Howard Marks and Sohn’s big stars reveal seven rules for investing

Among the stock picks and stunts at the Sohh Hearts & Minds event, Howard Marks and Nick Moakes provided investors with long-term rules for playing markets.

James Thomson

Howard Marks and Sohn’s big stars reveal seven rules for investing

November 15, 2024
Among the stock picks and stunts at the Sohh Hearts & Minds event, Howard Marks and Nick Moakes provided investors with long-term rules for playing markets.
Read Transcript

Trust Howard Marks to deliver the line of the day at the Sohn Hearts & Minds Investment Leaders Conference in Adelaide on Friday, which was abuzz with chat about the prospects for investing under the second Donald Trump administration.

‍What will Trump mean for inflation? What will he mean for growth? What will he mean for geopolitics, and particularly China, which Australia is so reliant on?

‍Howard Marks, co-founder of Oaktree Capital, is prepared to give Trump the benefit of the doubt.  Picture: David Rowe

‍Marks, who declared he was willing to give the second Trump administration the benefit of the doubt, was quick to emphasise that he’s no geopolitical expert.

“Which probably means I’m qualified for a cabinet position,” he quipped.

‍Marks warned Trump “will continue to come out swinging in regards to China” but also predicted that both China and Australia could find ways to navigate the great economic rivalry of our time.

‍China, Marks pointed out, still wants to grow its economy by 5 per cent a year, and there’s simply not enough domestic demand or export demand from countries like Russia, Iran and North Korea to deliver on that goal. “They’re going to have to play by most of the rules and remain part of the world economic community,” Marks said.

Howard Marks, billionaire US investor and Oaktree Capital co-founder. Photo: Ben Searcy

The other big star of the day was Nick Moakes, chief investment officer at the £36.8 billion ($72 billion) Wellcome Trust, which gives a staggering £1.7 billion to medical research each year. He offered a different perspective on China and geopolitics. While the growth of its economy over the last few decades has been staggering, it’s been very hard to make money for the simple fact the economy is hugely competitive, and margins in any given sector are quickly competed away.

But it’s not the only reason he’s wary of investing in China. “We have to worry about the return of our capital as much as the return on our capital,” he said.

Moakes thinks hard about geopolitics, but he also delivered a reminder that should stay at the forefront of investors’ minds as the market ties itself in knots in the coming months trying to second-guess Donald Trump’s next move.

“Ultimately what we are buying is assets, not economies.”

Here are seven big lessons from Moakes and Marks, the stars of the Sohn show on Friday.

Rule number one

Moakes doesn’t like the concept of ESG, which he says has been hijacked by the investment management sector for marketing purposes. But governance explains “rule number one” at the Wellcome Trust. “Don’t invest in anything where the people behind it are, have been, or should be, in prison.”

Easy to say, but sadly not always easy to do.

How to think about returns

‍Moakes comes at investing from a different perspective. His fund has no clients and no time frame – his job is to keep earning money that can be given away. Still, the way he thinks about returns is fascinating.

Using 10 years as a proxy time frame for a long-term investment, he considers four things: what’s the reasonable expected return from an investment; what’s the risk of losing all the Trust’s money on a permanent basis; what liquidity is available (recognising Moakes needs more liquidity than other investors because he wants to keep the money flowing to medical research); and what level of control does he have over the asset.

The higher the risk of permanent capital destruction, the lower the level of liquidity on offer, and the less control Moakes has – does he own 100 per cent of the asset or is he just one of many shareholders, as in a public company? – the greater the excess return he will demand. The Trust targets an inflation-adjusted return of about 4 per cent.

Mainly, do nothing

‍Moakes provided a wry lesson about investment frequency. “What I say to my team is: if in doubt, do nothing. And I am usually in doubt.”

Only four or five big decisions in the past 20 years have made a difference to the Wellcome Trust portfolio, and so when a big change of direction or decision does come up, Moakes wants to place a sizeable bet that can actually make a meaningful difference to returns.

Investors, he reminded the 700-strong crowd, are there to take risk.

Cashflow beats everything

‍Local investing legend Peter Cooper, who interviewed Marks on stage with Chanticleer, probed the Wall Street titan about his thoughts on one of the year’s hottest asset classes: gold. Suffice to say, Marks isn’t a fan.

“If an asset produces cash – a company, a building, a stock, a bond, et cetera – you can assign an intrinsic value to it. But it doesn’t produce cash flow – oil, furs, diamonds, art, crypto and may I say, gold – I think you can’t calculate an intrinsic value, and so investing in it approaches what I would call speculation.”

Moakes didn’t comment on gold, but he takes a similar view of the importance of cash flow.

“The single most important thing is that you need to be invested in real assets … that means you want to own equities of any flavour,” he said. That includes everything from public and private equities to venture capital.

It’s still very hard to beat the US

Many of those equities, Moakes says, continue to be found in the US. His view is that innovation equals productivity, which in turn equals outsized returns. “If you’re going to be investing across the spectrum of venture capital, buy-out funds, all the way through to public equities, you’re naturally going to end up going to the US.”

