John Calamos. Calamos AM will Allow Senior Portfolio Management and Executives to Participate in Ownership of the Firm
Calamos Asset Management announced lasr Wednesday that Nick Calamos, aged 52, is leaving the Calamos Board of Directors to further pursue his interests in education and philanthropy. The move follows his decision to step away from his day-to-day role with the firm in August 2012 and his agreement to sell to John P. Calamos, Sr., aged 73, his private interest in Calamos Family Partners. The separation agreement includes non-compete and non-solicitation provisions which extend for a period of four years following Nick’s departure.
As a result of this transaction, John P. Calamos, Sr., Chief Executive Officer and Global Co-Chief Investment Officer of Calamos Investments, has announced his intention to form Calamos Partners, in order to allow senior portfolio management and executives of the firm to participate in the private ownership of Calamos Investments. In discussing the formation of Calamos Partners, he stated, “Over the years, I have sought to align senior portfolio management and executives with the long-term objectives of the firm and interests of our shareholders. Calamos Partners will enable the firm to strengthen its alignments with key talent.”
John P. Calamos, Sr. also said, “We wish Nick the best in his future pursuits. Over the last 18 months we have significantly strengthened the Calamos Board of Directors with the appointments of Global Co-CIO Gary Black, Thomas Eggers, Keith (Kim) Schappert and William Shiebler, all of whom have held the role of CEO at asset management firms.”
He continued, “The firm is well positioned for future growth thanks to the strengthening of our investment team and the expansion of our investment strategies, including alternatives, value and high yield.”
Nick Calamos said, “Now is a good time for me to step down so that I can focus more on my academic and charitable activities. Our new Board members are working very well together. John and Gary have added significant resources to the investment team and investment performance has improved on several key strategies. I know the firm’s future is bright.”
Five years after being roiled by the onset of a financial crisis, the global investment environment appears to be approaching an inflection point. This view was discussed by T. Rowe Price investment professionals who shared their thoughts at the company’s annual Investment and Economic Outlook press briefing in New York City on December 3rd
The briefing’s overriding theme for 2014: Be careful. Many financial markets around the world have been in bull market territory since the nadir of the crisis in March 2009. U.S. stocks are up more than 160% off of their lows in 2009, while non-U.S. stocks are up more than 107%. For most of this time, markets have climbed a “wall of worry” and many investors stayed on the sidelines. Recently, however, money has begun to move into riskier asset classes. While attractive investing opportunities continue to exist in many global financial markets, T. Rowe Price believes that investors should temper their expectations as the strong performance in many of these markets over the last five years is unlikely to be matched during the next five years.
Investment and Economic Observations
The U.S. economy and many other economies around the world are poised to gain traction in 2014, albeit in a slower-growth mode than they enjoyed before the crisis began. Tapering from the U.S. Federal Reserve is coming in the next three to six months, and could lead to volatile conditions in global equity and fixed income markets. With unemployment still high in the U.S. and inflation pressures muted, the pace of monetary policy adjustment is likely to be gradual.
Alan Levenson, Chief Economist stated:“The economy should gain momentum next year, with housing construction likely to pick up. The impact of political uncertainty in Washington should be less than it was this year, once we get past the January sequestration talks and the focus turns to elections.”
Despite the bull market, equity valuations appear to be reasonable overall. On the international equity front, many developed markets are seeing improving fundamentals. Europe’s economic recovery is still in its early stages, which could give European stocks more room to run than their U.S. counterparts. In Japan, government reform efforts have the potential to pull the moribund economy from its chronic slump, but structural challenges remain, including ineffective corporate governance and dated labor and regulatory rules. In emerging markets, equity valuations appear to be inexpensive relative to historical norms.
Bill Stromberg, Head of Equityexpressed: “Confidence has been restored, but it is important to be vigilant as the U.S. bull market is aging. International investments, especially in emerging markets, represent the best long-term value from here in fixed income and equity.”
