Name: Trustee Training Programme 2025: Session 1 - Macroeconomics & DB pensions
Start: 2025-04-30T14:00:00Z
End: 2025-04-30T14:00:43.000Z
Location: BrightTALK
Rating: 4

At Columbia Threadneedle Investments, we invest to make a difference in your world, and the wider world. Millions of people rely on us to manage their money and invest for their future; together they entrust us with £598 billion*. Whatever world you want, our purpose is to help you achieve it. We do this by being globally connected, intense about research, having a responsible ethos, and a focus on continuous improvement.

* All correct as at 30 June 2022

 
A global team brings together diverse expertise with investment professionals sharing global perspectives across asset classes and markets. Behind every investment is intense research powered by a team of analysts dedicated to finding original, actionable insights. 
 
Being responsible about investment lies at the core of everything we do - Responsible Investment (RI) principles and proprietary tools are used to provide a robust RI framework and better analysis for the benefit of clients. We have a responsibility not just to invest in a more sustainable future, but also to use our influence to drive positive change. It’s our belief that ESG principles enhance and improve both investment returns and real-world outcomes.

What we will cover:
- Compare self-sufficiency vs. run-on – what each means for funding, risk, and trustee responsibilities
- Explore adding yield while managing risks post self-sufficiency
- Assess endgame trade-offs - timing, sponsor appetite, and practical considerations for 2026 and beyond.

Trustee Training Programme 2026: Session 2: Beyond Self Sufficiency: The Run-On Option

What we will cover:
- US securitised assets – the basics
- The universe, key differences vs. Europe, and how it has evolved post-global financial crisis
- Role in pension portfolios and characteristics of securitised asset strategies

Trustee Training Programme 2026: Session 1 - An Intro to US Securitised  Assets

Join Anthony Willis, Senior Economist, for an in-depth discussion on the forces shaping the global economy in 2026. Despite persistent challenges, growth has remained resilient, and there are signs the cycle could be extended further through monetary policy and fiscal stimulus across major economies. Inflation has eased but continues to hover above target, creating uncertainty for central banks and interest rate trajectories. At the same time, the global backdrop is increasingly fragmented, with diverging growth and inflation trends, ongoing tariff impacts, and shifting trade alliances redefining economic relationships.
 
Policy and political risks remain front and centre as central banks navigate a delicate balance, while fiscal deficits and election-driven stimulus add complexity. Investment themes are evolving, with artificial intelligence moving from heavy capital expenditure toward monetisation, prompting investors to scrutinise capital allocation efficiency. After a strong year of returns, markets are priced for perfection, leaving little room for error.
 
Anthony will provide actionable insights on navigating these dynamics, examining the implications of tariffs, geopolitical risks, and the changing investment landscape as we move into 2026.

Market Perspectives: 2026 – Extending the Cycle

Join us for our upcoming Trustee Training webinar, where our experts will explore key issues shaping the DC landscape:

• The latest trends in the DC market
• What is lifestyling and how does it work?
• Common pitfalls of lifestyle investment strategies – with real-life case studies
• Why excessive derisking may pose challenges
• The role of UK Real Estate in building a diversified DC portfolio

This session is designed to give trustees practical insights and examples to support better decision-making in today’s evolving DC environment.

Trustee Training Programme 2025: Session 2: Understanding the DC market

Join David Dudding and Andrew Harvie for a timely update on the CT Global Focus Strategy, as they unpack performance and positioning through a volatile first half of 2025 and share their outlook for the months ahead.

In this session, we’ll begin with a macroeconomic overview, examining the key forces shaping global equity markets:

Trade policy shifts and tariff impacts
Inflation moderation and central bank pivots
Sector rotation and valuation resets

We’ll then explore how these dynamics influenced the CT Global Focus strategy's positioning. With global equities rebounding—particularly in tech, industrials, and select emerging markets—we’ll highlight tactical shifts across regions.

David and Andrew will also share their outlook for the remainder of 2025, discussing how the strategy is positioned to navigate ongoing risks such as geopolitical tensions, policy uncertainty, and shifting investor sentiment—while continuing to seek out compelling opportunities.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from the portfolio managers and gain insights into how the strategy is responding to a rapidly evolving global landscape.

