In this episode of the 'Fund Your Retirement Podcast,' host Lee interviews Simon Evan-Cook, a multi-asset fund of funds manager with over 25 years of experience. Simon shares his journey into fund management, his investment philosophy, and the key principles guiding his strategy, particularly his preference for active fund managers.

He discusses the dynamic nature of fund management, how he identifies exceptional fund managers, and the importance of understanding both the art and science behind investing in funds. The conversation also touches on the pros and cons of active versus passive fund management, the impact of fund size on performance, and the emotional challenges investors might face. Simon emphasizes the value of patience, understanding market cycles, and making informed, long-term investment decisions.

Timestamps:

01:40 Simon's Journey into Investing

02:50 Discovering the Passion for Fund Management

07:06 Simon's Investment Strategy

12:37 Active vs. Passive Fund Management

20:16 Screening for Fund Managers

20:22 Identifying Extreme Funds

22:54 The Hero's Journey of Funds

25:04 Holding Periods and Fund Manager Longevity

26:26 Challenges of Managing Large Funds

00:05 Understanding Fund Dynamics

31:21 Final Thoughts on Active vs Passive Investing

36:35 Book Recommendations and Closing Remarks

If you like the episode, please leave us a review and subscribe for future investor interviews.

Hope you enjoy this episode and have a wonderful day.

Guest Links & Resources:

Visit Simon’s Profile on The Dowing Website Here: https://www.downing.co.uk/downing-fund-managers/vt-downing-fox-funds

Join Simon’s Medium mailing list: https://simonevan-cook.medium.com/

Visit Simon’s Billion Dollar Book Club: https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/the-way-of-the-fox-ten-texts?

Visit Fund Your Retirement: https://www.fundyourretirement.com/

Disclaimer: This presentation is for educational purposes only. All opinions and information are for demonstrational purposes and do not constitute investment advice. Trading and investing carries a high level of risk and are not right for everyone. If you need financial advice, consult with a regulated financial adviser in your country before making any decisions.

In the final episode of the season, Judith and Rosemary delve into the intricacies of a day in the life of a fund manager. They discuss their roles and responsibilities, which include selecting and monitoring investments, communicating with shareholders, and dealing with regulatory requirements. They share insights into their typical weeks, which vary greatly and can be unpredictable due to market announcements.

The episode also highlights the challenges posed by regulatory demands and the importance of long-term investment. The managers reflect on their most rewarding moments, their involvement in additional commitments such as charities, and provide advice for aspiring fund managers. The episode concludes with book and show recommendations.

Timestamps:

01:24 Roles and Responsibilities of a Fund Manager

04:08 Weekly Routine and Unexpected Challenges

04:33 Research and Communication

06:44 Regulatory Demands and Governance

12:23 Working from Home and Travel

14:31 Advice for Aspiring Fund Managers

15:21 Challenges and Frustrations

18:52 Proudest Moments and Giving Back

23:53 Career Path and Opportunities

27:16 Book and Podcast Recommendations

31:30 Conclusion and Season Wrap-Up

Hope you enjoy this episode and have a wonderful day.

If you like this episode, please let us know by subscribing for future company reviews and insightful conversations about the markets, personal finance, portfolio management and stock analysis.

Links & Resources:

Visit Downing Fund Managers here: https://www.downing.co.uk/downing-fund-managers

Follow Downing on X/Twitter @downingllp: https://twitter.com/downingllp?lang=en

Vassal States by Angus Hanton: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vassal-State-America-Runs-Britain/dp/1800753888

Investors reading and watch list for the long-term investor: https://www.fundyourretirement.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Top-picks-for-a-long-term-investor.pdf

Visit Fund Your Retirement: https://www.fundyourretirement.com/

Follow FYR on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FRetirement

Disclaimer: This presentation is for educational purposes only. All opinions and information are for demonstrational purposes and do not constitute investment advice. Trading and investing carries a high level of risk and are not right for everyone. If you need financial advice, consult with a regulated financial adviser in your country before making any decisions.

This time on The Investors Round Table Roland Head, Mark Simpson, and Graham Neary discuss Interest rates and the investment potential of Property Franchise Group (TPFG), Macfarlane Group (MACF) & Van Elle Holdings (VANL).

A healthy three-way debate about the shares they own, their portfolios, and the markets.

Timestamps:

1:20 Round table discussing Property Franchise Group (TPFG).

14:00 Round table discussing Macfarlane Group (MACF).

30:50 Round table discussing Van Elle Holdings (VANL).

36:00 Round table discussing Interest rates.

If you like this episode, please let us know by subscribing for future company reviews and insightful conversations about portfolio management and stock analysis.

Roland Mark & Graham Resources:

Visit FYR for more investors related podcasts: https://www.fundyourretirement.com/

Follow Roland on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rolandhead

Visit Roland’s Dividends Investing website here: https://www.rolandhead.com/

Follow Mark on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DangerCapital

Buy Marks Book here: http://excellentinvesting.org/

Follow Graham on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrahamNeary

Join Graham’s Substack newsletter here: https://theinvestorinstitute.substack.com/

Disclaimer: This presentation is for educational purposes only. All opinions and information are for demonstrational purposes and do not constitute investment advice. Trading and investing carries a high level of risk and are not right for everyone. If you need financial advice, consult with a regulated financial adviser in your country before making any decisions.