John Linehan, Head of U.S. Equity, shared a similar message, highlighting his doubts over the US market rally: “Moving forward, U.S. stocks are unlikely to match their recent strength. This bull market has lasted for 57 months so far, which is the average length of bull markets since 1930. On the plus side, corporate health remains strong and valuations are neutral. There are still attractive areas, such as companies that are benefiting from the reindustrialization of America. Market tailwinds and headwinds are now more balanced, so we believe it’s time to be cautious.” On the other hand Dean Tenerelli, portfolio manager of the T. Rowe Price European Stock Fund was more positive on his asset class”European equities are undervalued and the economies are recovering. Luxury goods companies, banks in consolidated markets, broadcasters, and Spanish utilities are a few examples of where we see opportunity.
Global fixed income markets are vulnerable to interest rate increases, but value can still be found in certain pockets, including emerging market debt. Credit fundamentals are trending up for many states and municipalities, leading to generally good conditions for U.S. municipal bonds. Moreover, revenues are increasing, due to economic improvement and tax rate hikes, while budget gaps are shrinking. T. Rowe Price favors revenue-backed municipal bonds, especially in areas such as public utilities, transportation authorities, and hospital systems, all of which have limited regional competition and essentially operate as monopolies.
Mike Gitlin, Head of Fixed Income thinks that “Opportunities still exist. The market for emerging market local bonds is relatively liquid and offers attractive risk/reward characteristics. Bank loans and high yield bonds have low expected default rates, strong credit fundamentals, and reasonable yields.”
Allstate announced the launch of its first emerging manager program to invest with smaller private equity and private real estate equity asset managers, with a focus on minority and women-owned firms.
“We believe Allstate is leading the insurance industry in establishing this emerging manager investment program,” said Edgar Alvarado, Allstate’s group head of real estate equity. “We see this program as our farm team – a way to identify the next generation of investment stars, break down the high barriers to entry for these talented managers, and have Allstate be a catalyst in the success of emerging managers. Just as important, Allstate expects its socially responsible investments to achieve strong returns – we truly can say we do well by being a force for good.”
The Allstate program will be administered by the Customized Fund Investment Group (CFIG). Allstate and CFIG are seeking managers with strong investment track records and who are raising their first, second or third institutional funds and with less than $500 million in assets under management. In addition, at least 33 percent of a participating firm will be owned or controlled by women and/or minorities, or at least 50 percent of fund carried interest will be paid to women or minority staff.
The program’s fund managers will identify investments in the United States that meet Allstate‘s desired risk-return profile.
Photo: Raul Heinrich. Henderson refuerza su equipo en Singapur al contratar a un director de renta variable asiática
Henderson Global Investors has hired Andrew Gillan to head up its Asia (ex-Japan) equities team. He will be based in Henderson’s Singapore office. He joins from Aberdeen Asset Management where he was senior investment manager on its Asia Pacific (ex-Japan) equity team and manager of the Edinburgh Dragon Investment Trust, which has gross assets of over £600 million, making it the UK’s largest Asian (ex-Japan) Investment Trust.
Andrew joined Aberdeen as a graduate trainee on the UK equity desk, via Aberdeen’s acquisition of Glasgow-based Murray Johnstone in 2000, before moving to Singapore in 2001.
Andrew will take over as lead manager of the £200 million Henderson Asia Pacific Capital Growth Fund and the US$33 million Henderson Horizon Asian Growth Fund.
Commenting on his appointment Graham Kitchen head of equities, says, “We have been very clear of our intention to continue growing our business internationally, particularly in Asia and the US. Andrew has built up an enviable track record. Having spent over 10 years in Singapore, he is the ideal person to lead our build out there. In addition, and in keeping with our desire to increase our ‘on the ground’ investment talent, we will also be moving a number of our Asian equity analysts to Singapore in the New Year.”
In total Henderson manages US$2.3 billion assets in Asia (ex-Japan) equities on behalf of European, Asian and US clients. Products range across Growth, Income, China and long/short equity.
There are currently 16 investment professionals in Henderson’s equities business in Singapore which includes nine portfolio managers, three analysts and four dealers.
