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21/2/2024
5
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The best books on investing specially chosen by Downing Fund Managers

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Downing launches new actively managed liquid alternatives fund aiming to deliver 7% to 10%+ per annum and positive returns in most markets. The new MGTS Downing Active Defined Return Assets Fund (‘Active Defined Returns’, the ‘Fund’), is the first fund from its new Liquid Alternatives team.

The Fund is aimed at institutional investors, Discretionary Fund Managers, IFAs and advised sophisticated individual investors, and will primarily consist of UK Government bonds and large-cap equity index options, which provide significant scalability and strong liquidity. It aims to deliver 7% to 10%+ per annum and positive returns in all markets except for a sustained equity market fall (generally more than 35%), over a period of at least six years.  

The Fund is the first to be launched by the new Liquid Alternatives Team established by Downing. Collectively, the team has over 125 years of experience and sector knowledge, and includes Tony Stenning, who held senior roles at BlackRock and most recently was CEO of Atlantic House Group; Russell Catley, founder and also a former CEO of Atlantic House Group; Huw Price, a former Executive Director at Santander Asset Management, and Paul Adams, former Head of Cash Equities and Derivatives Sales, Royal Bank of Canada.          

The Fund offers investors a compelling building block for multi-asset portfolios, aiming to add consistent and predictable returns, typically secured with a portfolio of UK Government bonds. The unique proposition includes a hybrid approach of using systematic derivative strategies and active management, combining liquid investments with predictable returns, and an equity like risk profile.

Investment strategy: Maximising the probability of delivering predictable defined returns across the economic cycle.

  • Systematic Liquid Derivatives:  Systematic, derivative strategies optimise the equity risk-return profile. The Fund uses rules-based derivative strategies linked to the most liquid, large-cap global equity indices (i.e. FTSE100, S&P500) with the aim of harvesting well-proven consistent returns across a wide corridor of market conditions. 
  • Strong security:  The Fund will hold a high-quality portfolio of assets as secure collateral – typically UK Government bonds.
  • Active benefits: At times, rules-based, passive derivative strategies can underperform when markets move strongly – this is when specialist active management can add incremental gains by monitoring and monetising positions and applying active risk management.

Key benefits

  • Increased consistency and predictability of returns: Positive returns in all markets except for a sustained equity market fall of more than 35% over at least six years.
  • Diversification of risk: The Fund’s risk components are diversified across large, liquid equity indices, observation levels and counterparties. Secured with high-quality assets – typically UK Government bonds.
  • Active management: Our experienced team will actively manage the Fund and its investments to optimise risk and reward for investors.
Russell Catley, Head of Retail, Liquid Alternatives at Downing, said: “Put simply, we focus your investment risk on the probability of receiving the returns you need, not those you don’t.  We target the highest probability of delivering 7% to 10%+ per annum with active management adding material incremental gains. We believe that we are building the next evolution of the proven success of Defined Returns funds
The Downing team is seeing strong demand from clients looking for alternatives to large-cap equity funds which are becoming concentrated in technology stocks, or alternatives to UK equity income funds and illiquid alternatives.”   
Tony Stenning, Head of Liquid Alternatives at Downing, said: “The launch of our Active Defined Return Assets Fund is a significant milestone in the ambitious build-out of our new Liquid Alternatives strategies. It is a solution-focused fund that should deliver stable high single or low double-digit returns across a wide spectrum of equity market conditions, except for a persistent multi-year bear market. The Fund is designed to enhance balanced portfolios by providing consistent, predictable returns and is suitable for accumulation or drawdown.
“We aim to deliver a unique combination of proven systematic derivative strategies and specialist active management, and we are doing so at a very compelling fee level, below our closest competitors and in line with active ETFs.”

How the Fund is expected to perform in different markets

  • In bullish markets:  UK Government bonds secure the capital, and the equity index options deliver a predictable 7-10%+ return per annum – giving up some less likely upside.
  • In neutral markets and normal market corrections:  UK Government bonds secure the capital, and the index options deliver a predictable 7-10%+ return per annum.
  • In a sustained sell-off:  if markets fall more than the cover to capital loss and do not recover for six years. Then capital is eroded 1:1 in line with the worst performing index.
  • The average Cover to Capital Loss is targeted at 35%:  the average cover to capital loss represents the average level the Global indices within the Fund could fall before capital is at risk.

Fund key risks

  • Performance:  Capital is at risk. Investors may not get back the full amount invested.
  • Liquidity:  Access to capital is always subject to liquidity.
  • Counterparty risk: Other parties could default on the contractual obligations.

Fund Structure

  • UK regulated OEIC fund structure, fully UCITS compliant
  • Daily dealing, at published NAV
  • Minimum investment: £100,000
  • SRRI: 6 out of 7
  • Depositary: Bank of New York
  • Authorised corporate Director (‘ACD’): Margetts Fund Management Ltd.
  • I share-class:  SEDOL: BM8J604 / ISIN: GB00BM8J6044
  • F share-class: SEDOL: BM8J615 / ISIN: GB00BM8J6150

Learn more about the Fund here.


Risk warning: Opinions expressed represent the views of the fund manager at the time of publication, are subject to change, and should not be interpreted as investment advice. Please refer to the latest full Prospectus and KIID before investing; your attention is drawn to the risk, fees and taxation factors contained therein. Please note that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Capital is at risk. Investments and the income derived from them can fall as well as rise and investors may not get back the full amount invested. Investments in this fund should be held for the long term. 

