Welcome to Disruptive Forces, a podcast series featuring Neuberger Berman’s seasoned investors who discuss trends that are transforming the investment industry and beyond.
Latest Disruptive Forces Episodes
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Could Liquid Alternatives Provide Answers?
(15:21) As liquidity remains a key area of focus for investors, particularly amid a volatile backdrop, what opportunities can be explored across more alternative investment categories?
Building on Infrastructure Investing
(12:04) As governments seem to be finally getting serious about infrastructure spending, we explore some considerations of investing in this space.
Making Sense of Markets and Policy Change
(16:00) From the Fed’s rate hikes to the BoE’s historic fiscal stimulus package, how should investors make sense of policy actions occurring around the world right now?
Investing at a Crossroads
(23:19) How could asset allocators change their approach with the goal of achieving compelling outcomes amid today’s investment landscape?
Inside the Psyche of the Connected Consumer
(19:35) As generational populations shift, what is going on in the psyche of today's digitally native consumer?
How the Space Economy Is Achieving Liftoff
(17:04) As we take off further into the Space Age, we explore the growth potential and opportunity set within this quickly evolving sector.
SDGs: A Framework for Investing
(28:35) How can investors utilize the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals as an informative framework to achieve better investment outcomes?
The Private Equity of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
(22:07) Traditionally, Private Equity has offered key return potential and diversification benefits, which has allowed it to grow dramatically in the last 30 years. But could we see that growth continue as markets take a downturn?
Forgo FOMO: Growth Investing for the Long Term
(12:08) As investors grapple with what the options are in today’s market, we look to growth stocks, which some may consider to be too risky right now, but we uncover how we believe that might not actually be the case…
The Mission Toward Carbon Transition
(17:11) What role does carbon play across infrastructure and are companies implementing changes across their operations as a result?
The Paradigm of Purpose and Profit
(18:26) How can companies respond to ESG issues in a way that goes beyond ticking-the-box exercises to capitalizing on these megatrends?
Mythbusting Crypto Investing
(22:11) Digital currency has been considered the new frontier for many investors, so we bring in the experts to explore the ramifications of investing in one of the newer asset classes amid today’s investment backdrop.
How to Keep Energy Going and Going…
(21:20) Energy markets have been dealing with the implications of ongoing inflation, ESG and geopolitical factors that have changed the investment landscape globally, so what’s next for the sector?
Understanding Short Duration for the Long Run
(21:01) The current High Yield market seems to display the characteristics that could make it an interesting investment opportunity, but does it answer an investor’s question of, will I get paid back?
How to Break the Bias for Women in Finance
(29:35) Across industries, we are still seeing a prominent gender gap in the corporate world. How can women become more visible in this case? And what role could men play in a more gender-equitable future?
Commodities: An Inflation Hedge for All Seasons?
(24:55) The inflation we’re seeing today is unlike what we have seen in 40 years. Thus commodities have become top of mind as a traditional inflation hedge. But what other factors come into play in asset allocation?
The Weakest Links in the Global Supply Chain: Part III
(17:30) In this final chapter of the supply chain series, we identify some of the key risks and opportunities across the technology sector as the global semiconductor shortages further impact the greater supply chain crisis.
The Weakest Links in the Global Supply Chain: Part II
(19:53) As we continue our conversations around the current global supply chain crisis, we evaluate what companies with production overseas are doing about meeting consumer demands and more.
The Weakest Links in the Global Supply Chain: Part I
(15:38) With store shelves looking emptier and shipments getting delayed, we explore what is happening in the global supply chain and what companies are doing about it.
Emission Impossible? Navigating Climate Action and Regulation
(20:41) At COP26, the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, many promises were made. Now investors are closely watching governments and companies to see how they take concrete action.
The Future State of Real Estate Investing
(17:33) Real estate, both in the public and private markets, can act as a diversifier during times of uncertainty. But what are the other factors to consider within this asset class?
It’s Quitting Time: Exploring Labor Market Dynamics
(18:18) Known as “The Great Resignation” or “The Big Quit”, this phenomenon has been turning heads—but how long might this trend last? And what effects might we see going forward?
Taking a Second Look at Real Estate Secondaries
(13:48) With inflation and interest rate risks on the rise, what might make investors want to take a second look at real estate secondaries?
The Blurred Lines of Public and Private Equity
(21:52) Companies today have a variety of pathways to go public, but we also have seen them want to stay private for longer. So where might the opportunity set be within this gray area of investing?
ESG: From Evolution to Revolution
(15:30) With regulatory frameworks changing for ESG investing, what might investors want to keep in mind as they develop sustainable portfolios?
CAT Bonds: Finding Reassurance in Reinsurance
(20:12) With flooding, wildfires and hurricanes continuing to wreak havoc around the globe, how might investors want to consider these natural catastrophe risks within their portfolios?
Turning a New Leaf in Chinese Investing
(19:21) With changes to Chinese regulatory policy, many investors have started to pull away their investments in China. Putting the pandemic and geopolitical tensions aside, could these investors perhaps be leaving potential opportunities behind as a result?
