278. Competitive advantage and the power of a strong brand

David Dudding, manager of the CT Global Focus fund, and newly appointed co-manager Alex Lee, share the fund’s investment philosophy of focusing on company-specific factors, competitive advantages, and long-term growth potential. We also consider global economic trends and thematic investment opportunities such as decarbonisation and energy efficiency. David and Alex also discuss the fund’s holdings in Apple, Pepsi, CRH, and current opportunities in both Japan and emerging markets. 

What’s covered in this episode: 

• Current sentiment in the global economy, region by region
• Concerns about government stimulus in China
• Trends in machinery and industrials
• Why semiconductor companies have faced challenges recently 
• The fund’s approach to stock selection
• The characteristics the managers are looking for in companies
• The investment case for Apple 
• The competitive advantages of CRH
• PepsiCo: pricing power and snacks 
• Why Japanese companies are looking more attractive
• Opportunities in emerging markets, highlighting Indian banks
• Growing importance of energy efficiency

More about the fund: 

The CT Global Focus fund is a concentrated, high conviction portfolio of best ideas. The fund looks to invest in businesses that demonstrate both exceptional quality and a strong return on investment, with the potential for sustainable long-term growth. Although is truly global fund, the managers only explore opportunities in emerging markets when they meet strict quality criteria.

Learn more on fundcalibre.com

Please remember, we’ve been discussing individual companies to bring investing to life for you. It’s not a recommendation to buy or sell. The fund may or may not still hold these companies at the time of listening. Elite Ratings are based on FundCalibre’s research methodology and are the opinion of FundCalibre’s research team only.

Learn more on fundcalibre.com

Please remember, we’ve been discussing individual companies to bring investing to life for you. It’s not a recommendation to buy or sell. The fund may or may not still hold these companies at the time of listening. Elite Ratings are based on FundCalibre’s research methodology and are the opinion of FundCalibre’s research team only.