On May 14 & 15, a host of leading investment managers congregated in central London at the Morningstar Investment Conference to share and debate their views on the current investment environment, developments in the investment industry and strategies for ensuring investment success.
Below you'll find highlights from the conference, featuring numerous video interviews with our guest speakers and panelists, and insights from Morningstar experts on trends and ideas that emerged from the event.
Monday: Investor Behaviour
We set the scene by reviewing the challenges facing investors and discussing good practice and behavioural finance.
What Keeps These Investment Managers Awake at Night?
Stewart Cowley of Old Mutual Global Investors, Chris Rice of Cazenove and Ewen Cameron Watt of BlackRock set the scene by sharing their greatest fears in the current investment environment.
How to Avoid Being Your Portfolio's Own Worst Enemy
On average, investors underperform a simple buy-and-hold strategy by 3% a year, says Barclays' Greg Davies, so how can we avoid making bad investment decisions?
How Will the FCA Protect Consumers of Financial Services?
Clive Adamson of the Financial Conduct Authority says the regulator will be premptive rather than reactionary in its aim of protecting consumers of financial services.
Tuesday: Allocating Assets in a Low-Yield Environment
The Financial Conduct Authority and investment managers explain the outlook for consumer protection, the new chapter in the asset vs passive debate and the risk of being too pessimistic.
16 Favourite Ideas and Quotes from the Conference
Here are some of our favourite ideas and comments from the outspoken speakers at the Morningstar Investment Conference.
Are You Too Pessimistic for Your Portfolio's Own Good?
The events of the past few years have led many investors to prepare for a failing global economy, but is this a risky strategy?
What Is Value Investing and Value-Driven Asset Allocation?
Morningstar's Daniel Needham explains how investors can use a value strategy to dictate their allocation of assets over time.
Passive Investments Require Active Decisions
Stephen Cohen of iShares discusses the latest chapter in the active vs. passive debate and active decision-making around passive investments.
Wednesday: Stock-Picking
Strategies for equity investing, including emerging market stock-picking, how to pick reliable companies and insight into a fund manager's day job.
What To Do When the Government Sells Lloyds and RBS?
Morningstar's Erin Davis discusses investors' options when the time comes for the UK government to sell its stakes in the banking sector.
Why Boring Companies Are 'Best'
Terry Smith of Fundsmith explains how he finds the best companies and why these are also the most 'boring'.
How a Fund Manager Analyses a Company
Just as Morningstar analysts interview managers before rating their fund, managers in turn conduct their own due diligence before investing in a company.
'Irrational Exuberance' Propelled Emerging Market Equities
Kim Catechis explains the volatile performance of emerging markets in recent history and provides tips on making the most of this asset class.
Thursday: Investing for Income
Is there still a role for bonds in your portfolio? We take a look at recent trends, the outlook for fixed interest, how to earn income from dividend stocks and the role of property in a portfolio.
Be Wary of High-Yielding Stocks
It's imperative to actively pick your high-yielding stocks, as a high yield is often a sign of a bad company, says Newton's Nick Clay.
Beware Retail Bonds and Innovation in the Bond Industry
Stephen Snowdon of Kames Capital on why investors should be wary of retail bonds, the risk of innovation in the bond industry and why equity managers are enjoying some bond-bashing.
Outlook for High-Yield Bonds Loses Its Lustre
The high-yield market has got a little ahead of itself, leaving the outlook for the rest of the year looking less rosy, says M&G's Stefan Isaacs.
Should Homeowners Still Invest in Property Funds?
Even if most of your assets are tied up in the bricks and mortar of your home, commercial property can provide diversification and income, says F&C's Richard Kirby.
Friday: Investment Industry Developments
The Retail Distribution Review has in part led to growth in the number of platforms available for investors to action their ideas. We look at what the future holds and how an adviser can add value to individuals' investments.
Measuring How Much an Adviser Helps You Achieve Your Goals
After alpha and beta, gamma can measure the value that professional advice adds to your investment returns.
What Does the Future Hold For Investment Platforms?
Holly Mackay of Platforum expects to see the greatest growth in the workplace savings market, with platforms becoming ubiquitous over time.