08:50
A NEW FRONTIER | EXPLORING ASSET BACKED LENDING’S ROLE IN MODERN PORTFOLIOS
As some sectors of credit markets become increasingly crowded, investors face challenges in generating meaningful yields while managing risks. This session discusses asset-based lending as an innovative approach to portfolio management.
We will explore how this strategy extends beyond conventional corporate and commercial real estate markets, potentially enhancing returns and improving portfolio diversification. Our speaker will examine the risk-return profiles of various asset-backed lending structures across public and private markets.
By investigating this evolving market segment, we will challenge conventional wisdom to demonstrate how asset-backed lending can improve portfolio outcomes through all market environments.
SPEAKER:
KYLE MCCARTHY, Executive Vice President and Alternative Credit Strategist, PIMCO
CHAPTER ONE
09:50
GLOBAL EQUITY SHOWDOWN | JAPAN'S REFORMS MEET INDIA'S AMBITIONS
Many portfolios miss out on potential profit by gaining exposure to massive populations centres of the world. But as limited capital fights over new ideas where should investors head?
A session to pit 2 major regions against each other: Japan, amidst significant regulatory reforms, and India holding the banner high for emerging markets, the big country with big ambitions.
Our speakers will dissect these markets, challenging conventional allocations. Can Japan’s valuation appeal and the potential impact of corporate governance changes generate outstanding returns? Or will the Indian renaissance and population growth help it into a dominant position in global indices.
SPEAKERS:
DAVID JENKINS, Client Portfolio Manager, GQG Partners
JUNE-YON KIM, Head of the Japanese Equity Team | Lead Portfolio Manager/Analyst, Lazard Asset Management (Virtual presenter)
SHAILESH JAIN, Principal | Asset Consulting, Evidentia Group
10:50
MORNING TEA
11:20
IS GEN-AI RESHAPING THE CONSUMER LANDSCAPE | HOW CAN MID-CAP INVESTORS CAPITALISE?
With the AI taking off this year, investors and consumers are scrambling to work out, how does it make a difference? Our speaker, fresh from a global reconnaissance mission, offers unique insights into how Generative AI potentially has a profound impact and revolutionises consumer interactions.
A session to explore how Gen-AI is shifting decision-making power back to consumers and reshaping industries from retail to travel, sectors which have presence in Australian mid-caps and are uniquely positioned to leverage this disruption. We'll examine implications on business models, capital expenditure, and valuations in this new paradigm. From utilities to beauty care, learn how diverse sectors are adapting to AI's influence.
SPEAKER:
JOHN GUADAGNUOLO, Portfolio Manager, Antares Equities
12:00
MACHINES, POWER AND DESTINY | AI ASCENDANCY & GEOPOLITICAL FLUX IN THE RACE TO 2050
The convergence of accelerating AI capabilities and mounting geopolitical tensions presents challenges to global stability. While media focuses on AI's technological advances, the deeper societal implications - from labor market disruption to existential questions about humanity's role alongside super-intelligent systems - demand urgent attention. As we approach potential technological singularity, debates intensify about whether AI will augment or eventually supersede human civilisation.
Against this technological backdrop, 2024 brings immediate geopolitical risks: a pivotal US election amidst democratic strain, an enduring Ukraine conflict, escalating Middle East tensions, and Iranian nuclear ambitions. China's assertive stance toward Taiwan adds another critical flashpoint.
Looking toward 2050, these near-term challenges intersect with AI's long-term implications. The fusion of advanced AI with military capabilities, cyber warfare, and information systems could fundamentally reshape power dynamics between nations, potentially transforming traditional geopolitical paradigms before any technological singularity emerges.
SPEAKER:
KEITH SUTER, Managing Director, Global Directions
13:00
CLOSING REMARKS
13:10
LUNCH
13:40
SYMPOSIUM CONCLUDES