The number of advisors practicing in the registered investment advisor (RIA) model grew at an annualized rate of 8% between 2004 and 2012, while every other advisory channel declined by more than 1% during the same timeframe, according to the latest research from Cerulli Associates.
The December 2013 issue of The Cerulli Edge-U.S. Asset Management Edition examines the RIA channel’s evolution, how third-party vendor platforms reach advisors who value flexibility, and the emergent phenomenon of ETF strategists.
According to Cerulli, multiple factors have fueled the growth of this channel, most prominently the so-called “breakaway broker” – an advisor or team with an established practice choosing to leave an employee broker/dealer (B/D) and creating their own advisory firm. Transitioning advisors have not only come from employee B/Ds, but also from independent B/Ds.
“While the ‘Breakaway Broker’ has been an important driver of change, it is not the sole source of growth for the RIA channel,” Waldert explains. “Nontraditional competitors, such as law and accounting firms, have entered the advisory industry.”
“The unique challenges of business ownership are no longer an obstacle for a breakaway advisor,” Waldert continues.
“The RIA channel expanded from a cottage industry to an essential element within the financial advisory and asset management space”, concludes the report.
Cormac Weldon, director de Renta Variable EE.UU. en Threadneedle. EE.UU. está más caro que otras regiones debido a los puntos fuertes de los que otras regiones carecen
Cormac Weldon, Head of US Equities at Threadneedle, addresses some of the questions currently on the minds of US equity investors. Overall, he believes that US stocks remain attractively valued and that some sectors offer particular value. Cormac also points out the positive aspect of the political division in Congress over the budget deficit and the debt ceiling.
US stock markets are higher now than before the 2008 financial crisis. How is that possible?
Earnings have recovered and surpassed their previous peak so therefore it is entirely understandable that the market should have performed so well.
European stocks have yet to regain their previous highs. Why has the US performed so much better?
The reason that US earnings have recovered is that America quickly implemented dramatic steps to stabilize the economy in 2008 and 2009. Measures included forcing the banks to accept fresh capital and to raise equity and capital levels. As a result, US banks are well capitalized and loan growth is positive. By contrast, European banks remain poorly capitalized and lending growth is negative on the Continent.
Moreover, the US is much stronger in terms of innovation and companies that are dramatically changing industries have driven some of the stock market gains. Examples include Google and Facebook and other internet companies that are changing how companies advertise and gaining market share through innovation.
What do you think of the current level of valuations in the US? Are stocks still attractive?
We believe that the market remains fairly valued and is certainly not overvalued in historical terms although neither is it cheap. However, when compared with other asset classes such as bonds, stocks do look attractive.
How do US valuations compare to other regions?
The US is clearly more expensive than other regions but we believe this simply reflects strengths that other regions lack including: well-contained inflation; positive economic growth; innovation; and a robust banking system.
Many experts have increased their allocation in US equities. Is that a good move?
It certainly has been in terms of performance over the year to date and we believe it will probably remain prudent to have a good allocation to US equities, particularly given that the Federal Reserve is targeting employment levels, which means that is also focusing upon economic growth. Given that inflation remains low, this is almost certainly a very good environment for equities to continue to perform well.
Does the debt ceiling issue pose a serious threat to the economy?
Although the political shenanigans in Washington generate many headlines, we believe they are very much a secondary issue in terms of their impact upon markets and the economy. While there may be some negative effects, we believe that these will be more than offset by the Federal Reserve’s willingness to prolong quantitative easing.
Moreover, we would rather see political bickering than a situation where the Democrats controlled Congress and were able to do as they pleased. This is because the major long-term challenge facing the US is the budget deficit, particularly given that healthcare expenditure will explode in 10 years or so. It is very clear to us that the Democrats are reluctant to address an issue that the Republicans are at least discussing. Thus, we would prefer to see some political turbulence over the budget deficit than a government able to ignore it entirely.
What do you think about the appointment of Janet Yellen to head the Federal Reserve?
