As we approach the end of June, it feels like it has been a long first half to the year. But given what has gone on and one person’s actions, I’m not sure we will be clamouring for anything orange at half-time… Regardless, the PH 250+ conference is a wonderful opportunity for a (small) breather and to take stock.
Graced, as we are, by the presence of executives from a good chunk of mid-cap land, our flagship conference is a chance to discuss how management teams are facing into the headwinds and making plans in what are increasingly uncertain times.
As markets feel like they are moving faster than ever, staying close to companies and taking some time away from the screens has never been more important. That can include meeting management teams, visiting them on their own patch, or even sitting down with our crack team of analysts to build up the picture and bolster one’s knowledge.
Given that we are between reporting periods for many of the companies presenting, this is an opportune time for an ad hoc update. And should you miss out on meeting any of the companies you had on your list, please look out for the PH sales or research teams to get their views, as well as the post-conference write-ups. We also have the BRR media team recording interviews with various management teams, so there should be a decent library of content to follow up on once you are back at your desk.
The point is, though, that you are physically here and can engage with other people, unlike your passive counterparts—who might be cheaper to cater for, but are much less chatty. Remaining active (and agile) is the best way to dodge the tape-bombs and side-step the Trumpian Truth tantrums. The recent market volatility should remind everyone with a 401(k), or a SIPP closer to home, that outsourcing your investment decisions to a machine is not necessarily going to produce returns that go up in a straight line forever.
Diversifying a bit and picking something other than an S&P black bucket to help build for your retirement, might well be a far more sensible strategy. And given where valuations are, there is a good case to be made that actively managed UK-focused funds should start featuring more prominently on investors’ shopping lists. With any luck, that would help to slow the outflows from UK markets, or even turn the tide altogether.
Reading the currents and adding context to an investment decision is an important human differentiator and the next couple of days are an important and timely opportunity to take the temperature of execs, as well as your peers. The UK market faces many threats and has been experiencing ‘shrinkage’ for a protracted period. That said, we are still blessed with a significant number of excellent companies and investment opportunities, and we hope to showcase many of them here at the Montcalm.
As ever, should you need any further assistance, or have any follow-up questions on any of the meetings you have, please do not hesitate to contact the PH sales team, and we will do our best to assist you.
Thank you for your ongoing support and I hope we get the chance to catch up between the meetings, to swap notes, or actively chat over a drink (not orange juice).
James White,
Head of UK Sales