Marks has a similar view. The US has the world’s greatest mix of “free markets, economic dynamism, creativity, rule of law, personal freedoms [and] deep capital markets” and will probably stay that way. But with valuations historically stretched, Marks did remind the audience “you’re not getting that excellence for nothing”.

Look for the G-TOOT

‍Around the offices of the Wellcome Trust, they like to talk about G-TOOTs – the Greatest Trades of our Time.

Moakes has done two of them, he reckons: in 2018 and 2021, the Wellcome Trust issued bonds at extremely low coupon rates (2.57 per cent and 1.50 per cent) for 100 years and 50 years respectively. Moakes estimates the former deal, where the Trust raised £750 million, could create £20 billion of value if it can achieve that targeted real return of 4 per cent over the next century.

We’re not going back

‍Moakes and Marks were in furious agreement about where inflation and interest rates are heading. The idea that rates are heading back towards 2 per cent, Moakes says, is “bullshit, in my view”.

Marks, who says we may actually be done for US interest rate cuts in the short term given the strength of the economy, expects long-term interest rates to hover around the 3 per cent range. “What that means is that investors in what we call credit or debt or fixed income will be able to achieve good, healthy returns from debt, dependably.”

This article was originally posted by The Australian Financial Review here.

Licensed by Copyright Agency. You must not copy this work without permission.

Trust Howard Marks to deliver the line of the day at the Sohn Hearts & Minds Investment Leaders Conference in Adelaide on Friday, which was abuzz with chat about the prospects for investing under the second Donald Trump administration.

‍What will Trump mean for inflation? What will he mean for growth? What will he mean for geopolitics, and particularly China, which Australia is so reliant on?

‍Howard Marks, co-founder of Oaktree Capital, is prepared to give Trump the benefit of the doubt.  Picture: David Rowe

‍Marks, who declared he was willing to give the second Trump administration the benefit of the doubt, was quick to emphasise that he’s no geopolitical expert.

“Which probably means I’m qualified for a cabinet position,” he quipped.

‍Marks warned Trump “will continue to come out swinging in regards to China” but also predicted that both China and Australia could find ways to navigate the great economic rivalry of our time.

‍China, Marks pointed out, still wants to grow its economy by 5 per cent a year, and there’s simply not enough domestic demand or export demand from countries like Russia, Iran and North Korea to deliver on that goal. “They’re going to have to play by most of the rules and remain part of the world economic community,” Marks said.

Howard Marks, billionaire US investor and Oaktree Capital co-founder. Photo: Ben Searcy

The other big star of the day was Nick Moakes, chief investment officer at the £36.8 billion ($72 billion) Wellcome Trust, which gives a staggering £1.7 billion to medical research each year. He offered a different perspective on China and geopolitics. While the growth of its economy over the last few decades has been staggering, it’s been very hard to make money for the simple fact the economy is hugely competitive, and margins in any given sector are quickly competed away.

But it’s not the only reason he’s wary of investing in China. “We have to worry about the return of our capital as much as the return on our capital,” he said.

Moakes thinks hard about geopolitics, but he also delivered a reminder that should stay at the forefront of investors’ minds as the market ties itself in knots in the coming months trying to second-guess Donald Trump’s next move.

“Ultimately what we are buying is assets, not economies.”

Here are seven big lessons from Moakes and Marks, the stars of the Sohn show on Friday.

Rule number one

Moakes doesn’t like the concept of ESG, which he says has been hijacked by the investment management sector for marketing purposes. But governance explains “rule number one” at the Wellcome Trust. “Don’t invest in anything where the people behind it are, have been, or should be, in prison.”

Easy to say, but sadly not always easy to do.

How to think about returns

‍Moakes comes at investing from a different perspective. His fund has no clients and no time frame – his job is to keep earning money that can be given away. Still, the way he thinks about returns is fascinating.

Using 10 years as a proxy time frame for a long-term investment, he considers four things: what’s the reasonable expected return from an investment; what’s the risk of losing all the Trust’s money on a permanent basis; what liquidity is available (recognising Moakes needs more liquidity than other investors because he wants to keep the money flowing to medical research); and what level of control does he have over the asset.

The higher the risk of permanent capital destruction, the lower the level of liquidity on offer, and the less control Moakes has – does he own 100 per cent of the asset or is he just one of many shareholders, as in a public company? – the greater the excess return he will demand. The Trust targets an inflation-adjusted return of about 4 per cent.

Mainly, do nothing

‍Moakes provided a wry lesson about investment frequency. “What I say to my team is: if in doubt, do nothing. And I am usually in doubt.”

Only four or five big decisions in the past 20 years have made a difference to the Wellcome Trust portfolio, and so when a big change of direction or decision does come up, Moakes wants to place a sizeable bet that can actually make a meaningful difference to returns.

Investors, he reminded the 700-strong crowd, are there to take risk.

Cashflow beats everything

‍Local investing legend Peter Cooper, who interviewed Marks on stage with Chanticleer, probed the Wall Street titan about his thoughts on one of the year’s hottest asset classes: gold. Suffice to say, Marks isn’t a fan.