We can only comment upon what we have read about her. She is clearly experienced and we are impressed by the fact that her economic forecasts have been more accurate than other policymakers within the Federal Reserve. This record appears a very positive factor.
What are your expectations for the coming months and for 2014?
We believe the market will make further gains. It tends to at this time of the year while all should be quiet on the political stage for a while. Whilst the economy is growing moderately, the Federal Reserve continues to stimulate the economy by buying treasuries and maintaining interest rates at very low levels.
Can you give examples of two companies in your top 10 holdings and explain why these stocks are interesting?
We like Google, where revenues and earnings are growing at healthy double-digit rates – with earnings probably expanding at 20% plus per annum. This has been the case for a number of years and we anticipate this pace will continue given that it is changing the face of the global advertising industry. Although it trades at 19 times next year’s earnings, it is important to remember that earnings will double over the next four years if it maintains a 20% earnings growth rate.
Charter Communications is another favored stock. The cable business had been poorly managed but under a new chief executive, who took over two years ago, has benefited from hefty investment. Consumers are buying more services, such as digital movies and broadband internet, from the company and are paying higher prices for them. Consequently, we believe the company will enjoy good growth in the coming years. Moreover, it is possible that Charter will be involved in any further consolidation within the US cable industry.
Foto: Awesome Sasquatch. FATCA crece con dos nuevos acuerdos firmados por Costa Rica y las Islas Caimán
The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced that the United States has signed intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) with the Cayman Islands and Costa Rica this week to implement the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA).
“Today’s announcement marks a milestone in the effort to promote global tax transparency,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Tax Affairs Robert B. Stack. “These agreements underscore growing international cooperation in the effort to end tax evasion everywhere.”
FATCA, enacted in 2010, seeks to obtain information on accounts held by U.S. taxpayers in other countries. It requires U.S. financial institutions to withhold a portion of payments made to foreign financial institutions (FFIs) that do not agree to identify and report information on U.S. account holders. FFIs have the option of entering into agreements directly with the IRS, or through one of two alternative Model IGAs signed by their home country.
Signed on November 29th, the Cayman Islands IGA is a Model 1B agreement, meaning that FFIs in the Cayman Islands will be required to report tax information about U.S. account holders directly to the Cayman Islands Tax Information Authority, which is the sole channel in the Cayman Islands for the provision of tax-related information to other governments. The Cayman Islands Tax Information Authority will in turn relay that information to the IRS. Additionally, the United States and the Cayman Islands also signed a new Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA), to take the place of the original TIEA signed in 2001.
“By working together to detect, deter, and discourage offshore tax abuses through increased transparency and enhanced reporting, we can help build a stronger, more stable, and accountable global financial system. We look forward to collaborating with the Government of the Cayman Islands to further these objectives,” said Julie Nutter, Minister-Counselor for Economic Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in London, who signed on behalf of the United States.
The Costa Rica IGA was signed on Tuesday, November 26, and is a Model 1A agreement, meaning that the United States will also provide tax information to the Costa Rican government regarding Costa Rican individuals with accounts in the United States.
“Today’s signing marks a significant step forward in our efforts to work collaboratively to combat offshore tax evasion – an objective that mutually benefits both our countries,” said Gonzalo R. Gallegos, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica, who signed on behalf of the United States.
In addition to the 12 FATCA IGAs that have been signed to date, Treasury has also reached 16 agreements in substance and is engaged in related conversations with many more jurisdictions.
For the signed Costa Rica IGA, click here. For the signed Cayman Islands IGA, click here.
Marcos Martinez, presidente ejecutivo y CEO de Banco Santander Mexico. Santander México completa la compra de ING Hipotecaria por 41,4 millones de dólares
Grupo Financiero Santander Mexico announced on Novembr 29th that its subsidiary, Banco Santander Mexico, has completed the acquisition of the equity stock of ING Hipotecaria, a subsidiary of ING Group, as announced on June 14, 2013.