From volatility to value - How CT Global Focus is navigating 2025’s market turns

We’re pleased to invite you to an exclusive webinar exploring the evolution and future of responsible stewardship as we celebrate 25 years of reo®, our responsible engagement overlay service. This webinar will be comprised of two sessions, with time for a Q&A with our speakers at the end.

Session 1: From Niche to Necessity – The Evolution of Stewardship

Vicki Bakhshi, RI Strategist at Columbia Threadneedle, reflects on 25 years of corporate engagement and the rise of stewardship as a key investment discipline. Learn how financial materiality has consistently driven effective strategies, even in volatile political and market environments.

Through real-world examples, Vicki will showcase impactful engagement approaches and offer practical guidance for navigating today’s ESG challenges - grounded in fiduciary duty and value creation.

Session 2: Materiality Matters – Staying the Course Through Political Headwinds

Elizabeth McGeveran, a member of our Responsible Investment Advisory Council (RIAC), explores how financial materiality remains central to effective stewardship, regardless of political shifts.

Drawing on over 20 years of investment experience, Elizabeth will trace the evolution of materiality analysis from regional roots to globally relevant practices. Through practical examples, Elizabeth will show how companies focus on sustainability factors that drive long-term value—regardless of despite shifting narratives.

The session will cover how to identify material sustainability issues, maintain analytical integrity, and use engagement to uncover key value drivers.

Past, Present, and Future of Engagement: Celebrating 25 years of reo® #1

This year has been shrouded in uncertainty, with volatility evident across global markets. Following President Trump’s tariff announcements, investors witnessed falls in US equity markets, quickly followed by a significant rebound. In Europe and the UK, equities look set to reverse some of their significant underperformance against the US in the last decade. European equities are enjoying a revival thanks to macroeconomics and attractive valuations. The relaxation of Germany’s debt brake has raised yields in Europe, whilst in the US the perceived economic slowdown led to a fall in yields earlier in the year. But again, we saw a reversal following the announcement of the pause in reciprocal tariffs and concern about the level of the fiscal deficit, with spreads being increasingly tightened.

With this backdrop, please join Columbia Threadneedle Investments’ Global Chief Investment Officer, William Davies, and Head of Multi-Asset Solutions for EMEA, Paul Niven to hear how they are navigating the uncertainty and volatility, as well as the opportunities that the retracement and decoupling present to investors.

Midyear outlook 2025 – Navigating markets amidst an uncertain investment climate

Nature is increasingly a topic in the crosshairs for investors. There is growing awareness that the erosion of natural capital is creating material risks for investors, from regulatory pressures to supply chain disruptions, and that investee companies offering solutions could stand to benefit. We will explore the data tools and research approaches we are using to bring nature into fundamental investment conversations, and discuss how we see the nature investment landscape evolving in 2025.

Sustainability Research Webinar - Natural capital: nature as an investible theme

The government has just published its proposals around surplus release for DB pension schemes. In this webinar, we will discuss the implications of these proposals on pension scheme long-term objectives and investment strategy. In particular we will focus on “run-on”, what an investment strategy could look like, what it means for credit allocations whilst considering current market conditions and the associated governance model.

New rules on surplus extraction – what does it mean for investment strategy?

In this topical webinar we will explore the history and background to President Trump’s tariff policies. We will consider the latest position and how tariffs are impacting on markets, consumer sentiment and trade. Finally, we’ll outline how asset managers are responding to recent markets and offer our views on advice for clients. 

Presented by Columbia Threadneedle Investments’ Senior Economist, Anthony Willis, and John Batten, Strategic & Technical Sales Manager, Adviser Edge

Learning Outcomes
By attending this webinar you will be able to:
• Explore the background to tariffs and President Trumps inspiration in using them
• Consider the current position with US Tariffs and their impacts on consumer sentiments and trade
• Consider advice for clients in the context of current markets

Trump, tariffs, trade and turmoil

Over the last twelve months, the FTSE All-Share Index has performed more strongly than the Magnificent Seven US tech stocks, the more broadly based S&P 500 index and the Nasdaq stock index. Despite this, the UK remains undervalued.
We will take a closer look at the factors which have led to UK equities being relatively unloved for so long. We’ll also argue why there are real grounds for optimism and highlight some of the opportunities we’re able to find through detailed fundamental analysis.
 
