Cazenove Capital has invested a great deal of time and effort in broadening its investment universe to include asset classes where the intention is to provide investment returns that do not wholly correlate with equity markets, particularly in periods of volatility.
For some more traditional wealth managers, where client portfolios are comprised of only equities and bonds, perhaps with a smattering of commercial property, the effect of any significant market retracement is likely to be pronounced. This is especially so given the increasing cross-asset class correlation, which has become a worrying phenomenon.
Different class
Our approach now involves various asset classes, depending on the client mandate, including absolute return vehicles, structured products and infrastructure, as well as some other genuinely esoteric investments such as reinsurance and student housing vehicles.
While it is nearly impossible to tell exactly where we are in this cycle – a consequence of continuing accommodative monetary policy and, until recently, a reluctance from central banks to taper quantitative easing to any meaningful extent – it seems reasonable to suggest that we are closer to the end than the beginning.
While little in the present world can be guaranteed, having the ability to diversify out of equities with a portion of the portfolio should help us to partially mitigate any significant drawdown in equity markets. In addition to this, and as in the financial crisis, we expect that our blend of active third party equity managers will be able to take advantage of any value opportunities, so that our clients’ portfolios participate in any subsequent rally.
First-class service
Cazenove Capital’s client portfolios have benefited from our ability to diversify throughout more difficult market conditions
Ultimately, there are a great many differing styles and methodologies in managing client portfolios and, in many respects, it is difficult to say one is right and another is wrong – so long as managers work within the confines of the mandate they are set. That said, Cazenove Capital’s client portfolios have benefited from our ability to diversify throughout more difficult market conditions and helped us deliver on our promise to clients: they receive a first-class service and attractive, long-term, risk-adjusted returns.
Our multi-asset approach has certainly benefited our clients throughout the current period of yield compression, as we have been properly equipped with the expertise and robust due diligence process required to select appropriate alternatives and diversifiers for client portfolios.