“If an asset produces cash – a company, a building, a stock, a bond, et cetera – you can assign an intrinsic value to it. But it doesn’t produce cash flow – oil, furs, diamonds, art, crypto and may I say, gold – I think you can’t calculate an intrinsic value, and so investing in it approaches what I would call speculation.”

Moakes didn’t comment on gold, but he takes a similar view of the importance of cash flow.

“The single most important thing is that you need to be invested in real assets … that means you want to own equities of any flavour,” he said. That includes everything from public and private equities to venture capital.

It’s still very hard to beat the US

Many of those equities, Moakes says, continue to be found in the US. His view is that innovation equals productivity, which in turn equals outsized returns. “If you’re going to be investing across the spectrum of venture capital, buy-out funds, all the way through to public equities, you’re naturally going to end up going to the US.”

Marks has a similar view. The US has the world’s greatest mix of “free markets, economic dynamism, creativity, rule of law, personal freedoms [and] deep capital markets” and will probably stay that way. But with valuations historically stretched, Marks did remind the audience “you’re not getting that excellence for nothing”.

Look for the G-TOOT

‍Around the offices of the Wellcome Trust, they like to talk about G-TOOTs – the Greatest Trades of our Time.

Moakes has done two of them, he reckons: in 2018 and 2021, the Wellcome Trust issued bonds at extremely low coupon rates (2.57 per cent and 1.50 per cent) for 100 years and 50 years respectively. Moakes estimates the former deal, where the Trust raised £750 million, could create £20 billion of value if it can achieve that targeted real return of 4 per cent over the next century.

We’re not going back

‍Moakes and Marks were in furious agreement about where inflation and interest rates are heading. The idea that rates are heading back towards 2 per cent, Moakes says, is “bullshit, in my view”.

Marks, who says we may actually be done for US interest rate cuts in the short term given the strength of the economy, expects long-term interest rates to hover around the 3 per cent range. “What that means is that investors in what we call credit or debt or fixed income will be able to achieve good, healthy returns from debt, dependably.”

This article was originally posted by The Australian Financial Review here.

Licensed by Copyright Agency. You must not copy this work without permission.

Disclaimer: This material has been prepared by Australian Financial Review, published on Nov 15, 2024. HM1 is not responsible for the content of linked websites or content prepared by third party. The inclusion of these links and third-party content does not in any way imply any form of endorsement by HM1 of the products or services provided by persons or organisations who are responsible for the linked websites and third-party content. This information is for general information only and does not consider the objectives, financial situation or needs of any person. Before making an investment decision, you should read the relevant disclosure document (if appropriate) and seek professional advice to determine whether the investment and information is suitable for you.

facebook
linkedin
All
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
March 14, 2025

$1.4 million boost for SA medical research

South Australian medical research will receive a $1.4 million cash injection, as a direct result of a major investment and philanthropy conference held in Adelaide.

Read More
Anthony Scaramucci’s time in the White House was brief but memorable. APAnthony Scaramucci’s time in the White House was brief but memorable. APAnthony Scaramucci’s time in the White House was brief but memorable. APAnthony Scaramucci’s time in the White House was brief but memorable. AP
May 19, 2025

Why ‘The Mooch’ thinks Trump is more dangerous this time around

Anthony Scaramucci says Trump has fewer constraints on his worst instincts in his second administration. But he still gets bored easily.

Read More
Image caption: Anthony “The Mooch” Scaramucci at the New York headquarters of his SkyBridge Capital last week. Picture: Jaclyn LichtImage caption: Anthony “The Mooch” Scaramucci at the New York headquarters of his SkyBridge Capital last week. Picture: Jaclyn LichtImage caption: Anthony “The Mooch” Scaramucci at the New York headquarters of his SkyBridge Capital last week. Picture: Jaclyn LichtImage caption: Anthony “The Mooch” Scaramucci at the New York headquarters of his SkyBridge Capital last week. Picture: Jaclyn Licht
May 19, 2025

My biggest mistake: Anthony Scaramucci on what makes Donald Trump tick

On Elon Musk, money and the White House, fast-talking Wall Street hedge fund manager and former Trump communications director Anthony Scaramucci tells it as he sees it.

Read More
A bull case for Bitcoin even as it trades near record levels. Picture: AFPA bull case for Bitcoin even as it trades near record levels. Picture: AFPA bull case for Bitcoin even as it trades near record levels. Picture: AFPA bull case for Bitcoin even as it trades near record levels. Picture: AFP
May 19, 2025

Bitcoin ‘on track’ for $US200,000: Anthony Scaramucci

Bitcoin could hit as much as $US200,000 ($311,000) by the end of this year, fuelled by surging inflows into exchange-traded funds and Donald Trump’s erratic policymaking.

Read More
Anthony Scaramucci says America has no choice but to lower tariffs on China further. Jaclyn LichtAnthony Scaramucci says America has no choice but to lower tariffs on China further. Jaclyn LichtAnthony Scaramucci says America has no choice but to lower tariffs on China further. Jaclyn LichtAnthony Scaramucci says America has no choice but to lower tariffs on China further. Jaclyn Licht
May 19, 2025

‘The Mooch’ says Trump will have to cut China tariffs below 10pc

Scaramucci, who is best known as The Mooch, is the first big-name global investor to be confirmed for the Sohn Hearts & Minds conference in Sydney in November.

