How John Pearce is reckoning with the new investment normal

UniSuper chief investment officer John Pearce believes the traditional business cycle might be dead – and that investors need to reckon with what comes next. Speaking on the first episode of the Investment Magazine CIO Series, Pearce argued that policymakers have created a regime of permanent stimulus, where any economic slowdown is met with rate cuts and liquidity injections before a true recession can take hold. The implications for portfolio construction are profound. Speaking with Simon Hoyle, reporter-at-large and editor of Retirement Magazine, Pearce discussed the hype and reality of artificial intelligence, why super funds are hitting “peak exposure” to illiquid assets, and the investment calls that have defined his career. In partnership with Robeco, the Investment Magazine CIO Series is dedicated to in-depth conversations with the chief investment officers from Australia's leading asset owners.