Head of UK Equities, Jeremy Smith, and portfolio manager, Dominic Younger, reflect on the latest outlook for the UK market.

UK Equities: don’t believe the doom-mongers

2024 was the year of the BATMMAAN stocks. Collectively, Broadcom, Apple, Tesla, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, Alphabet, and Nvidia became the caped crusaders of global markets, capturing investors’ imaginations and driving market performance. But with great performance comes great concentration risk, and these companies now dominate benchmarks. Combined with hidden correlations, a new era of geopolitics and ongoing macro challenges, this creates a changing dynamic for managing equity portfolios. 

In this webinar, David and Andrew will explore how to approach such an environment, why managing risk in big tech is so important, but also why diversification will be critical in the year ahead. Join us as we discuss where to find the real superhero stocks, and how Columbia Threadneedle’s approach to quality offers a resilient approach amid market uncertainty.

BATMMAAN Begins! Navigating the market’s super-stocks and the case for a differentiated approach to quality

The world has changed. The US has announced much higher tariffs than markets had expected, and has introduced massive uncertainty. The break with previous policy on Ukraine and weakening of commitment to NATO means Europe is planning a go-it-alone defence policy that implies a massive fiscal boost. Meanwhile, the UK is struggling to cut welfare spending to keep borrowing under control. Our Chief Economist, Steven Bell will discuss these dramatic changes and draw conclusions for financial markets.

Tariff Turmoil, German Rearmament: Where will it all end?

There’s turmoil in US policy, stagflation in the UK and stagnation in Europe. Join Steven Bell, Chief Economist, as he discusses the outlook for 2025 against this background and what it may mean for financial markets.

What's next for markets?

Join Jamie Jenkins and Clare Allen for a webinar on CT Responsible Global Equity: Strategy Review and 2025 Outlook, where they will reflect on the key performance drivers of H2 2024 and explore the challenges and opportunities ahead.

This will include:
• Strategy Review: insights into performance in H2 2024
• 2025 Outlook: How are we positioned for the year ahead, including the implications of a new US administration, the trajectory for AI demand and adoption, and threats to global economic stability
• The Portfolio Manager’s Perspective: thoughts on how it feels to manage a responsible fund in today’s complex environment, balancing our ESG goals with market realities

CT Responsible Global Equity: Review and 2025 outlook

You are invited to join our interactive webinar where Steven Bell, EMEA Chief Economist, will cast his eyes to what lies ahead for economies and markets in 2025.

As well as health checking key economic regions and assessing the prospects for inflation and interest rates, Steven will explore the potential impacts of a new Republican administration in the US and beyond.

What are the relative attractions of equities versus bonds and where do opportunities exist from a geographic perspective?

Opening Bell 2025

After a tumultuous year of political and economic change, our Chief Economist, Steven Bell, will review market performance in 2024 and look ahead to 2025.

Closing Bell 2024

Register today for our upcoming Trustee Training webinar, where our speakers will discuss the following:
• The impact of a rapidly evolving macroeconomic backdrop and its knock-on effect on interest rates and inflation.
• How does this impact your pension scheme's funding position?
• How to position your portfolio to best protect against the challenges ahead?

Trustee Training Programme 2025: Session 1 - Macroeconomics & DB pensions

Macro Economics

Pensions

This community is for investors who work within the European market providing client and portfolio management advice. Join to learn from trusted investors on the latest trends and account strategies for delivering consistent results and long term success.

European Investors

The accounting and finance community on BrightTALK features presentations from leading accountants and finance professionals. The accounting community includes tax planning strategies, QuickBooks webinars and other accounting webinars, while the finance community features presentations on financial capital regulations and forensic data analytics. Join the conversation by attending live financial and accounting presentations and connecting with industry thought leaders.

Trustee Training Programme 2025: Session 1 - Macroeconomics & DB pensions

Presented by

About this talk

Columbia Threadneedle - Institutional