FYR076 The Art of Selecting Fund Managers with Simon Evan-Cook

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 If you like the episode, please leave us a review and subscribe for future investor interviews. 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.