Investors should beware absolute return funds targeting ‘low volatility’ as these often result in paltry returns, Argonaut’s Barry Norris tells FE Trustnet. The FE Alpha manager explains the argument for investing in absolute return should be relatively simple: a consistent delivery of attractive returns, combined with a risk profile offering diversification from traditional long-only funds. However, an emphasis on low volatility leads too many funds to only deliver mediocre ‘cash plus’ returns – without the actual safety of cash. Continue reading “Most absolute return funds are not worth paying for, says Argonaut’s Norris”

The fundamental differences between many of the different regions in the emerging market universe are stark, according to Jorry Rask Nøddekær. The manager of the Nordea 1 – Emerging Stars Equity Fund tells Investment Europe it is important to take an active investment approach in this asset class, keeping in mind the distinctions between the three types of economy.  Continue reading “Nordea’s Nøddekær: Not all EMs are created equal”

Much of the investor attention surrounding absolute return funds focuses on those with low volatility characteristics, but Argonaut’s Barry Norris tells Morningstar they may not be worth paying for. Continue reading “Do low volatility funds deliver positive returns?”

The argument for investing in absolute return should be simple: a consistent delivery of attractive returns, combined with a risk profile offering diversification from traditional long-only funds. But many funds within the IA Targeted Absolute Return sector are failing to deliver on both their risk/return and diversification aims, Argonaut CEO Barry Norris tells Investment Week. Continue reading “Are low volatility funds worth paying for?”

With economic recovery gaining traction in Europe, Morningstar’s Emma Wall interviews Olly Russ, manager of the Argonaut European Income Fund, on where he is finding companies with long-term sustainable income and growth potential. Continue reading “3 European Stocks for Income Investors”

Now is the time to be carefully selecting opportunities in European markets, according to Hermes’ Tim Crockford. Here he tells Fundweb which three European stocks continue to have a strong fundamental earnings outlook despite having been victims of indiscriminate selling this summer. Continue reading “Hermes’ Crockford: Three European stocks to watch”

Argonaut’s Greg Bennett, co-manager of the Argonaut Absolute Return Fund alongside Barry Norris, explains to Investment Week why he is short several sectors in China and how he protected the portfolio during August’s volatility. Continue reading “Argonaut’s Bennett: China slump was no surprise”

To mark Pensions Awareness Day, co-CEO of Redington Rob Gardner has launched a five-point plan to boost the nation’s retirement savings. With affordability of pensions one of the biggest challenges facing the UK today, he tells Mindful Money why financial education is more important now than ever. Continue reading “Pensions Awareness Day: A five-point plan to plug the savings gap”

Marking pensions awareness day, savers and investors have been urged to consider saving far more for their retirement as the onus of responsibility shifts toward the individual. Rob Gardner, co-CEO of Redington, speaks to Money Observer about his ‘five-point plan for a healthier financial future’ and suggests a new national 15% savings target should be established. Continue reading “Pensions awareness day: Britons must save more”

Following China’s recent moves to devalue its currency, T. Rowe Price’s Eric Moffett and Chris Kushlis tell Investment Europe why China’s transition from a state-controlled to a more market-driven financial system is part of a lengthy learning curve.  Continue reading “Expect further China speedbumps during transition to market-driven system”