In this episode of "Inside the Rope," host David Clark welcomes back Tim Carleton, Chief Investment Officer at Auscap Asset Management, to discuss his fund's performance and investment strategy. The Auscap Long Short Fund has achieved a notable compound annual growth rate of 16.1% since its inception (December 2012 to March 2024). During the episode, Tim shares his perspectives on various investment topics, including challenges and opportunities in the current market, his cautious approach toward sectors like China and iron ore, and his strategies for managing assets like the Charter Hall retail REIT. Tim also discusses the impact of AI on the market and his views on cryptocurrencies, maintaining a cautious stance on Bitcoin. He highlights the potential of sectors like healthcare, specifically addressing how emerging drugs like GLP-1s could affect companies like ResMed. Additionally, he touches upon the importance of not over-leveraging in investments and the role of cash as a strategic asset. The episode concludes with Tim promoting the Mirabelle Foundation, a charity supporting children affected by parental drug abuse. Tim founded Auscap Asset Management in 2012. He has 20 years’ experience in the financial services industry. From 2007 to 2011 he was an Executive Director at Goldman Sachs where he was responsible for managing an Australian equities long/short portfolio using Proprietary funds. Prior to 2007 he worked at Macquarie Bank within the Investment Banking Group.

In this episode of "Inside the Rope," David chats with Amy Pham, Fund Manager at Pengana, about the changing world of property investment as interest rates change and more people work from home. They dive into how these changes are affecting properties in Australia, especially offices, and compare it to what's happening around the world. Amy highlights the trends in industrial and retail properties, why data centres are becoming hot spots for investors, and why it's important to consider environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors when making investment choices. Amy shares her own story, from her early days using math as a strength as a Vietnamese refugee to becoming an expert in econometrics, adding a personal touch to her professional insights. They also talk about the different kinds of assets you can invest in, how changes in interest rates impact property investments, and the difference between investing in listed properties (like shares) and unlisted equivalents. Amy has over 25 years of property funds management experience. Prior to joining Pengana she worked at Charter Hall/Folkestone for 6 years, managing a high conviction AREIT strategy. This team won several industry awards including Financial Standards Property Fund Manager of the Year 2019, Money Management/Lonsec Australian Property Securities Fund Manager of the Year 2018, and Financial Standards Property Fund Manager of the Year 2017. Amy has held several senior positions including head of property securities at IAG and portfolio manager at Deutsche Asset Management and Perpetual Funds Management. She began her career as a quantitative analyst at Legal & General in 1994. Amy holds a Bachelor and Honours degree in Economics from the University of New England and University of California Davis.

In this episode of "Inside the Rope," host David Clark welcomes back Dr. Craig Collie from Regal Funds Management to delve into the groundbreaking developments in the field of weight loss drugs, particularly focusing on Ozempic, a GLP-1 category drug revolutionizing obesity treatment. Dr. Collie, who runs the Regal Healthcare Long Short Fund, shares his expert insights on how this new category of drugs is poised to transform the healthcare industry and wealth management strategies. Listeners are given a comprehensive overview of Ozempic's potential market impact, underscored by Dr. Collie's projection that it could become a sales giant, surpassing current leading drugs by a significant margin. The episode explores the drug's secondary benefits, its implications for the healthcare sector, and its broader economic effects. Dr. Collie also discusses the strategic positioning of Regal Funds Management in the healthcare investment landscape, highlighting the inefficiencies and opportunities in the healthcare market. Craig began his career as a medical doctor working predominately in accident and emergency across Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. After completing his MBA at Cambridge University, Craig worked at the Boston Consulting Group in Sydney and New York providing strategic advice to corporations, predominately within the healthcare and financial services sectors. Immediately prior to joining Regal in 2016, Craig was Head of Healthcare Research at Macquarie Securities Group for five years. Craig holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Otago, an MBA from the University of Cambridge and continues to hold full medical registration in Australia.