Upon receipt of all required regulatory approvals and authorizations for the acquisition, Banco Santander Mexico purchased ING Hipotecaria for Ps.541.4 million (approximately US$41.4 million) in cash. As of September 30, 2013, ING Hipotecaria’s loan portfolio totaled Ps.11.9 billion, its customer base exceeded 28,000 clients, and its distribution network consisted of 20 branches throughout Mexico.
Marcos Martinez, Executive Chairman and CEO, commented, “We are very pleased to have completed the acquisition of ING Hipotecaria, which strengthens our core portfolio and solidifies Santander Mexico’s position as the second largest banking mortgage provider in Mexico with an estimated market share that increases from 15.8% to 17.8% with this acquisition. We have successfully grown our mortgage business over the years through a prudent combination of organic and external growth initiatives, and we believe the acquisition of ING Hipotecaria fits perfectly into our ongoing strategy. Going forward we intend to continue to expand our mortgage business, providing our clients with innovative products and services while leveraging opportunities for cross-selling our other banking products and maximizing the cost synergies we have identified for this acquisition.”
Foto: Xenan. Interior of ING House, headquarters of the ING Group in Amsterda. ING IM Appoints Two Senior Portfolio Managers to EMD Team
ING IM has announced two senior appointments to its Emerging Market Debt team. The company is also in the process of hiring a credit analyst to join the team in The Hague with the view to them assuming fund management resonsibilities at a later date.
Marcin Adamczyk joined ING IM as Senior Portfolio Manager EMD Local Currency, based in The Hague.
Marcin has more than 15 years of experience in EMD Fixed Income markets and joins from MN, a Dutch pension fund fiduciary manager, where he was Senior Fund Manager Emerging Market Debt. Previously, Marcin worked at Lombard Odier Investment Managers in Amsterdam and Geneva, and was a senior portfolio manager for EMD. Before that, he worked as EM local markets trader at various banks, based in London and Warsaw.
Marcin holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the Krakow University of Economics.
Alia Yousuf joins ING IM as Senior Portfolio Manager EMD Local Currency, based in Singapore.
Alia has 13 years of experience managing EMD portfolios and joins the company from ACPI Investment in London where she was Head of Emerging Market Debt. Alia also had various fund management roles at Standard Asset Management and First State Investments. She started her career at the World Bank as a research analyst.
Alia holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the London School of Economics (LSE). She is also a CFA charter holder.
Both report to Marcelo Assalin, Lead Portfolio Manager EMD Local Currencies based in Atlanta, USA.
The team currently manages $7.9 billion in assets. It has more than 25 investment professionals that are based in The Hague, Atlanta and Singapore.
AXA Investment Managers has appointed John Porter as Global Head of its Fixed Income division. John Porter will replace Theodora Zemek who has decided to leave the company. Based in London, Porter will become a member of AXA IM’s Management Board and report to CEO Andrea Rossi.
John Porter joins AXA IM from Barclays where he was Managing Director and Global Head of Portfolio and Liquidity Management. He was also on their Management Committee. John joined Barclays in 1998 from Summit Capital Advisers where he was Chief Economist and Principal performing macro-economic analysis and developing investment strategies in North America, Europe and Japan for this fixed income and currency- based hedge fund.
John has an MA in International Economics and Certificate in European Studies from Columbia University, a Doctorate in Psychology from the Sorbonne, attended the Ecole Normale Superieure and has a BA in Psychology and Social Relations from Harvard.
“We are thrilled that John will be joining us to oversee the next stage in the growth of our Fixed Income division. He has had a very diverse and hugely successful career and brings with him extensive experience from across the fixed income spectrum, as well as a strong understanding of the challenges facing our clients”, said Andrea Rossi, CEO of AXA IM.
Commenting on his appointment John Porter said: “I am pleased and excited to be joining AXA IM. I am inheriting a very strong and diversified Fixed Income business and my goal will be to work with this hugely talented and experienced team to continue to grow our third party assets under management through the same investment approach and philosophy, compounding current income and avoiding principal loss through fundamental credit analysis and macroeconomic research.”
