Register For Our Mailing List

Register to receive our free weekly newsletter including editorials.

Home / 533

Podcast: UniSuper's John Pearce, today's GFC similarities, LIC news

Season 2, Episode 11

Special guest John Pearce, Chief Investment Officer at UniSuper, explains why the 60/40 portfolio is far from dead, that governments not central banks are to blame for the recent inflationary spiral, why history is a dangerous guide to the future, and how UniSuper has recently invested heavily in the downtrodden US banking sector.

Morningstar's Peter Warnes tells us why events today remind him of 2007, a year before the financial crisis hit.

And Firstlinks' Managing Editor, Graham Hand, gives an update on developments in listed investment companies and listed investment trusts, including planned delistings from Neuberger Berman and Forager, the ongoing battle over Magellan Financial's Global Fund, and Wilson Asset Management's latest offering.

The podcast is also available via our dedicated website page, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and BuzzSprout.

Please share with friends and colleagues, and a favourable rating would help spread the word. We welcome questions and suggestions at [email protected].

Grab a cuppa and settle in for our chat.

James Gruber
Editorial, Firstlinks and Morningstar

 

  •   1 November 2023
  • 5
  •      
  •   
5 Comments
Peter
November 02, 2023

I wish there was a transcript. Listening to podcasts takes up too much time and I am eager to read other articles contained in "Firstlinks"

James Gruber
November 03, 2023

Point taken, Peter. Unfortunately, transcripts take time and we don't have the resources to do it right now. We do include extensive time stamps, so you can go to bits of the podcast that interest you. 

Greg
November 02, 2023

Hi Peter, as a general comment, I too find video clips and sound clips present information at a quite "slow" information rate compared to that of a reasonable speed reader.

I may be teaching you to "suck eggs", however - have you noticed the "speed adjust" icon on this podcast which lets you increase/change the replay speed (with some clever adjustment to avoid to Donald duck effect).

It is the small box with the 1x in it.

TonyD
November 02, 2023

This is a hack to get a text summary using AI.

1. Share the podcast to Spotify by clicking on the up-arrow icon in the player.

2. In Spotify share the podcast to get a url link.

3. Go to poe.com and use your free access quota to ask Claude2-100k for a summary with the prompt:

Summarise: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2EyAcpxM2X95JYnxNqCXou?si=w_Tq3fs3SiSPmvlq5J72ZA

4. Caude2 will generate a summary and suggest additional prompts to dig down:

> Tell me more

> What are some potential risks or downsides of favoring credit over equities in a portfolio?

> Can you explain why UniSuper is currently favoring credit over equities in their portfolio?

> What are some examples of fragilities and weaknesses that were exposed during the global financial crisis?

> How does UniSuper determine the strategic allocation shift between credit and equities in their portfolio?

Sally
November 03, 2023

Agree totally ... time poor & would much prefer to read a transcript.

 

Leave a Comment:

banner

Most viewed in recent weeks

Australian stocks will crush housing over the next decade, 2025 edition

Two years ago, I wrote an article suggesting that the odds favoured ASX shares easily outperforming residential property over the next decade. Here’s an update on where things stand today.

Australia's retirement system works brilliantly for some - but not all

The superannuation system has succeeded brilliantly at what it was designed to do: accumulate wealth during working lives. The next challenge is meeting members’ diverse needs in retirement. 

Get set for a bumpy 2026

At this time last year, I forecast that 2025 would likely be a positive year given strong economic prospects and disinflation. The outlook for this year is less clear cut and here is what investors should do.

The 3 biggest residential property myths

I am a professional real estate investor who hears a lot of opinions rather than facts from so-called experts on the topic of property. Here are the largest myths when it comes to Australia’s biggest asset class.

AFIC on the speculative ASX boom, opportunities, and LIC discounts

In an interview with Firstlinks, CEO Mark Freeman discusses how speculative ASX stocks have crushed blue chips this year, companies he likes now, and why he’s confident AFIC’s NTA discount will close.

Property versus shares - a practical guide for investors

I’ve been comparing property and shares for decades and while both have their place, the differences are stark. When tax, costs, and liquidity are weighed, property looks less compelling than its reputation suggests.

Latest Updates

Superannuation

Meg on SMSFs: First glimpse of revised Division 296 tax

Treasury has released draft legislation for a new version of the controversial $3 million super tax. It's a significant improvement on the original proposal but there are some stings in the tail.

Investment strategies

10 fearless forecasts for 2026

The predictions include dividends will outstrip growth as a source of Australian equity returns, US market performance will be underwhelming, while US government bonds will beat gold.

Infrastructure

How many hospitals will an extra 1 million people need?

We're about to add another million people to cities like Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. How many hospitals and other essential infrastructure are needed to cater to a million more people? This breaks down the numbers.

Risk management

Is the world's safest currency actually the riskiest?

The US dollar’s long-standing role as a ‘shock absorber’ during times of market stress is showing cracks. The ‘Liberation Day’ sell-off was a timely reminder of this, and here's what investors should do about it.

10 things I learned about dementia and care homes from close range

My mother developed dementia before eventually dying in June last year. She was in three aged care homes before finding the right one. Here is what I learned along the way.

Economics

China's EV and solar backlog and future trade wars

China has flooded the world with electric cars and solar panels to offset the economic drag from a weak domestic property market. How long can this go on, and what are the implications for commodities and Australia?

Investment strategies

Why Elon Musk's pay packet is justified

Tesla copped criticism after its shareholders approved a package allowing Musk to earn up to $1 trillion in stock options. If only Australian businesses were more like Tesla.

Sponsors

Alliances

© 2026 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer
The data, research and opinions provided here are for information purposes; are not an offer to buy or sell a security; and are not warranted to be correct, complete or accurate. Morningstar, its affiliates, and third-party content providers are not responsible for any investment decisions, damages or losses resulting from, or related to, the data and analyses or their use. To the extent any content is general advice, it has been prepared for clients of Morningstar Australasia Pty Ltd (ABN: 95 090 665 544, AFSL: 240892), without reference to your financial objectives, situation or needs. For more information refer to our Financial Services Guide. You should consider the advice in light of these matters and if applicable, the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before making any decision to invest. Past performance does not necessarily indicate a financial product’s future performance. To obtain advice tailored to your situation, contact a professional financial adviser. Articles are current as at date of publication.
This website contains information and opinions provided by third parties. Inclusion of this information does not necessarily represent Morningstar’s positions, strategies or opinions and should not be considered an endorsement by Morningstar.