Thinking Big When It Comes to Small Caps
(15:57) With the rise of meme stocks making headlines earlier this year, what other investment tools might be available to new and seasoned investors alike when it comes to investing in small caps?
Playing Good Defense in Diversification
(18:54) The idiom, “Don’t put your eggs in one basket” might come to mind when it comes to diversification, but how might investors want to go about heeding those timeless words of advice?
The Great Housing Diaspora of COVID-19
(19:35) As a result of mass deurbanization during the pandemic, the residential housing markets have seen unprecedented buyer activity over the last several months. But as buyer demand continues to saturate the market, where does that leave supply?
The Electrification of Mobility
(21:53) Vehicle and machinery electrification have increased in popularity, now more than ever. So what are global vehicle manufacturers doing to meet consumer demand?
Making the REIT Move In Real Estate
(22:00) As we’ve begun to adjust to the “new normal” of a post-pandemic economy, what might investors want to keep their eyes on in REITs?
When Do Commodities Become a Hot Commodity?
(16:36) Since the early beginnings of civilization, commodities, such as grains, metals and coffee among others, have been a vital part of global commerce. But how will commodities today be impacted as we move further into the new normal?
Public vs. Private Credit: Competitors or Allies?
(19:50) Over the course of more than a decade, private debt has been in high investor demand. But how does private debt come into play alongside public fixed income markets?
Post-Crisis Investing for the Long Haul
(17:32) Looking to macroeconomics, we evaluate if investors are now at a market inflection point and what the associated implications are that could lie ahead.
Striving for a Net-Zero Investment Climate
(20:45) Climate change and achieving net-zero carbon emissions are at the forefront of global policy issues today, but how can investors make an impact when it comes to their portfolios?
What Are Women Doing About Wealth?
(16:41) As we prepare for an anticipated wealth transfer of $30 trillion to women over the next ten years, what should we know about how women invest assets differently than men?
NB Votes for Meaningful Change
(14:25) Using broad analysis and insights, the ESG Investing team evaluated what, in their view, is important to share with companies in order to make a difference, especially after a year like 2020.
The Workhorse for 5G
(20:08) With society continuing to rapidly rely more and more on the Internet of Things, telecom companies have needed to find ways to stay competitive. But what makes that intriguing for investors?
How to Sustain Sustainability
(14:50) With sustainable investment approaches getting more popular across the globe, we explore the aspects of what may be allowing corporations to be successful as the world tries to reduce its carbon footprint.
Shaping the Future of Healthcare
(18:05) As the world saw the coronavirus vaccines get developed and administered within a year of the first confirmed case, we evaluate the level of innovation we’re seeing across the healthcare sector today.
Making the Case for Value
(13:36) With the value rally that has now been emerging, what might investors want to consider when it comes to value?
Solving for 2021: An Inside Look
(16:34) As 2020 comes to a close, we reflect on the volatile year we have had and look forward to the year ahead, as detailed in our annual investment outlook, Solving for 2021.
The World Wide Web of Retail
(16:02) Early indications show that Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales went well for retailers and consumers alike, so what are some of these companies are doing to maintain customer satisfaction during this unprecedented time?
Getting Smarter Around Disruption
(11:48) As more and more groundbreaking business concepts continue to enter the market, one might wonder what it is about an idea or concept that makes it truly disruptive and the thought process behind it.
Brexit Means Brexit: But What Could That Mean for Portfolios?
(14:55) As Brexit has gone into effect this year shortly before the COVID-19 crisis hit the globe, what do we think investors could now be considering in a post-Brexit economy?
Disruptive Forces: 2020 U.S. Election Special
(20:47) The choice that Americans face in the upcoming election will not only impact the next four years in the United States but could impact the world.
Evaluating the Options
(19:05) With volatility returning to the Options market, what are investors’ options now in this new investing climate?
Traveling in the Unknown
(17:00) With social distancing guidelines currently in place, how do we travel amid the unknowns of COVID-19 in today’s “new” normal? And how are these industries doing as a result?
The Investor’s Almanac: Opportunities in Real Estate
(12:19) The COVID-19 crisis has heavily impacted the current real estate investing landscape. With so many unknowns in this market, are there still opportunities to be found?
Great Expectations in Credit: Now What Comes Next?
(19:16) Despite volatility since March, the credit markets have in fact seen opportunities, as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. So now, what’s next for investors?
Getting a Seat at the Table: Exploring Diversity in Private Equity
(15:26) In light of recent events surrounding racial inequality, what is happening in the Private Equity space in regard to investing with diverse and emerging managers and how do these managers strive for success?
Engagement at Its Core: Inside the Advance Proxy Voting Initiative
(17:01) As we have concluded this year’s inaugural advanced proxy vote disclosure initiative, we highlight the importance of advanced vote disclosure, how engagement with portfolio companies is at the core of the investment process and what lies ahead for the next proxy voting season.