Read More
Matthew McLennan in his office at First Eagle Investments in New York. Picture: Jaclyn LichtMatthew McLennan in his office at First Eagle Investments in New York. Picture: Jaclyn LichtMatthew McLennan in his office at First Eagle Investments in New York. Picture: Jaclyn LichtMatthew McLennan in his office at First Eagle Investments in New York. Picture: Jaclyn Licht
July 7, 2025

A golden year for Wall Street’s Australian stock picker

Matthew McLennan’s $14.5 billion position in gold bars and miners paid off handsomely for First Eagle this year. But he insists the precious metal still has room to run.

Read More
December 19, 2024

Rikki Bannan – Don’t get caught up in momentum

Conference Fund Manager Rikki Bannan, Executive Director at IFM Investors, joins Equity Mates to discuss her standout 2023 stock pick, Telix, and explore what opportunities lie ahead.

Read More
Nick Moakes of the Wellcome Trust told the Sohn Hearts & Minds conference that some investors were too optimistic about a reduction in rates. Picture: Ben SearcyNick Moakes of the Wellcome Trust told the Sohn Hearts & Minds conference that some investors were too optimistic about a reduction in rates. Picture: Ben SearcyNick Moakes of the Wellcome Trust told the Sohn Hearts & Minds conference that some investors were too optimistic about a reduction in rates. Picture: Ben SearcyNick Moakes of the Wellcome Trust told the Sohn Hearts & Minds conference that some investors were too optimistic about a reduction in rates. Picture: Ben Searcy
November 20, 2024

Trump unifies top investors in decade-long bullish outlook for US

Nick Moakes, CIO of the $72 billion Wellcome Trust, told the conference that too many investors were banking on a return to the ultra-low interest rates that prevailed over the past decade.

Read More
Wall Street legend Howard Marks told the Sohn event that US exceptionalism would endure. Picture: Ben SearcyWall Street legend Howard Marks told the Sohn event that US exceptionalism would endure. Picture: Ben SearcyWall Street legend Howard Marks told the Sohn event that US exceptionalism would endure. Picture: Ben SearcyWall Street legend Howard Marks told the Sohn event that US exceptionalism would endure. Picture: Ben Searcy
November 17, 2024

Is anyone brave or stupid enough to bet against America?

Stock pickers have been punished for betting against the US. The choice between consensus and contrarianism on American exceptionalism is now harder than ever.

Read More
Ellerston Capital's Chris Kourtis says things will improve at embattled fund manager Perpetual. Picture: Ben Searcy PhotographyEllerston Capital's Chris Kourtis says things will improve at embattled fund manager Perpetual. Picture: Ben Searcy PhotographyEllerston Capital's Chris Kourtis says things will improve at embattled fund manager Perpetual. Picture: Ben Searcy PhotographyEllerston Capital's Chris Kourtis says things will improve at embattled fund manager Perpetual. Picture: Ben Searcy Photography
November 15, 2024

Eleven stock tips from Sohn to get you through 2025

“There’s no finer place for the finance festival than in the festival city,” said Matthew Grounds. He, along with fellow Barrenjoey co-executive chairman Guy Fowler and investor Gary Weiss, is one of Sohn’s driving forces.

Read More
November 15, 2024

Sohn ASX stock pick: Ellerston Capital’s Chris Kourtis backs Perpetual

Chris Kourtis has put his biggest bet on embattled Perpetual – picking one of the most hated stocks on the ASX – that he believes will soon be the ‘cheapest listed asset manager of scale in the universe’.

Read More
Markets will have to adjust to a world in which a new Donald Trump presidency will continue to ‘bash’ Xi Jinping’s China. Picture: AFPMarkets will have to adjust to a world in which a new Donald Trump presidency will continue to ‘bash’ Xi Jinping’s China. Picture: AFPMarkets will have to adjust to a world in which a new Donald Trump presidency will continue to ‘bash’ Xi Jinping’s China. Picture: AFPMarkets will have to adjust to a world in which a new Donald Trump presidency will continue to ‘bash’ Xi Jinping’s China. Picture: AFP
November 15, 2024

Sohn investors position for bullish but bumpy Trump ride

Australia and the rest of the world must adjust to a new Trump presidency that will deliver an expected bull market but also disruption, with the leader in waiting prepared to “create pain” to get his way.

Read More
November 15, 2024

Sohn stock picker experts name best shares to invest in for year ahead

‍Don’t overlook down and out silver miners, legacy skincare brands ready for a revival and a big financial company suffering from a severe case of shareholder wealth destruction.

Read More
November 15, 2024

Sohn: NYSE-listed Estee Lauder’s Northcape Capital pick

Northcape Capital’s Fleur Wright this gives a rare opportunity to buy a high quality company at an attractive price.

