on people and culture. He discusses the significance of maintaining a shared vision and culture within the organization, particularly as it grows. Alan's approach involves actively engaging with both clients and team members, listening to their needs, and aligning FEG's capabilities to deliver exceptional results. He also emphasizes the importance of combining technical skills with strong communication and interpersonal skills for aspiring leaders in the industry.You can find every episode of FEG Insight Bridge podcasts in one place and sign up to receive our other publications here.

Immerse yourself in the world of investing in sports as Greg Dowling sits down with prominent American venture capitalist, Kara Nortman. Kara, shares her journey in becoming a co-founder of Angels City FC, as well as her role at Monarch Collective, a venture capital firm investing in women's sports, teams, leagues, and adjacent revenue streams. Discover investment strategies, challenges, and triumphs that shaped these groundbreaking women-led sports ventures. Kara breaks down underwriting, expanding media rights, commercialization, and maximizing returns, providing insight for investors. Kara provides raw and unfiltered insights into the dynamic world of sports investing. Join us, we hope you get a kick out of it.You can find every episode of FEG Insight Bridge podcasts in one place and sign up to receive our other publications here.

This extra-special episode of the FEG Insight Bridge highlights the Cincinnati IceBreakers, an adaptive sled hockey team that offers individuals with physical disabilities the chance to compete in organized sports. Greg is joined by Frank Yantek, one of the founding members of the organization, and the two discuss the current status of the club, which members are playing for the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team, and why access to organized sports is so important—especially for those who might not otherwise get the chance to play. Make sure you tune in for this heart-warming episode!You can find every episode of FEG Insight Bridge podcasts in one place and sign up to receive our other publications here.

Did you know that one of the biggest sectors in the REIT market today is cell phone towers? Or that REITs tend to generate positive returns in rising interest rate environments? This week on the Insight Bridge, Jon Cheigh, CIO and Head of Global Real Estate for Cohen & Steers sits down with FEG’s Greg Dowling to discuss all things REITs. From malls to cell towers and self-storage, REIT allocations have been shifting over time and have grown to positions of prominence in many portfolios, with over $1.6 trillion invested in U.S. REITs alone. In this compelling episode, Jon shares his insights on the role of the indices as a forecaster for the future, his strategies for REIT valuation, and his thoughts on near- and longer-term trends in the space. You can find every episode of FEG Insight Bridge podcasts in one place and sign up to receive our other publications here.

We are excited to have professor, author, and investment professional, Jeremy Siegel, join us in the latest episode of our FEG Insight Bridge podcast!Jeremy is the Russell E. Palmer Professor of Finance at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is a regular on CNBC, CNN, and NPR. Jeremy is probably best known for his best-selling book, Stocks for the Long Run. In addition to his storied academic career, Jeremy is also an advisor for Wisdom Tree Advisors. Listen in as we tackle a myriad of topics ranging from 2021 equity markets outlook, the future of academia, to fundamental indexing.You can find every episode of FEG Insight Bridge podcasts in one place and sign up to receive our other publications here.