Simon Evan-Cook: Small packages

'The strength of a species'

clock • 4 min read

Small-cap funds allow investors to access the strength of the asset class, explains Simon Evan-Cook, while removing the existential risk that threatens each and every individual smaller company

If a friend is thinking of starting a restaurant, stop them. Even if that friend is Gordon Ramsay - although that's as much to do with him being a bit scary as his likelihood of failing (which is still significant). Owning a restaurant is famously risky: the competition is fierce; rents and rates are high; and one bad day could ruin your reputation. So we can agree restaurants are very risky. Or can we? If restaurants are so risky, does this mean they could all cease to exist in the next five years? Will my as-yet-unconceived grandchildren look up to me one day, and ask "what was a ‘rest...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Multi-Asset

Partner Insight: Strategic flexibility meets value discipline

Partner Insight: Strategic flexibility meets value discipline

Combining long-term positioning with tactical agility delivers alpha while navigating concentrated equity leadership and shifting global opportunities, says Keith Balmer, Senior Economist, Multi Asset team, Columbia Threadneedle Investments.

Columbia Threadneedle Investments
clock 22 January 2026 • 10 min read
Partner Insight: Navigating 2026's investment landscape amid AI expansion and rising risks

Partner Insight: Navigating 2026's investment landscape amid AI expansion and rising risks

The outlook for 2026 looks positive, but downside risks are becoming more complex, says Robert Plant, Portfolio Manager, Multi Asset Solutions, Columbia Threadneedle Investments.

Robert Plant, Portfolio Manager, Multi Asset Solutions, Columbia Threadneedle Investments.
clock 15 January 2026 • 5 min read
Partner Insight: Fed rate cuts drive policy divergence as Central Banks chart different courses

Partner Insight: Fed rate cuts drive policy divergence as Central Banks chart different courses

As the Federal Reserve continues its rate-cutting cycle, a widening gap in monetary policy among major central banks is creating new dynamics for investors says Anthony Willis, Senior Economist in the Multi-Asset team at Columbia Threadneedle Investments.

Anthony Willis, Columbia Threadneedle Investments
clock 13 January 2026 • 5 min read