In this episode, David is joined by Koda Capital Chief Economist Brigette Leckie to discuss global economic performance, the impact of artificial intelligence on economies, and the implications of upcoming elections, particularly in the US, for the economy and investment markets. Brigette and David also touch on the current wars and their potential economic impacts. Brigette shares her experience gained across the financial services industry and provides her outlook on asset classes, contrasting her views with the consensus on the street. The episode also covers a range of other topics, including the structural and cyclical aspects of economies, inflation trends, and the influence of geopolitical events on financial markets. Brigette Leckie has worked in financial markets since the early 1990s. Previous roles have included Chief Strategist, Chief Economist and Head of Research at Australian, New Zealand and multinational firms including BNY Mellon, Alliance Bernstein, Perpetual and BNP. She has also worked in New Zealand Treasury and served on numerous public and private sector committees.

In this episode, host David Clark interviews Phil King, the Chief Investment Officer and co-founder of Regal Funds Management. King discusses his passion for investing and the enjoyment he finds in working with top companies worldwide and building a successful team at Regal. Despite his significant achievements, Phil is noted for his humility and simple lifestyle, emphasising substance over appearances in both his personal life and investment strategy. Phil shares insights into his approach to investment, highlighting the importance of curiosity, good listening skills, and an ability to remain unaffected by market fluctuations. He talks about Regal's strategic focus, including their trading approach, long-term investments, and the rationale behind their portfolio turnover rate. The discussion also touches on the success and volatility of Regal's small companies fund, underscoring the balance between risk and reward in investing in small-cap companies. The conversation also touches on Phil's vision for Regal, aiming to attract top industry talent by creating a prestigious and successful firm, similar to Barcelona FC in the sports world. Phil also provides his perspective on the macroeconomic environment, the impact of the Chinese economy, and Regal's position on various sectors, including resources and battery metals.

In this episode of "Inside the Rope", David interviews Frank Macindoe, advisor and partner at Koda Capital, who manages the Koda Enduring Equities portfolio. This portfolio, focusing on ASX-listed shares, has achieved an impressive compound annual growth rate of over 14.8% over 15 years to November 2023. The discussion revisits the fund's performance, noting a 10% increase in the final quarter of 2023, despite the challenging period discussed in a previous episode six months prior. The conversation also honours the late Charlie Munger, highlighting his profound impact on investment strategies alongside Warren Buffett. Frank shares insights on navigating the current volatile geopolitical landscape, including the uncertain outcomes of the upcoming US and India elections, and how global tensions affect the markets. Frank emphasises the importance of maintaining a long-term investment perspective in the face of short-term market fluctuations. He details the rationale behind portfolio management decisions, focusing on understanding future cash flows and the implications of changing discount rates due to fluctuating interest rates. The discussion highlights the resilience required to adhere to long-term investment philosophies amidst market volatility. Frank also explores potential market influences in 2024, including geopolitical events and economic policies, with Frank and David distinguishing the differences between fundamental changes and temporary market trends in investment decision-making.

In the podcast episode of "Inside the Rope," host David Clark interviews Cal O'Brien, a managing partner at Anchorage Capital Partners. Anchorage is noted for its expertise in mid-market turnaround investments in Australia, with an impressive average internal rate return of return of over 40%. Cal shares his background, detailing his upbringing on a farm and how it shaped his career in law and later, in private equity. He recounts his transition from a successful legal career, where he specialised in mergers and acquisitions, to a focus on private equity. This shift led him to Anchorage, where he played an important role in establishing their first fund and later joined the firm full-time. The episode touches on Anchorage's investment strategy, which primarily involves taking control positions in companies with over $100 million in revenue. These are typically businesses that can benefit significantly from operational improvements, often being non-core units of larger entities. Cal emphasises Anchorage's hands-on approach, including regular operational meetings and a strong emphasis on effective management teams. Cal cites examples of investments, such as the successful turnaround of Affinity Education and the challenges faced with Scotts, a refrigerated logistics company. He also discusses current investments, including a New Zealand in-home care business, a childcare enterprise, and the renowned retailer David Jones, outlining strategies and progress in these cases. Cal concludes by highlighting Anchorage's support for Ability First Australia, a non-profit aiding disability organisations.

This podcast episode from "Inside the Rope" features David Sekel, a lawyer specialising in asset protection and estate planning. The discussion revolves around the importance of safeguarding wealth for future generations. David shares insights from his experience working with substantial families, focusing on creating strategies for wealth preservation and succession. Key topics include the complexity of family dynamics in wealth management, the significance of documenting family loans, and the necessity of an effective estate plan. The conversation delves into the challenges families face, such as ensuring wealth remains within the family, avoiding legal disputes, and dealing with different family members' objectives. The episode emphasises the critical role of powers of attorney, especially in managing investments and other assets, as well as the impact of family law on wealth management.

