China’s late September stimulus measures took many investors by surprise. Misperceptions and fears have convinced many that China is no longer an investable market. Beyond the macroeconomic challenges and headlines, Comgest believes that China remains a great hunting ground for quality growth companies.

Financial metrics are crucial for evaluating a company’s value, but they don’t tell the whole story, writes ESG Analyst/Portfolio Manager Petra Daroczi. Human capital – the knowledge and skills people acquire throughout their lives – can be a significant competitive advantage, much like traditional capital expenditures on goods and services.

Europe’s largest companies are powering the MSCI Europe index, with market giants over €100bn contributing nearly 20% to returns. Despite challenges like inflation and geopolitical tensions, many have remained resilient. But what sets apart these companies from those that have hit their peak? Product Specialist Wolfgang Fickus dives into what makes these leaders stand out from the herd.

These days the world seems to be changing faster than ever. Rising geopolitical tensions and technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence, are increasing volatility in the global economy.

How does M&A factor into the growth of compounders companies? Being a “marathon runner” requires more than just a venerable age (an average of 126 years in our portfolio). Over time, these companies have used their resilience and built up competitive moats yielding exceptional free cash and healthy balance sheets. By leveraging these elements, compounders seize on M&A opportunities to fuel future organic growth.

"The Long & Winding Road", the Beatles' 1969 anthem, seems appropriate for a world that has long been seeking ways to address environmental protections and preservation. Public excitement about carbon neutrality seems to have waned in the years since COP26, the 2021 United Nations’ summit on climate change. The reality, though, is that renewables are becoming more prevalent, less pricey and more prominent – positioning many countries on a path towards steadily declining emissions.