Read More
Mike Novogratz, CEO of Galaxy Digital. Photo: Jutharat Pinyodoonyachet/BloombergMike Novogratz, CEO of Galaxy Digital. Photo: Jutharat Pinyodoonyachet/BloombergMike Novogratz, CEO of Galaxy Digital. Photo: Jutharat Pinyodoonyachet/BloombergMike Novogratz, CEO of Galaxy Digital. Photo: Jutharat Pinyodoonyachet/Bloomberg
November 9, 2024

Galaxy Digital CEO Mike Novogratz believes bitcoin will hit $US100k

Bitcoin’s bounce to record highs in recent days is only the beginning of a fresh surge higher for cryptocurrency, says US billionaire Mike Novogratz.

Read More
Eminence Capital founder Ricky Sandler in Sydney. Picture: John Feder‍Eminence Capital founder Ricky Sandler in Sydney. Picture: John Feder‍Eminence Capital founder Ricky Sandler in Sydney. Picture: John Feder‍Eminence Capital founder Ricky Sandler in Sydney. Picture: John Feder‍
November 6, 2024

Why this New York hedge fund manager sees opportunity in European stocks

Influential New York-hedge fund manager Ricky Sandler will turn to Europe for his next stock pick.

Read More
Vihari Ross of Antipodes. Picture: Louie DouvisVihari Ross of Antipodes. Picture: Louie DouvisVihari Ross of Antipodes. Picture: Louie DouvisVihari Ross of Antipodes. Picture: Louie Douvis
November 5, 2024

Antipodes’ Ross says short-term wealth hinges on US election

The portfolio manager says defensive stocks pose a bigger risk than the magnificent seven for investors that are overexposed to the American sharemarket.

Read More
Antipodes Partners portfolio manager Vihari Ross: ‘We ask where the overvaluation is and where the opportunity is.’ Picture: John FederAntipodes Partners portfolio manager Vihari Ross: ‘We ask where the overvaluation is and where the opportunity is.’ Picture: John FederAntipodes Partners portfolio manager Vihari Ross: ‘We ask where the overvaluation is and where the opportunity is.’ Picture: John FederAntipodes Partners portfolio manager Vihari Ross: ‘We ask where the overvaluation is and where the opportunity is.’ Picture: John Feder
November 5, 2024

Concentration risk key for investors: Antipodes Partners’ Vihari Ross

The concentration risk in global stock indexes that has built up during the strong rise over the past year must now be a key consideration for global investors, according to Vihari Ross.

Read More
JO Hambro Asset Management senior portfolio manager Samir Mehta.JO Hambro Asset Management senior portfolio manager Samir Mehta.JO Hambro Asset Management senior portfolio manager Samir Mehta.JO Hambro Asset Management senior portfolio manager Samir Mehta.
November 5, 2024

The fundie betting big on China – with help from AI

Mr Mehta is sticking to his well-worn strategy: he’s hunting for companies across Asia that aren’t battling intense competition and have management teams focused on costs, cash generation and high payouts to shareholders.

Read More
Beeneet Kothari is ready to shock the Sohn Hearts & Minds event.Beeneet Kothari is ready to shock the Sohn Hearts & Minds event.Beeneet Kothari is ready to shock the Sohn Hearts & Minds event.Beeneet Kothari is ready to shock the Sohn Hearts & Minds event.
October 29, 2024

Why this fundie wants you to ‘wince’ at his stock picks

When fund managers come to pitch their favourite stock at the annual Sohn Hearts & Minds conference, there are two ways they can go: they can play it safe, or they can take a risk and shock the room.

Read More
October 27, 2024

IFM Investors’ Rikki Bannan backs small cap investments to rebound after mixed performance

IFM Investors executive director Rikki Bannan believes this year could be a good one to invest in some select small cap stocks.

Read More
October 22, 2024

Meet the 2024 Conference Managers

Following a global search, the Conference Fund Manager Selection Committee is pleased to share eleven new managers for 2024.

Read More
October 21, 2024

Chris Kourtis is on a winning streak. Here’s his next ASX pick

Chris Kourtis of Ellerston Capital thinks he’s found another winner and thinks it’s the last chance to have a bite at the cherry before the strategy plays out.

Read More
Ellerston Capital portfolio manager Chris Kourtis. Picture: Britta CampionEllerston Capital portfolio manager Chris Kourtis. Picture: Britta CampionEllerston Capital portfolio manager Chris Kourtis. Picture: Britta CampionEllerston Capital portfolio manager Chris Kourtis. Picture: Britta Campion
October 21, 2024

Why Ellerston Capital’s Chris Kourtis plans to back a ‘hated’ stock

Chris Kourtis of Ellerston Capital plans to tip one of the “most hated” stocks in Australia when he presents at the 2024 Sohn Hearts & Minds Conference.

Read More
 ‘We’re riding a wave which started (with) the first silicon chips,’ Alex Pollak says. Picture: Britta Campion ‘We’re riding a wave which started (with) the first silicon chips,’ Alex Pollak says. Picture: Britta Campion ‘We’re riding a wave which started (with) the first silicon chips,’ Alex Pollak says. Picture: Britta Campion ‘We’re riding a wave which started (with) the first silicon chips,’ Alex Pollak says. Picture: Britta Campion
October 14, 2024

Alex Pollak champions rewards of disruptive investment

Alex Pollak’s funds management company Loftus Peak rode the Nvidia wave and he is now looking at more opportunities in disruptive industry stocks.

