Martin Currie Global Portfolio Trust - Lower rates should be beneficial for performance

Martin Currie Global Portfolio Trust’s (MNP’s) performance was negatively affected in 2022 by the shift in interest rate expectations as US rates quickly moved up from 0.25% to 5.50%, in response to rising prices. Now, with inflation coming down, the consensus view is that US interest rates will soon be lowered, which should be beneficial for the valuation of long-duration growth stocks. Also, Zehrid Osmani, MNP’s manager since October 2018, has a proven track record of successful stock picking during periods when the stock market is driven by company fundamentals rather than when investor focus is on macroeconomic developments. Hence, Osmani has a high degree of confidence that there are better times ahead for MNP’s performance.