This episode of "Inside the Rope" features David Clark interviewing Andrew Rado, the portfolio manager of the Longreach Maris Sustainable Seafood Fund. Rado explains how the fund invests in Individual Transferable Quotas (ITQs) for wild-caught seafood, a system introduced in the early 1980s in Australia. This innovative approach combines ecological sustainability with economic efficiency. The ITQs regulate the total allowable commercial catch, balancing demand growth with a fixed supply, thereby increasing the value of seafood and the underlying assets. The conversation covers the evolution of fishing industry regulations, from uncontrolled fishing to effective management systems. These regulations have shifted from input controls, like limiting fishing days or equipment, to output controls, setting caps on the quantity of fish caught, such as the current quota system. Rado highlights the fund's significant social impact, particularly its initiatives supporting young, regional, and indigenous fishers. These initiatives include helping them acquire or lease quotas, thus ensuring the continued vitality and sustainability of local fishing communities. The fund's investment strategy is backed by the demand for seafood, driven by factors like immigration and changing dietary patterns. Despite challenges like international trade disputes, the fund has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, finding new markets and maintaining returns for investors.

In the podcast episode "Inside the Rope" hosted by David Clark with Urs Wietlisbach, a co-founder of Partners Group a leading global private markets firm that since 1996, has invested over USD 200 billion in private equity, private debt, private real estate, and private infrastructure on behalf of their clients globally. The episode delves into the global impact and investment strategies of Partners Group, emphasising the importance of diversification and effective management in the realm of private investments. Urs shares his views on private equity, liquidity, and current market trends, offering a fresh perspective of the current financial landscape. A significant portion of the conversation is dedicated to Urs's family's dedication to philanthropy, particularly their active participation in the Giving Pledge. This aspect highlights the family's commitment to social responsibility and their approach to leveraging their wealth for broader societal benefit. The episode also explores the concept of impact investments, which Urs believes can achieve social good while ensuring strong financial returns. This discussion reflects Urs's holistic approach to business, where financial success and social responsibility are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary objectives.

In this episode, Alon Greenspan, CEO of Mind Ventures, discusses his fund's focus on mental health solutions. Mind Ventures, touted as the world's first mental health-focused for-profit venture fund, invests in evidence-based startups across various mental health aspects, from clinical illness to wellness. Greenspan discusses the importance of combining impact with economic returns, ensuring that investments not only generate profit but also significantly improve mental health outcomes. Greenspan also shares his background, originally from Israel with a history in technology M&A and venture investing, and his move to Australia. He explains his personal connection to mental health issues, including experiences with family members and friends suffering from mental health disorders. This personal connection inspired his focus on mental health investments. Alon highlights the growing issue of mental health, with statistics showing an alarming increase in mental illness and its economic impact. He points out that by 2030, mental illness is expected to be the leading cause of death. The discussion also touches on how COVID-19 has exacerbated mental health issues, particularly among children and adolescents. Mind Ventures plans to invest in 15-25 companies, with an emphasis on going deep into portfolio companies. Investments will range from digital interventions to pharmaceutical companies innovating in mental health treatment.

In this instalment of Inside the Rope, David welcomes Jason Coggins, previous lead of investment research at Koda Capital. Jason delves into the nuances of building investment portfolios, the dynamics of public and private market investments, as well as the importance of choosing the right investment managers. He underlines the crucial aspect of tailoring portfolios to meet client expectations, ensuring both technical robustness and effective organisational execution. Jason stresses the critical role of client involvement, the wealth of experience, and the synergy between client objectives and manager commitments to their own strategies. Further, he explores the concept of the opportunistic investment segment, which encompasses strategies with a longer time horizon, advocating for a cautious and methodical approach to capital allocation to mitigate the risk associated with timing in investments. This approach also involves avoiding an over-concentration in sectors like commercial real estate, tapping into global partnerships for enriched investment perspectives, and acknowledging the implications of fund size on performance. The conversation also covers the pivotal role of a manager's historical performance and the strategic importance of risk diversification within a portfolio as a means to minimise potential losses and sustain returns.