The Past, Present and Future of Insurance-Linked Securities
(14:30) As the insurance industry is potentially facing one of the biggest losses in history due to COVID-19, what can we learn from the past that could allow us to find opportunities in the future?
Thriving Amid Volatility: Perspectives on Asian Credit
(13:02) Despite volatility seen across global markets, the emerging markets across Asia have continued to thrive, both before and after the COVID-19 crisis. What is it about this region that has created these key opportunities?
The Growth of Private Equity Secondaries
(20:49) During the Global Financial Crisis, the Secondaries market created opportunities as a means to gain liquidity in times of duress, but is that the same case today as a result of COVID-19?
Real Estate Investing in the Digital Age
(18:52) In the last decade, we have seen that Real Estate investing has been impacted from the demand of cloud computing and 5G connectivity. With the added element of COVID-19, how could it shape the current REITS landscape?
The Health Care Sector through a COVID-19 Lens
(17:55) On Thursday, April 2, Senior Health Care Analyst, Terri Towers, spoke with us to discuss her views on the implications of COVID-19 on the health care sector.
Will Fallen Angels Drive the Market? A Look into BBB Bonds
(17:17) With about half of the investment-grade credit market categorized as BBB, investors have been keeping an eye on volatility, but growth might still be the right outlook.
Generating Alpha Through Data Science
(15:32) Data science is a new tool that can enhance traditional fundamental investment research, potentially sparking a revolution in active management.
The Reality of Retail: Apocalypse or Renaissance?
(20:37) The retail landscape has undergone a transformation as changing consumer preferences and technological advances disrupt the sector.
CLOs and Late Cycle Credit Investing
(15:31) How should investors be thinking about the loan market as the bifurcation in credit continues?
Disruption Outlook: The Political Game of Breaking up Big Tech
(16:44) How might the technology sector fare as antitrust claims put tech giants under fire?
Disruption Outlook: Trade War & Tariffs
(20:57) In emerging markets, it is critical for investors to separate signals from the noise as uncertainty around trade policy continues.
Disruption Outlook: The Politics of Healthcare
(17:49) Where are investors finding opportunities as the healthcare sector faces political uncertainty?
Human Capital Management & Investment Decision-Making
(10:57) Investors are increasingly interested in how companies are managing their workforce to drive growth and profitability over the long-term.
Quantamental: A New Dimension of Active Investing
(17:55) The collaboration among quantitative and traditional investors are complementing and enhancing the investment process, sparking a revolution in active management.
Private Credit: The Rise of a Core Asset Class
(15:12) Private credit has established itself as an emerging leader in the alternatives space, becoming a key source of long-term finance for borrowers globally.
Disruption Outlook: Negative Rates
(19:03) What are the investment implications of this unusual bond market environment?
Impact Investing: A Shifting Mindset Across Public and Private Markets
(13:16) Impact investing has come to the forefront as investors have increased interest in understanding the social and environmental impact of their portfolio alongside investment performance.
Activist Investing: The New Normal
(17:20) Shareholder activism has gained traction among investment managers as a means to implement meaningful change to improve long-term profit potential.
Late Cycle Investing: What’s Next?
(16:51) What can investors expect as the next downturn seems inevitable?
FinTech: Competitor or Collaborator?
(18:35) FinTech innovations have changed consumer expectations around financial services—will the incumbent players be displaced, or have they found a way to collaborate?
Climate Change: A Growing Investment Consideration
(21:09) Companies must adapt as investors increasingly incorporate climate change considerations into their portfolios to achieve sustainable returns and avoid risk.
Big Data: Exploiting an Inefficient Market
(13:03) Increasing amounts of digital information offer a new frontier for portfolio managers, allowing investors to evaluate companies on both a fundamental and data driven basis.
5G: The Next Generation of Connectivity
(20:04) The implementation of 5G networks will allow for greater connectivity, affecting just about every area of the economy—how should investors prepare?
Autonomous Vehicles: An Evolution, not Revolution
(15:58) The convergence of tech and auto has led to rapid advancements in auto safety features, creating the building blocks for truly autonomous vehicles.
Introduction to Disruptive Forces
(1:34) Dive into the world of Disruptive Forces, where we explore timely topics changing the investment landscape and new opportunities as a result of these movements.
UPCOMING EPISODE
Hedge Funds
While investors continue to look for ways to diversify their portfolios, we look at the elements of hedge funds that could provide uncorrelated return potential.
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Anu Rajakumar, Multi-Asset Class Advisor
Anu Mathur Rajakumar, Senior Vice President, joined the Neuberger Berman in 2008. Anu has spent most of her tenure at the firm as a member of the Quantitative and Multi-Asset Class investment team. As a portfolio specialist on the team, her focus is on delivering customized multi-asset class solutions and working with our firm’s Strategic Partner clients to achieve their unique goals and objectives.
Prior to joining the Quantitative and Multi-Asset Class investment team, she worked in the firm’s hedge fund solutions group, where she was an analyst. Anu received a BS in Finance with a minor in Entrepreneurship from the University of Florida.