AEW UK REIT plc (LSE:AEWU) portfolio manager Laura Elkin talked with Proactive's Stephen Gunnion about portfolio performance, dividend stability and the company’s investment strategy in a challenging UK property market. Elkin touched on the company’s latest quarterly performance, including a 2% NAV total return and the payment of the 41st consecutive dividend at 2p per share per quarter. Elkin attributed this consistency to a long-standing investment strategy that the company has followed for more than a d ...

Core Insights - Assurant, Inc. has appointed Lynn Blake to its Board of Directors, effective January 28, 2026, bringing over 30 years of experience in asset management to support the company's financial strategy and business priorities [1] - Blake will serve on the Finance and Risk Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, enhancing Assurant's governance and strategic direction [1] - Debra Perry will retire from the Board effective at the 2026 annual shareholder meeting, with appreciation expressed for her contributions to Assurant's strategy and governance [1] Company Overview - Assurant, Inc. is a global protection company that partners with leading brands to safeguard and service connected devices, homes, and automobiles [1] - The company operates in 21 countries and leverages data-driven technology solutions to enhance customer experiences [1] - Assurant reported revenues of $10.7 billion and a net income of $642.5 million for the year 2023 [1]

Core Insights - Ralf Bongers will step down from his position at DEMIRE Deutsche Mittelstand Real Estate AG on 31 March 2026, as he seeks new professional challenges, but will continue as a senior advisor after his departure [1][3] Group 1: Management Changes - Ralf Bongers has been instrumental in securing lease agreements and real estate transactions totaling approximately EUR 240 million, contributing significantly to the stabilization of DEMIRE [2] - Dr Matthias Prochaska, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, acknowledged Bongers' contributions and expressed gratitude for his work during challenging times [3] - Dr Rüffel will assume the responsibilities previously held by Bongers starting 1 April 2026, alongside Tim Brückner on the Executive Board [3] Group 2: Company Overview - DEMIRE Deutsche Mittelstand Real Estate AG focuses on acquiring and holding commercial properties in medium-sized cities and emerging peripheral locations in metropolitan areas across Germany [4] - As of 30 September 2025, DEMIRE's real estate portfolio consists of 46 properties with a lettable area of approximately 573,000 square meters, and a market value of around EUR 0.9 billion [4] - The company emphasizes long-term contracts with reliable tenants and aims for stable rental income and solid value growth, with plans to significantly expand its portfolio in the medium term [5]

Core Viewpoint - Wealthfront's stock price declined over 16% following a report of decreased customer deposits, despite overall asset growth and revenue increases. Group 1: Financial Performance - Total assets on Wealthfront's platform increased by 21% year over year to $92.8 billion as of October 31, driven by a 20% rise in funded client accounts to 1.38 million [2] - Wealthfront's revenue rose 16% year over year to $93.2 million, with EBITDA climbing 24% to $43.8 million [4] Group 2: Asset Management - Cash management assets increased by 14% to $47 billion, supported by high yields on online savings products and FDIC insurance for individual accounts [2] - Investment advisory assets surged by 31% to $45.8 billion, aided by rising stock prices and client fund transfers from savings to investment accounts [3] Group 3: Deposit Trends - Wealthfront experienced $208 million in net deposit outflows in December, contrasting with net inflows of $874 million in December 2024 [5] - The decline in cash management assets largely offset the increase in investment advisory assets, raising concerns among investors about the sustainability of asset growth [5]

Core Viewpoint - HSBC has launched its asset management operations in the UAE, registering ten onshore investment funds, marking a significant step in its strategy to enhance wealth management services in the region [1][4]. Group 1: Asset Management Operations - HSBC has registered ten onshore investment funds with the UAE's Securities & Commodities Authority, becoming one of the first global asset managers to do so under the UAE's investment fund regulations [1]. - The new funds managed by HSBC Asset Management cover a wide range of asset classes, risk levels, and investment themes, catering to both institutional and retail investors [2]. Group 2: Leadership and Strategic Expansion - James Grist has been appointed as the general manager of HSBC's new UAE asset management entity, responsible for developing the onshore platform and broader investment operations in the country [3]. - The launch of the asset management platform is part of HSBC's broader strategy to expand its wealth management services across the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye [3]. Group 3: Investment Plans and Market Positioning - HSBC has outlined plans for increased investment in its UAE wealth division, including the establishment of a new wealth center in Dubai and enhancements to its Premier account services [4]. - The establishment of the onshore fund platform is seen as a major milestone in supporting the UAE's ambition to become a critical wealth hub within HSBC's international network [4][5].

