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 firstlinks@morningstar.com.

Grab a cuppa and settle in for our chat.

James Gruber
Editorial, Firstlinks and Morningstar

 

5 Comments
Sally
November 03, 2023

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

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?

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.

 

Leave a Comment:

banner

Most viewed in recent weeks

Finding the best income-yielding assets

With fixed term deposit rates declining and bank hybrids being phased out, what are the best options for investors seeking income? This goes through the choices, and the opportunities and risks involved.

Howard Marks: the investing game has changed

The famed investor says the rapid switch from globalisation to trade wars is the biggest upheaval in the investing environment since World War Two. And a new world requires a different investment approach.

Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 605 with weekend update

Trump's tariffs and China's retaliatory strike have sent the Nasdaq into a bear market with the S&P 500 not far behind. What are the implications for the economy and markets, and what should investors do now? 

  • 3 April 2025

Pros and cons of Labor's home batteries scheme

Labor has announced a $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program, aimed at slashing the cost of home batteries. The goal is to turbocharge battery uptake, though practical difficulties may prevent that happening.

Designing a life, with money to spare

Are you living your life by default or by design? It strikes me that many people are doing the former and living according to others’ expectations of them, leading to poor choices including with their finances.

World's largest asset manager wants to revolutionise your portfolio

Larry Fink is one of the smartest people in the finance industry. In his latest shareholder letter, the Blackrock CEO outlines his quest to become the biggest player in private assets and upend investor portfolios.

Latest Updates

Investment strategies

An enlightened dividend path

While many chase high yields, true investment power lies in companies that steadily grow dividends. This strategy, rooted in patience and discipline, quietly compounds wealth and anchors investors through market turbulence.

Investment strategies

Don't let Trump derail your wealth creation plans

If you want to build wealth over the long-term, trying to guess the stock market's next move is generally a bad idea. In a month where this might be more tempting than ever, here is what you should focus on instead.

Economics

Pros and cons of Labor's home batteries scheme

Labor has announced a $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program, aimed at slashing the cost of home batteries. The goal is to turbocharge battery uptake, though practical difficulties may prevent that happening.

Investment strategies

Will China's EV boom end in tears?

China's EV dominance is reshaping global auto markets - but with soaring tariffs, overcapacity, and rising scrutiny, the industry’s meteoric rise may face a turbulent road ahead. Can China maintain its lead - or will it stall?

Investment strategies

REITs: a haven in a Trumpian world?

Equity markets have been lashed by Trump's tariff policies, yet REITs have outperformed. Not only are they largely unaffected by tariffs, but they offer a unique combination of growth, sound fundamentals, and value.

Shares

Why Europe is back on the global investor map

European equities are surging ahead of the U.S this year, driven by strong earnings, undervaluation, and fiscal stimulus. With quality founder-led firms and a strengthening Euro, Europe may be the next global investment hotspot.

Chalmers' disingenuous budget claims

The Treasurer often touts a $207 billion improvement in Australia's financial position. A deeper look at the numbers reveals something less impressive, caused far more by commodity price surprises than policy.

Fixed interest

Duration: Friend or foe in a defensive allocation?

Duration is back. After years in the doghouse, shifting markets and higher yields are restoring its role as a reliable diversifier and income source - offering defensive strength in today’s uncertain environment.

Sponsors

Alliances

© 2025 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.