Maria Dawes of Capstone Asset Management is part of Wealth Professional Canada's Portfolio Management Powerhouses 2017
Portfolio manager
CAPSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT
Years in the industry: 15
Years as a PM: 6
Industry accreditations: CFP, CIM
Typical clients: High-net-worth individuals
Part of BC-based Capstone Asset Management, Maria Dawes is another money manager who’s using alternatives to enhance her portfolios. Ultra-low bond returns have made alternatives an attractive option, but as Dawes explains, they’ll also be beneficial when rates finally rise. “Supplementing fixed income with non-traditional options can help supplement the low rates now,” she says, “as well as provide some protection against the downward pressure in the bond market as rates go up.”
The alternative space provides plenty of options for investors, depending on asset size and risk tolerance. Dawes directs her clients in a number of different directions. “We integrate alternatives such as private debt, factoring, infrastructure and mortgages to provide the best fixed-income portfolio that we can,” she says. “As of March 31, our fixed-income portfolio returned a one-year performance of 6%, versus the iShares DEX Universe Bond Index Fund (XBB) return of 1.1%.”
Being a discretionary portfolio manager requires a deep knowledge of securities markets, but communication skills are equally important – and something Dawes prioritizes. “As soon as the client’s situation changes, or if they forget the objectives established in the first place,” she says, “if the PM is not there to touch base regularly or to recognize the disconnect, then the client will likely be disappointed and frustrated.”
CAPSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT
Years in the industry: 15
Years as a PM: 6
Industry accreditations: CFP, CIM
Typical clients: High-net-worth individuals
Part of BC-based Capstone Asset Management, Maria Dawes is another money manager who’s using alternatives to enhance her portfolios. Ultra-low bond returns have made alternatives an attractive option, but as Dawes explains, they’ll also be beneficial when rates finally rise. “Supplementing fixed income with non-traditional options can help supplement the low rates now,” she says, “as well as provide some protection against the downward pressure in the bond market as rates go up.”
The alternative space provides plenty of options for investors, depending on asset size and risk tolerance. Dawes directs her clients in a number of different directions. “We integrate alternatives such as private debt, factoring, infrastructure and mortgages to provide the best fixed-income portfolio that we can,” she says. “As of March 31, our fixed-income portfolio returned a one-year performance of 6%, versus the iShares DEX Universe Bond Index Fund (XBB) return of 1.1%.”
Being a discretionary portfolio manager requires a deep knowledge of securities markets, but communication skills are equally important – and something Dawes prioritizes. “As soon as the client’s situation changes, or if they forget the objectives established in the first place,” she says, “if the PM is not there to touch base regularly or to recognize the disconnect, then the client will likely be disappointed and frustrated.”