In this episode of Inside the Rope, David is joined by Matt Rennie, joint Managing Director of Rennie Advisory. David delves deep into Matt's extensive experience, from his roots in Darwin and tenure at giants like KPMG and Ernst & Young, to the founding and subsequent sale of his own firm. As a specialist in energy transition, Matt offers a unique perspective on carbon reduction strategies, detailing the intricacies of the energy transition, especially in the wake of global warming. This conversation is filled with insights into the differences between consulting for small versus large organisations, Matt's personal journey alongside his co-MD and wife, Simone, and his observations from global energy transitions, notably in Europe and the US. Key takeaways highlight the urgency and complexity of achieving net-zero emissions, with discussions on the rising dominance of electric vehicles, potential pitfalls in renewable investments, and the profound differences made by impact investing. Special attention is given to the innovative technologies bridging traditional energy sources with emerging alternatives and the critical role of soil health in carbon sequestration.

In a somewhat different episode, David engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Jonah Oliver, an esteemed psychologist and performance coach to Australian professional golfer Cam Smith. The episode delves deep into the intricacies of decision-making, values, and the psychology of high performance. The discussion starts with Jonah emphasising the importance of embracing discomfort as an integral part of the decision-making process. He sheds light on how individuals often shy away from making tough decisions due to their aversion to discomfort, hindering their growth both personally and professionally. Jonah passionately advocates for the need to confront and endure discomfort, asserting that it is a vital component in making choices that align with one's core values. Jonah also underscores the significance of individuals understanding their own values and introduces a valuable tool, the values finder, to aid in this self-discovery. He explains that values go beyond intentions; they manifest as behaviours that effectively guide everyone’s daily decision-making. Throughout the episode, Jonah also shares a treasure trove of insights on the necessity of distinguishing between the outcome and the quality of decision-making. He emphasises that success is not always guaranteed, but consistently making decisions in line with one's values ultimately leads to more favourable outcomes over time. The discussion offers a distinctive perspective on decision-making in diverse fields, from sports to finance, encouraging listeners to utilise their values as a guiding compass for making meaningful life choices. The episode imparts a wealth of wisdom to those seeking to enhance their decision-making skills and attain high performance in both their personal and professional pursuits.

In this enlightening episode, guest Michael discusses the current state and future predictions for the Australian real estate and investment markets, highlighting the challenges posed by projected population growth and supply chain issues. He details how an influx of one and a half million people is affecting housing supply, stimulating discussions among politicians and media alike. Michael points out the increasing demand in industrial sectors due to the rise of e-commerce and logistics, with a parallel decline in traditional retail spaces, a trend exacerbated by the pandemic. He also touches on the unstable conditions of the office and retail property markets, recommending prudence due to the observed downturns, especially in the U.S. Michael emphasises the importance of focusing on sectors with robust fundamentals, like residential and logistics, and the need for adaptability in a fluctuating market landscape. He talks about the importance of aligning investment strategies with the ever-changing market needs, such as sustainability and decarbonisation, especially during global upheavals. The conversation rounds off with insights on the necessity of aligning managerial interests and having 'skin in the game', offering listeners an understanding of the ongoing dynamics in Australian investment and real estate sectors.

In this episode, David chats with Justin from Glow Capital Partners about the ins and outs of finance, private equity, and investment strategies. They navigate Justin's career path, touching on the value of patience in investment decisions. The two also dive into the complexities of business valuation and address some common perceptions about private equity investors. Going beyond the stereotype of simply enhancing businesses for a quick profit, Justin explains Glow's dedication to nurturing sustainable, long-term businesses and highlights the role of positive company culture. They wrap up with a brief discussion on Glow's new investment fund and its potential appeal to investors. Justin Ryan is a Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Glow Capital Partners, a private equity firm with a focus on investing in innovative and growing companies. Justin began his journey in private equity investment in 1997 with Catalyst Investment Managers and later spent significant time at Quadrant Private Equity. In 2003, he took on a leadership role at the Australian Venture Capital Association, now rebranded as the Australian Investment Council. Throughout his career, Justin has been involved in 22 private equity investments, with the majority already exited. Several of these investments have garnered recognition from the Australian Investment Council. Beyond his investment work, Justin has operational experience from his time as CEO and Managing Director of Alesco Corporation, a company with a diverse portfolio of industrial brands, which was acquired by Dulux Corporation in 2011.