Read More
October 8, 2024

Sumit Gautam - Why AI won't deliver in 2025 | Scalar Gauge

Sumit Gautam is the Founder of Scalar Gauge and speaks with Equity Mates ahead of his appearance at the Sohn Hearts & Minds conference.

Read More
September 30, 2024

Missed out on Nvidia and Ozempic? This fundie says it’s never too late

Northcape Capital’s Fleur Wright is still kicking herself for not owning market darlings Nvidia and Novo Nordisk, the maker of the weight loss wonder drug Ozempic, before shares of those companies rocketed in 2023.

Read More
September 23, 2024

Scalar Gauge Fund founder Sumit Gautam cautious about over-hyped AI

Tech investor Sumit Gautam carefully avoids the word bubble when describing the investor frenzy surrounding the rise of artificial intelligence, but warns there are dangers of getting caught up in the hype.

Read More
September 9, 2024

The Wellcome Trust’s Nick Moakes made a 100-year bet. It’s paying off

Chief Investment Officer, Nick Moakes raised almost $3 billion at ultra-low rates. Sometimes the long view can be the most profitable.

Read More
Wellcome Trust chief investment officer Nicholas Moakes. Picture: Steven PocockWellcome Trust chief investment officer Nicholas Moakes. Picture: Steven PocockWellcome Trust chief investment officer Nicholas Moakes. Picture: Steven PocockWellcome Trust chief investment officer Nicholas Moakes. Picture: Steven Pocock
September 5, 2024

Honesty the only policy that matters, says Wellcome Trust’s Nicholas Moakes

The chief investment officer of the London-based $71bn Wellcome Trust, Nick Moakes, has a simple rule for the trust’s investment team: “Never invest with anyone who is or has been or should have been in prison.”

Read More
September 5, 2024

Why Howard Marks says you’re making a big mistake

Howard Marks says investors must ignore manic depressive markets and focus on the bigger picture. Rates will be higher for longer and that will bring pain – and opportunity.

Read More
July 21, 2024

Investors ‘comfortable’ about a Trump presidency, despite volatility

Economists and market experts say the outcome of the US presidential election has been largely priced in by investors as softening inflation helps to buoy sharemarkets both globally and locally.

Read More
Qiao Ma, portfolio manager at Munro Partners, says the Nvidia rally is nowhere close to being over. Picture: Oscar ColmanQiao Ma, portfolio manager at Munro Partners, says the Nvidia rally is nowhere close to being over. Picture: Oscar ColmanQiao Ma, portfolio manager at Munro Partners, says the Nvidia rally is nowhere close to being over. Picture: Oscar ColmanQiao Ma, portfolio manager at Munro Partners, says the Nvidia rally is nowhere close to being over. Picture: Oscar Colman
May 28, 2024

The AI bulls are sticking to Nvidia despite 600pc share price rally

Nvidia’s quarterly earnings once again exceeded analysts’ expectations and Portfolio Manager, Qiao Ma of Munro Partners says the rise is “nowhere close to being over”.

Read More
Munro Partners' Kieran Moore likes US Tex-Mex fast food operator Chipotle, and Meta. Picture: Elke MeitzelMunro Partners' Kieran Moore likes US Tex-Mex fast food operator Chipotle, and Meta. Picture: Elke MeitzelMunro Partners' Kieran Moore likes US Tex-Mex fast food operator Chipotle, and Meta. Picture: Elke MeitzelMunro Partners' Kieran Moore likes US Tex-Mex fast food operator Chipotle, and Meta. Picture: Elke Meitzel
February 15, 2024

Hedge fund Munro says Nvidia, Microsoft have more to run

Kieran Moore is portfolio manager of Munro Partners Global Growth Fund. The Melbourne-based hedge fund oversees $4.3 billion in assets.

Read More
January 24, 2024

How To Master The Art Of Winning The Room

Jonathan Pease, the creative director behind the Sohn Hearts & Minds Conference and author of the book, Winning the Room, recently sat down for a chat with Mark Bouris on Straight Talk.

Read More
2023’s winners: DigitalX’s Lisa Wade, Jason Orthman from Hyperion, Regal Partner’s Todd Guyot, and Cathie Wood of ARK Investment. 2023’s winners: DigitalX’s Lisa Wade, Jason Orthman from Hyperion, Regal Partner’s Todd Guyot, and Cathie Wood of ARK Investment. 2023’s winners: DigitalX’s Lisa Wade, Jason Orthman from Hyperion, Regal Partner’s Todd Guyot, and Cathie Wood of ARK Investment. 2023’s winners: DigitalX’s Lisa Wade, Jason Orthman from Hyperion, Regal Partner’s Todd Guyot, and Cathie Wood of ARK Investment. 
January 19, 2024

Best funds of 2023 stick with bitcoin, big tech bets

Some of the best performing funds of 2023 are holding firm on bitcoin and mega-cap tech stock picks that made them big money last year.

