205. The price of a Big Mac in Tokyo… and why it matters for investors

Andy Brown, investment director for the Baillie Gifford Japanese equity team, talks to us about how Japan is finally opening up after Covid, and how the economy is running at a different speed to the rest of the world. He tells us why China’s reopening is beneficial to Japan, explains what the Big Mac Index is and why it matters, and the discusses opportunities from collaborative robots to gaming companies. He finishes by telling us why the Baillie Gifford Japanese fund has recently sold its holdings in car manufacturers.What's covered in this episode: Why the Japanese economy is moving at a different pace to the rest of the worldIf the reopening story is about to begin in JapanHow China’s reopening could benefit JapanWhy Japan is a cheap destination for tourists todayThe Big Mac Index and what it tells usIf Abenomics can survive the death of its creatorThe themes the fund is investing inWhy Japan is playing catch-up in the digital revolutionWhat is attractive about robotics and automation for investors in JapanWhy the fund has sold its holding in car manufacturersWhy investors should consider allocating money to Japanese equitiesMore about this fund: Baillie Gifford Japanese fund is a well-managed portfolio with a clear investment strategy, which offers complementary exposure to those funds that are focused more on the value of a company rather than its growth prospects. It has been one of the most consistent funds in its sector and has proven itself in many different market environments.Learn more on fundcalibre.comPlease remember, we’ve been discussing individual companies to bring investing to life for you. It’s not a recommendation to buy or sell. The fund may or may not still hold these companies at the time of listening. Elite Ratings are based on FundCalibre’s research methodology and are the opinion of FundCalibre’s research team only.Learn more on fundcalibre.comPlease remember, we’ve been discussing individual companies to bring investing to life for you. It’s not a recommendation to buy or sell. The fund may or may not still hold these companies at the time of listening. Elite Ratings are based on FundCalibre’s research methodology and are the opinion of FundCalibre’s research team only.