Managed Portfolio Service Monthly Newsletter

September 2020 Update Provided by Quilter Cheviot

August’s feel-good factor, epitomised for many by an escape to the sun, staycations and government-subsidised meals out, has in recent days been replaced by a more gloomy assessment of what lies in store for the rest of 2020. Tuesday’s announcement of new Covid-19 restrictions, and with it the threat of more severe measures (potentially extending into 2021) has had a considerable impact on the prospects for those already-struggling sectors such as hospitality and leisure. Investors too have grown more sombre in their outlook, with comments from Federal Reserve officials weighing on sentiment as question marks remain around the sustainability of the global economic recovery. Throw the looming US election and tense UK-EU trade talks into the mix, and markets have a lot to digest between now and Christmas (on the assumption it’s not cancelled). We expect things to remain choppy.

The Prosser Knowles MPS strategies delivered pleasing returns during August, in keeping with the positive market backdrop. Strong relative performance from the model strategies’ Asia Pacific ex Japan and emerging markets fund holdings were notable highlights (particularly JPMorgan Emerging Markets), while the US equity market enjoyed its best August for gains since 1986. There have been no changes made to the models during the September, though we are currently assessing several potential adjustments.

With so much to keep track of, a reminder that our successful ‘Value of Research’ webinars are currently in full flow. Brexit, Covid-19, ESG, the US election. You name it, our team of analysts are covering it. Please click here for more details and to register.

MEET THE PROSSER KNOWLES MPS INVESTMENT TEAM

The Quilter Cheviot Managed Portfolio Service (MPS) team has an 18-year track record of delivering successful client outcomes, and a proud reputation for innovative partnership with financial advisers. The team comprises a dedicated Investment Management capability that sits at the heart of the Quilter Cheviot investment process as well as Platform & Services specialists focused on ensuring the smooth running of all aspects of the service.

From left to right:
Scott Wilcox, Platform Executive: Scott’s role incorporates two key areas – firstly, to ensure that both intermediaries and colleagues are provided with timely information relating to the overall MPS service; and secondly, to work closely with our platform partners to ensure the efficient running of the platforms. Scott previously worked at M&G Investments for 8 years and he has also undertaken contract roles at RBS Coutts, Mercer and Financial Express. Scott graduated from the University of Huddersfield with an honours degree in Law and has also completed the Investment Management Certificate (IMC).

Toni Adochitei, Administrator: Toni is the main point of contact for MPS and Platform operational and administrative queries. Toni’s primary role is to assist with production and oversight of MPS documentation and literature. Toni also produces and maintains MPS and third party platform management information, as well as providing support to the Investment Managers and Business Development Teams.

Antony Webb Chartered FCSI, Portfolio Manager: Antony joined Quilter Cheviot in 2010 having graduated from University College London with a BSc (Hons) degree in Economics. He is a portfolio manager on the Quilter Cheviot Managed Portfolio Service (MPS), and sits on the firm’s Investment Funds Committee. Antony has completed the Investment Management Certificate (IMC) and the CISI Masters in Wealth Management.

Simon Doherty Chartered FCSI, Lead Portfolio Manager: Simon joined Quilter Cheviot in 2007 and is lead portfolio manager of the Quilter Cheviot Managed Portfolio Service (MPS) and chair of the firm’s Investment Funds Committee. A graduate of Trinity College Dublin with a first class honours degree, Simon has completed the Investment Management Certificate (IMC), the CISI Masters in Wealth Management and has passed Level I of the CFA Program.

Olivia Wingrove, Investment Analyst: Olivia joined the MPS team in 2017, having graduated from the University of Exeter with a first class honours degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics. Olivia supports the Managed Portfolio Service (MPS) Investment Managers with the ongoing management of the MPS strategies and is primarily responsible for monitoring the strategies’ allocations and risk profiles relative to their strategic benchmarks and assisting with the production of performance attribution data. Olivia has successfully passed Level I and II of the CFA program and has also completed the Investment Management Certificate (IMC).

Wayne Smith, Platform Manager: Wayne graduated from the University of Witwatersrand (South Africa) with an MSc in Botany. He came to the UK in 2000 and worked for investment management and research company, Allenbridge. In February 2011 as operations and IT Director, he transferred to Close Brothers Asset Management when they acquired the retail arm of Allenbridge and was made head of client services – self-directed. Wayne joined the Quilter Cheviot Managed Portfolio Service team in February 2013.

This financial promotion has been approved and issued by Quilter Cheviot. Investors should remember that the value of investments, and the income from them, can go down as well as up and that past performance is no guarantee of future returns. You may not recover what you invest. This document is for general information purposes only, is subject to change and should not be relied upon. Unauthorised dissemination or copying is prohibited.

Prosser Knowles Associates Limited is Authorised & Regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority.

Quilter Cheviot and Quilter Cheviot Investment Management are trading names of Quilter Cheviot Limited. Quilter Cheviot Limited is registered in England with number 01923571, registered office at One Kingsway, London WC2B 6AN. Quilter Cheviot Limited is a member of the London Stock Exchange, authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority, regulated under the Financial Services (Jersey) Law 1998 by the Jersey Financial Services Commission for the conduct of investment business and funds services business in Jersey and by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission under the Protection of Investors (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law 1987 to carry on investment business in the Bailiwick of Guernsey. Accordingly, in some respects the regulatory system that applies will be different from that of the United Kingdom.