Read More
November 19, 2023

Equity Mates review the stocks pitched at the Sohn Hearts & Minds Conference

Bryce and Ren of Equity Mates attended the Sohn Hearts & Minds Conference and reviewed the stocks pitched by our new 2023 Conference Fund Managers.

Read More
Ark Invest CEO Cathie Wood remains as big-picture as ever. Picture: David RoweArk Invest CEO Cathie Wood remains as big-picture as ever. Picture: David RoweArk Invest CEO Cathie Wood remains as big-picture as ever. Picture: David RoweArk Invest CEO Cathie Wood remains as big-picture as ever. Picture: David Rowe
November 17, 2023

‘I Know It Sounds Crazy’: Cathie Wood’s Next Big Idea

Speaking from Ark’s headquarters in Florida ahead of her appearance at the Sohn Hearts & Minds Conference on Friday, Wood says she believes disinflation is now just around the corner in the US.

Read More
ARK Invest founder Cathie Wood: It does appear that the SEC here in the United States is likely to approve a spot bitcoin ETF within the next few months.ARK Invest founder Cathie Wood: It does appear that the SEC here in the United States is likely to approve a spot bitcoin ETF within the next few months.ARK Invest founder Cathie Wood: It does appear that the SEC here in the United States is likely to approve a spot bitcoin ETF within the next few months.ARK Invest founder Cathie Wood: It does appear that the SEC here in the United States is likely to approve a spot bitcoin ETF within the next few months.
November 17, 2023

ARK Founder Wood Backs Bitcoin, Banking On Spot ETF Approval

Tech investment guru Cathie Wood is still a big believer in bitcoin, so it was fitting that she chose Grayscale Bitcoin Trust as her stock pick for the 2023 Sohn Hearts & Minds Investment Leaders Conference.

Read More
IFM Investors small cap specialist Rikki Bannan addresses the Sohn Hearts & Minds Investment Leaders Conference at Sydney Opera House. Picture: Renee NowytargerIFM Investors small cap specialist Rikki Bannan addresses the Sohn Hearts & Minds Investment Leaders Conference at Sydney Opera House. Picture: Renee NowytargerIFM Investors small cap specialist Rikki Bannan addresses the Sohn Hearts & Minds Investment Leaders Conference at Sydney Opera House. Picture: Renee NowytargerIFM Investors small cap specialist Rikki Bannan addresses the Sohn Hearts & Minds Investment Leaders Conference at Sydney Opera House. Picture: Renee Nowytarger
November 17, 2023

Hot Stocks To Ride The Next Healthcare Trends

Healthcare stocks – from sleep apnoea giant ResMed, to cancer diagnostic biotech Telix Pharmaceuticals – were recommended at the Sohn Hearts & Minds Investment Leaders Conference on Friday.

Read More
November 17, 2023

How Daniel Loeb, The Real Bobby Axelrod, Made His Wall Street Billions

When Damian Lewis, the actor who plays the ruthless hedge fund boss in the drama series Billions was looking for inspiration, he sat down with Daniel Loeb.

Read More
November 17, 2023

The 12 Hottest Stock Tips From This Year’s Sohn Experts

It might be time to look beyond big names. That was the message from top fund managers, company founders and super funds at the Sohn Hearts & Minds.

Read More
Azora Capital founder Ravi Chopra. Picture: Renee NowytargerAzora Capital founder Ravi Chopra. Picture: Renee NowytargerAzora Capital founder Ravi Chopra. Picture: Renee NowytargerAzora Capital founder Ravi Chopra. Picture: Renee Nowytarger
November 17, 2023

Webster Financial ‘Avoided The Mistakes Of US Bank Failures’

The US financial sector is not without its problems but Ravi Chopra backs Webster Financial Corporation as his stock pick for the 2023 Sohn Hearts & Minds Investment Leaders Conference.

Read More
November 17, 2023

Why Stock Picker Cathie Wood Of ARK Can’t Stand Google

The world’s highest-profile tech investor, Cathie Wood, might be bruised but she is certainly bullish. Nor is she holding back.

Read More
Munro Partners partner and portfolio manager Kieran Moore at the Sohn Hearts & Minds conference in Sydney. Picture: Renee NowytargerMunro Partners partner and portfolio manager Kieran Moore at the Sohn Hearts & Minds conference in Sydney. Picture: Renee NowytargerMunro Partners partner and portfolio manager Kieran Moore at the Sohn Hearts & Minds conference in Sydney. Picture: Renee NowytargerMunro Partners partner and portfolio manager Kieran Moore at the Sohn Hearts & Minds conference in Sydney. Picture: Renee Nowytarger
November 17, 2023

Wise Share Price Could Rise 50pc By 2025, Says Munro Partners

Global growth fund manager Munro has about $4.3bn in funds under management across four global funds, and usually invests in companies that are poised to win from massive structural change.

Read More
December 10, 2024

Professor Jane Butler: Sparking Hope for Spinal Cord Injuries

In this episode of the Hearts & Minds Podcast, we sit down with Professor Jane Butler to discuss her groundbreaking research into spinal cord injuries.