In this episode, David Clark engages in a detailed discussion with Michael Lukin from Roc Partners about the intricate realm of private equity. Looking forward, Michael provides insights into the anticipated investment surge in 2024 due to overcommitment in private equity investments. Michael delves into the complex trading process, emphasising the pivotal role of the brokerage market, proactive outreach, and the special bonds formed directly with private equity firms. A significant point to note is Roc Partners' unique advantage in their information, allowing them to capitalise on opportunities that aren't available in public markets. Michael further underscores the firm's commitment to aligning their goals with those of their clients, by investing in the funds alongside clients. The conversation between David and Michael also touches on Roc Partners' distinct fund structure, which includes a four-year liquidity option, designed to adapt to the evolving demands of investors.

In the latest episode of Inside the Rope, David Clark sits down with Mark Barker, Head of International at GQG Partners, a renowned asset management firm. Mark retraces his journey, originating from his early days in London's hedge funds back in 1985, and eventually leading to the birth of GQG in 2016. Mark also covers GQG's investment strategy, which is anchored in delivering modest performance above the benchmark. Since inception in June 2017, the fund has been able to do this, with returns of 14.10% p.a. net of fees to 31 July 2023, compared to the MSCI All Country World Index's 10.69% p.a. Mark also outlines how GQG develops a comprehensive global perspective, emphasizing the nature of emerging and developed markets, yet also noting the challenges they pose. The conversation also shifts to GQG's current market analysis, especially the post-pandemic shift from emphasising production to valuing profitability. Additionally, Mark and David discuss the enduring demand for oil, even as the world vigorously marches towards green energy solutions. Reflecting on GQG's decision to divest from tech in 2021, Mark offers a candid insight into the company's dedication to growth and adaptability. Amidst looming uncertainties around the U.S. economy, Mark still exhibits a level of optimism, citing recent economic trends. In concluding the episode, Mark suggests a bright future for active management but emphasises the importance of managing return expectations for clients.

In this episode of Inside the Rope, David is joined by Cooper Stainbrook of Ibex Investors to delve into Cooper’s recent research on commercial real estate and the potential economic risks. The episode begins by addressing the global trend towards remote work, discussing its potential to drive corporations to scale back their office footprints, possibly affecting office property values. David and Cooper also shed light on the precarious terrain for real estate investors, emphasising sharp declines in property transaction volumes and uncertain asset values. They also discuss the challenges confronting regional banks in the US. These banks have significantly increased their exposure to commercial real estate mortgages, potentially at the least opportune moment. If these banks suffer losses, Cooper argues that we could be looking at broader economic ramifications, including a reduction in credit availability. Cooper joined Ibex Investors in 2017 to assist with the research and portfolio management of Ibex strategies. Prior to joining Ibex, Cooper was a member of a four-person investment team managing over $4 billion at Edgehill Endowment Partners. Cooper graduated with a B.A. in Economics from Yale University in 2015.

In this episode of "Inside the Rope," host David Clark interviews Frank Macindoe, a Koda Partner & Adviser that oversees the Koda Enduring Equities Portfolio of ASX-listed shares. The portfolio has achieved an impressive compound annual growth rate of approximately 14% p.a. over the past 15 years. Frank delves into the current economic landscape, characterized by the end of a long period of declining interest rates, low inflation, and the pandemic's impact. Despite the prevailing uncertainties, Frank adheres to a long-term investment approach, seeking companies that surpass the broader economy, possess competitive advantages (such as intellectual property or scale), and are not heavily reliant on capital. He emphasizes focusing on companies with growth potential over a five-year horizon. Throughout the conversation, Frank expresses optimism for healthcare sector companies like Cochlear, CSL, and ResMed, which faced challenges during the pandemic but are expected to thrive as healthcare returns to normal. However, he avoids investments in banks due to increasing regulatory constraints. Frank also voices concerns about rising bond rates and inflation, which could pose challenges for long-term growth companies. Additionally, he mentions potential risks related to China's economy, US politics, and geopolitical tensions. Regarding artificial intelligence (AI), Frank recommends investing in companies that can leverage AI rather than attempting to pick the ultimate AI technology winner. He notes that businesses with a significant workforce may be vulnerable to AI-driven disruptions.