Whitehelm Capital

THE TUMULTUOUS AND TROUBLESOME TAIWANESE TUG-OF-WAR

May 2021

In this month’s article, we unpack the risk of conflict between China and Taiwan. We begin by providing an overview of the complicated relationship between China, Taiwan and the US, and why conditions are growing increasingly favourable for conflict. We then touch on the significant economic and financial market disruption such a conflict could have, not only because of the importance of the region in global trade routes, but also because of the possibility for the weaponisation of trade.

HUMAN MISERY THE CHALLENGES AND POSSIBILITIES OF MODERN SLAVERY DISCLOSURE

April 2021

This thought leadership article provides investors an update on modern slavery developments. We describe the impacts of the global pandemic, and recent legislative efforts in the US and other jurisdictions aimed at combatting modern slavery. We also consider two case studies where forced labour was found in infrastructure, an asset class at particular risk of modern slavery. Finally, we consider what these developments mean for upcoming investor disclosure.

THE GREENBACK SLIDE – NOT ENOUGH FOR A RESERVE RESHUFFLE

March 2021

In this month’s article, we discuss the outlook for the USD in global financial markets, starting with the key drivers for the medium term and the associated investment implications. We discuss the role that the USD plays in global markets, and why its weak outlook has reignited claims it will lose its top currency spot. We finish by considering whether there are reasonable alternatives to the USD as the global reserve currency and if there is any imminent risk of a reserve currency rotation.

Crossing The Covid-19 Infra-Section

February 2021

In this month’s article, Whitehelm Capital’s Chief Executive considers how infrastructure investing is changing, and will continue to change, in a post-COVID-19 world.

We look at the implications for what types of infrastructure we invest in. We consider how COVID-19 and global responses are influencing where we invest. Finally, we assess what COVID-19 means for how we invest.

Stepping Forward In Private Credit When Others Step Back

January 2021

In this article we review the potential for Australia’s superannuation funds to provide credit to support the nation’s SMEs, mid-market and large corporates, real estate developments and other borrowers, while earning attractive risk adjusted returns for their members – many of whom are in turn the employees or owners of these borrowers.