Read More
impact-podcasts
September 24, 2024

Asian Market Potential with Tom Naughton of Prusik

CIO Charlie Lanchester sits down with Tom Naughton, CIO of Prusik Investment Mgmt. Tom shares his investment philosophy, the opportunities and challenges in Asian markets, and how his 2023 conference stock pick, Swire Pacific (0019.HK), delivered an impressive 30% return.

Read More
investing
September 4, 2024

Building Hearts and Minds with Co-Founders Matthew Grounds and Guy Fowler

In this episode, co-founders Matthew Grounds AM and Guy Fowler OAM discuss their journey in building Hearts & Minds and its philanthropic model that has donated over $70 million to medical research.

Read More
investing
June 25, 2024

Navigating the Resource Sector with Jeremy Bond of Terra Capital

In this episode, we chat with Jeremy Bond, Founder of Terra Capital and HM1 Conference Fund Manager. Tune in for insights into the world of resource investments and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

Read More
investing
June 11, 2024

Prof. Nadia Badawi on Cerebral Palsy Breakthroughs and Neonatal Care

Dive deep into the groundbreaking work of Professor Nadia Badawi, an internationally recognised neonatologist and expert in Cerebral Palsy.

Read More
impact-podcasts
May 28, 2024

Investment Insights: Rikki Bannan on Top Picks and Trends

Join us for an engaging episode featuring Rikki Bannan, Portfolio Manager of IFM Investors and HM1 Conference Fund Manager. This episode explores Rikki's career journey, investment strategies, and her 2023 conference stock pick, Telix Pharmaceuticals (ASX.TLX).

Read More
investing
December 6, 2023

Peter Cooper talks building and instilling a culture of humility and excellence

In this episode, our guest is the renowned investor, Peter Cooper, founder and Chief Investment Officer of Cooper Investors (Core Fund Manager). A founding supporter of Hearts and Minds, Peter is a staunch advocate of our model and its philanthropic purpose, actively engaging in every facet of Hearts and Minds.

Read More
investing
November 28, 2023

Jun Bei Liu on her high conviction investment strategy

In this episode, HM1 Chief Investment Officer Charlie Lanchester is joined by Jun Bei Liu. Jun Bei is the Portfolio Manager of Tribeca’s Alpha Plus Fund and since taking over managing the Fund, she has quadrupled AUM.

Read More
investing
November 21, 2023

The world of rare genetic disease research

In this episode, we speak to Associate Professor Gina Ravenscroft. Gina is an Associate Professor in Neurogenetics at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research in Perth. Her research interests are in rare genetic diseases, with a particular focus on neurogenetic diseases in babies and children.

Read More
impact-podcasts
November 14, 2023

Learn what makes a high conviction investment and how to avoid short-term noise

In this episode, our Core Fund Manager Magellan shares how they select top stocks for the HM1 portfolio.

Read More
investing
November 7, 2023

Delve into the world of kids critical care and trauma research

In thie episode, we are joined by Dr. Marino Festa, or Rino for short. He is the Medical Director of NSW Kids ECMO Referral Service and a senior specialist in Paediatric Intensive Care at Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

Read More
impact-podcasts
October 31, 2023

Where Regal's Phil King is searching for opportunities

HM1's CIO, Charlie Lanchester, talks to Phil King of Regal Funds about his passion for stocks, his ongoing search for opportunities, and some of the sectors he’s excited by right now. Phil King of Regal Funds, has been a tremendous supporter of Hearts & Minds since the beginning.

Read More
investing
October 24, 2023

Preventing recurrent miscarriages and birth defects

In this episode, CEO Paul Rayson is joined by renowned biomedical researcher Professor Sally Dunwoodie. Prof. Dunwoodie's groundbreaking work has revolutionised clinical practices and enabled genetic diagnostic tests worldwide. In 2017, her team achieved a double breakthrough with the potential to prevent recurrent miscarriages and various birth defects.

Read More
impact-podcasts
October 17, 2023

Nick Griffin on how he finds global winners

In this episode, CIO Charlie Lanchester chats with Nick Griffin, the founding partner and CIO of Munro Partners, one of HM1's Core Fund Managers. They go over his career to date, reflect on the lessons he’s learned, and trace the decisions that led to him starting Munro.

Read More
investing
October 10, 2023

How A/Prof Matt Call is teaching our body to kill cancer

In this episode, CEO Paul Rayson is joined by WEHI’s Associate Professor Matt Call to talk about his incredible research. Matt’s team teaches and trains the body's own immune cells to target and kill cancer cells.

Read More
impact-podcasts
October 3, 2023

Understanding the 4 pillar framework underpinning a high conviction strategy

Listen to episode one with Chief Investment Officer Charlie Lanchester and TDM Growth Partners Investment Team Members Ed Cowan and Fraser Christie. They share their unique investment philosophies and delve into two high conviction stocks recommended for the HM1 portfolio.

Read More
investing
October 3, 2023

Understanding the 4 pillar framework underpinning a high conviction strategy

Listen to episode one with Chief Investment Officer Charlie Lanchester and TDM Growth Partners Investment Team Members Ed Cowan and Fraser Christie. They share their unique investment philosophies and delve into two high conviction stocks recommended for the HM1 portfolio.

Read More
investing