Core Viewpoint - HSBC has launched an asset management business in the UAE, aiming to enhance its wealth franchise in the MENAT region, driven by regulatory reforms and the UAE's growth as a wealth destination [1][4]. Group 1: Business Launch and Strategy - HSBC has registered 10 new onshore investment funds with the UAE's Securities and Commodities Authority [2]. - The new funds will provide retail and institutional investors access to globally diversified strategies managed by HSBC Asset Management [3]. - The establishment of the onshore fund platform is a significant milestone in HSBC's strategy to support the UAE's ambition as a wealth hub [5]. Group 2: Leadership and Growth - James Grist has been appointed as the general manager of the UAE entity, responsible for leading the growth of the onshore funds platform [3]. - The asset management business aims to offer investors more choice, transparency, and ways to grow and protect their wealth [5]. Group 3: Market Context - The UAE's regulatory reforms are designed to attract global asset managers and deepen local capital markets [4]. - Other financial companies, such as Visa and Revolut, are also expanding their operations in the UAE, indicating a growing market for wealth management services [6].

Core Insights - Baker Hughes Company (BKR) has completed the divestiture of its Precision, Sensors and Instrumentation (PSI) unit to Crane Company (CR) for $1.15 billion in cash [1][5] - The divestment includes technology, tools, physical locations, and approximately 1,600 employees from the PSI unit [2][5] - This strategic move aligns with Baker Hughes' focus on asset management, operational efficiency, and disciplined investment [2][5] Financial Impact - The divestiture is expected to generate cash that can be reinvested into more profitable business areas, thereby strengthening Baker Hughes' balance sheet and increasing investor appeal [2] - The current business environment for Baker Hughes is influenced by crude oil prices, with West Texas Intermediate crude oil prices below $60 per barrel, impacting revenues from oil and gas exploration and production companies [3] Industry Context - Other players in the oil and gas equipment and service industry, such as Halliburton Company (HAL) and Cactus, Inc. (WHD), are similarly affected by crude price volatility [4] - Halliburton currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), while Cactus has a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) [4]

Core Insights - AGF Investments has launched ETF series units for AGF American Growth Fund and AGF Global Select Fund, providing investors with access to established funds in an ETF format [1][2] - The launch aims to meet growing investor demand for diverse investment options and reflects AGF's commitment to adaptability and client-centric strategies [2] Fund Details - AGF American Growth Fund offers a medium risk rating and is available in multiple series including MF, F, FV, I, O, Q, T, and W, with the ETF series ticker AMGR [2] - AGF Global Select Fund also has a medium risk rating and is available in series MF, F, I, M, O, Q, and W, with the ETF series ticker AGSL [2] - Both funds commenced trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange on the launch date [4] Company Background - AGF Management Limited, founded in 1957, is an independent asset management firm with over $58 billion in total assets under management, serving more than 815,000 investors [5][7] - The firm operates globally with investment operations and client servicing teams in North America and Europe, focusing on responsible and sustainable corporate practices [6][7]

Core Viewpoint - Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) and Blackstone Credit & Insurance (BXCI) have formed a strategic partnership to invest over $1 billion in aircraft engines and select aircraft over the next two years, leveraging WLFC's expertise in aircraft engine leasing and BXCI's capital resources [1][2][3] Group 1: Partnership Details - The partnership aims to deploy over $1 billion in current and next-generation aircraft engines and select aircraft [1] - WLFC has identified a seed portfolio and a near-term pipeline of high-quality engine assets, which will provide immediate scale and diversification across engine types and airline customers globally [2] - BXCI's investment is expected to accelerate the growth of WLFC's asset management business, demonstrating confidence in WLFC's ability to generate attractive returns through disciplined asset selection and active management [3] Group 2: Company Profiles - WLFC is a leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines, providing leasing services to airlines, engine manufacturers, and maintenance providers worldwide, along with various end-of-life solutions for engines [5] - BXCI is a prominent credit investor managing over $100 billion, focusing on providing investment-grade credit, non-investment grade credit, and structured investments across various sectors, including infrastructure and commercial finance [4][6]

Core Insights - HoldCo Asset Management has increased its stake in Eastern Bankshares by acquiring 1.2 million shares, raising its total investment to $116.32 million, making it the fund's fourth-largest equity holding [2][6] - Eastern Bankshares has shown strong financial performance with a net income of $106.1 million for the latest quarter, reflecting a 6% increase year-over-year, and steady loan growth of 1.3% quarter-over-quarter [8] Company Overview - Eastern Bankshares is a regional financial institution with a market capitalization of $4.15 billion and a revenue of $651.22 million over the trailing twelve months (TTM) [4][5] - The company offers a diverse range of services including traditional banking, insurance, and wealth management, primarily serving retail customers, small businesses, and commercial clients in eastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire [5][7] Financial Performance - The stock price of Eastern Bankshares is currently $18.43, which is up approximately 7% over the past year, although it has underperformed compared to the S&P 500, which is up about 16% [3] - Wealth management assets have reached a record high of $9.2 billion, indicating strong growth in this segment [8] Investment Context - The increase in HoldCo's investment during a period of earnings momentum suggests confidence in Eastern Bankshares' fundamentals, which are expected to perform well despite sector volatility [6][8] - The portfolio of HoldCo Asset Management is heavily weighted towards regional banks, indicating a thematic investment strategy focused on the potential for value compounding in select banks [8]