Important notice: This document is intended for professional investors and has been approved as a financial promotion in line with Section 21 of the FSMA by Downing LLP (“Downing”). This document is for information only and does not form part of a direct offer or invitation to purchase, subscribe for or dispose of securities and no reliance should be placed on it. Downing does not offer investment or tax advice or make recommendations regarding investments. Downing is a trading name of Downing LLP. Downing LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Reference No. 545025). Registered in England and Wales (No. OC341575). Registered Office: 10 Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6AF.

Have you ever wondered what books to read if you’re looking to get into a career in investment?  

There are countless books on investing, spanning theories and practices, from managing funds and assets to selecting stocks and equities; books delving into sector-specific investing, as well as micro and macroeconomic trends, and other more specialised topics.

This raises the question: how can you most effectively allocate your time to decide which books to read if you're aiming to pursue a career in investment?

Top book picks for a long-term investor

Downing Fund Managers have combined their decades of experience to come up with a tailored list of their top book recommendations for investment professionals or for individuals looking to get started in their careers in finance.  

You can download a digital copy of the list here.

  1. John Neff on Investing - John Neff

Packed with solid advice and guidance for anyone aspiring to execute value investing.

  1. Dumb Money - Ben Mezrich

To bring back some of 2021 – Dumb Money by Ben Mezrich about Roaring Kitty/Gamestop.

  1. 100 Baggers - Chris Mayer

A book about 100-baggers. These are stocks that return $100 for every $1 invested.  

  1. Liars Poker - Michael Lewis  

Stories on real- life events of the author’s experience as a bond salesman on Wall Street.

  1. Flash Boys – Michael Lewis

Uncovers the hidden world of high-frequency trading and exposes the flaws in the financial system.

  1. The Rise and Fall of Long- Term Capital Management - Roger Lowenstein

As it states in the title, this book explores the rise and fall of Long-Term Capital Management.

  1. Quality Investing - Lawrence Cunningham

A book with lots of insightful European company case studies.

  1. The Art of Execution - Lee Freeman-Shor

This book provides an easy-ish read on portfolio management which can otherwise be a bit dry.

  1. Thinking in Bets – Annie Duke

A good read on decision making and how it impacts investing.

  1. Seven Sins of Fund Management – James Montier

A book discussing how behavioural finance can inform the investment process.

  1. Grow the Pie - Alex Edmans  

A good book on challenges and opportunities around ESG investing.

  1. Moneyball – Michael Lewis

Moneyball illustrates the usefulness of approaching a problem in a completely different way to the prevailing wisdom.

  1. The Loser’s Game - Charles Elis

A book that advocates for passive over active investing.

  1. The Goal – Eliyahu Goldratt

Possibly the only novel ever written about the highs and lows of trying to optimise inventory management in a factory. A fascinating explanation of constraint optimisation.

  1. Only The Best Will Do – Peter Seilern

Everything you need to know to practice the art of quality growth investing.

  1. Fooled by Randomness – Nassim Taleb

A collection of essays on the impact of randomness on financial markets and life itself.

  1. The Wisdom of Crowds – James Surowiecki

The book explores how a diverse group of individuals can collectively make better decisions than even the smartest individual among them.

  1. Freakonomics - Steven Levitt & Stephen J Dubner

An economics-based book exploring theories that impact culture in ways beyond economics, including why people cheat and why names are important.

  1. The Big Short – Michael Lewis

The book exposes the true nature of modern capitalism and forces the reader to seriously question the wisdom of the financial elites.  

  1. The Little Book of Behavioural Investing - James Montier

Another excellent book by James Montier on how behavioural finance impacts the investment process.

  1. The Most Important Thing – Howard Marks

Howard Marks explores such concepts as "second-level thinking”, the price/value relationship, patient opportunism, and defensive investing.

  1. Nomad Partnership Letter  – Nick Sleep and Qais Zakaria

The full collection of the Nomad Investment Partnership Letters 2001 – 2014.

  1. Howard Marks’ Memos - Oaktree Capital  

Memos from the co-founder and co-chairman of Oaktree Capital, Howard Marks.

  1. How to pick quality shares – Phil Oakley  

A three-step process for analysing a company’s financial position.

  1. Shareholder Letters - Berkshire Hathaway  

A favourite for value investors. Some of the letters that go through recessionary periods are particularly relevant and engaging.

This list isn’t exhaustive and as stated earlier there are many books available to investors. These books have been specifically selected by Downing Fund Managers as a helpful reference for investors looking to bolster their knowledge and better navigate the markets.

Download the reading list:


Who are Downing Fund Managers?

Downing Fund Managers is a specialist investment boutique that provides a distinctive suite of products and services that differ from the mainstream. We pride ourselves on our entrepreneurial culture, in which experts are given the freedom and independence to support your successful investment journey.  

Meet the managers  


Risk warning  

Please note that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Capital is at risk. Investments and the income derived from them can fall as well as rise and investors may not get back the full amount invested. Investments in our funds should be held for the long-term and are higher risk compared to investments solely in larger, more established companies. Opinions expressed represent the views of the fund manager at the time of publication, are subject to change, and should not be interpreted as investment advice.

Important notice: This content is for information only and does not form part of a direct offer or invitation to purchase, subscribe for or dispose of securities and no reliance should be placed on it. This content contains information that is believed to be accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change without notice. Whilst care has been taken in compiling this content, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made by Downing as to its accuracy or completeness, including for external sources (which may have been used) which have not been verified. Downing does not offer investment or tax advice or make recommendations regarding investments. Downing is a trading name of Downing LLP. Downing LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Reference No. 545025). Registered in England and Wales (No. OC341575). Registered Office: 6th Floor, St Magnus House, 3 Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6HD.

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