In this episode of the 'Fund Your Retirement Podcast,' host Lee interviews Simon Evan-Cook, a multi-asset fund of funds manager with over 25 years of experience. Simon shares his journey into fund management, his investment philosophy, and the key principles guiding his strategy, particularly his preference for active fund managers.

He discusses the dynamic nature of fund management, how he identifies exceptional fund managers, and the importance of understanding both the art and science behind investing in funds. The conversation also touches on the pros and cons of active versus passive fund management, the impact of fund size on performance, and the emotional challenges investors might face. Simon emphasizes the value of patience, understanding market cycles, and making informed, long-term investment decisions.

Timestamps:

01:40 Simon's Journey into Investing

02:50 Discovering the Passion for Fund Management

07:06 Simon's Investment Strategy

12:37 Active vs. Passive Fund Management

20:16 Screening for Fund Managers

20:22 Identifying Extreme Funds

22:54 The Hero's Journey of Funds

25:04 Holding Periods and Fund Manager Longevity

26:26 Challenges of Managing Large Funds

00:05 Understanding Fund Dynamics

31:21 Final Thoughts on Active vs Passive Investing

36:35 Book Recommendations and Closing Remarks

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Hope you enjoy this episode and have a wonderful day.

Guest Links & Resources:

Visit Simon’s Profile on The Dowing Website Here: https://www.downing.co.uk/downing-fund-managers/vt-downing-fox-funds

Join Simon’s Medium mailing list: https://simonevan-cook.medium.com/

Visit Simon’s Billion Dollar Book Club: https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/the-way-of-the-fox-ten-texts?

Visit Fund Your Retirement: https://www.fundyourretirement.com/

Disclaimer: This presentation is for educational purposes only. All opinions and information are for demonstrational purposes and do not constitute investment advice. Trading and investing carries a high level of risk and are not right for everyone. If you need financial advice, consult with a regulated financial adviser in your country before making any decisions.