LGT Crestone Wealth Management Limited

As we step into 2025, a year of cautious optimism unfolds. Slowing but stable growth, moderating inflation, and easing interest rates offer a supportive environment for investors. Yet, geopolitical tensions, evolving fiscal policies, and trade uncertainties require a more measured and tactical approach than in previous years. Read the latest insights in the The Australian Financial Review from LGT Crestone Chief Investment Officer Scott Haslem exploring how disciplined strategies can help navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.

In the latest episode of The Astute Investor Podcast, we feature an in-depth conversation with David Neal, Chief Executive of IFM Investors. Hosted by Kevin Wan Lum, Deputy Chief Investment Officer at LGT Crestone, this episode explores the dynamic world of infrastructure investing and the philosophy behind IFM’s $220 billion portfolio. David shares his journey from engineering to finance, offering unique insights into disciplined investment processes and long-term value creation. Together, they delve into the megatrends shaping infrastructure, from decarbonisation to digitisation, and the lessons learned from navigating challenges like the pandemic. Whether you're curious about infrastructure as an asset class, the benefits of a purpose-driven investment approach, or simply enjoy hearing from global financial leaders, this episode lays the foundation for insightful investing.

At LGT Crestone, we believe in fostering meaningful connections beyond the workplace. Each year, the Melbourne office has been proudly supporting the Literacy Buddies program run by Ardoch. This program matches primary school students with our LGT Crestone staff, encouraging them to exchange letters throughout the year in order to improve the students literacy, and inspire learning through the art of letter writing. The program includes a visit to the Little Buddy’s school and this week, we proudly hosted our Annual Little Buddy workplace visit at our Melbourne office. Ardoch’s mission to support children and young people to engage in learning and to believe in a future of possibilities deeply resonates with us. It has been a privilege to play a small role in their journey and we remain committed to helping every child realise their full potential.

Our call to arms at the outset of 2024 was to ‘lean into risk’. Many of the positive market drivers that encouraged that perspective will, fortuitously, continue as 2025 gets under way—growth is slowing but not collapsing, inflation continues to moderate toward targets, and most central banks are now lowering interest rates. Such a benevolent ‘macro’ backdrop delivers a strong foundation for what could be another year of robust returns. Thus, we enter 2025 still tactically leaning into equities, a posture that has heartily protected returns as we have traversed 2024. But we also recognise that the sequence and substance of new US policies (and the world’s response to them) has the potential to deliver a year of more meaningful market volatility and less buoyant returns. Indeed, 2025 may be less about leaning into risk (to harvest upward market trends) and more about a willingness to actively discover opportunity during dislocation across a (likely needed) diversified portfolio. Read the full report from LGT Crestone's Chief Investment Office and Chief Investment Officer Scott Haslem here - https://lnkd.in/gJHj4d5Y

Last week, LGT Crestone had the privilege of hosting H.S.H. Prince Hubertus von und zu Liechtenstein and LGT Vice Chairwoman & Global Family Wealth member, Ping Ping Lim, in Australia for a series of exclusive events. These gatherings focused on family governance and intergenerational wealth, offering insights drawn from the Princely Family, which has endured for over 900 years and 26 generations. Prince Hubertus shared perspectives from his role as Trustee of the LGT Group Foundation, while Ping Ping Lim provided her deep understanding of family dynamics and governance structures for globally connected families. Together, they emphasised the importance of shared values, structured governance, and open communication in preserving wealth and creating enduring family legacies. Their discussions highlighted how thoughtful planning and inclusive frameworks can help families navigate the complexities of wealth transfer and ensure cohesion across generations. At LGT Crestone, we are proud to facilitate these meaningful conversations, supporting families in shaping their legacy with purpose and intention.

LGT Crestone Senior Asset Allocation Specialist Matthew Tan, CFA offers a thoughtful analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing investors during President-elect Trump’s second term. From inflation concerns to market constraints, he provides valuable insights into the critical factors shaping financial markets in this new political landscape. In an interview with ausbiz, Matthew shares a disciplined framework for navigating volatile times and maintaining resilience in a rapidly evolving environment. Discover how these strategies could inform your investment approach. Watch the full video here - https://lnkd.in/gJ5UDDMe .

Private markets are no longer a luxury—they’re essential for sophisticated portfolios. Anthony Macdonald from Chanticleer and The Australian Financial Review chatted with LGT Crestone Chief Executive Officer Michael Chisholm about these emerging trends, and how high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth Australians are getting personalised access to top quartile private markets investments.

Tonight, we were privileged to welcome H.S.H. Prince Hubertus von und zu Liechtenstein, Alexander Gilman and the LGT Young Soloists, alongside LGT Crestone Chief Executive Michael Chisholm, to the Australian Chamber Orchestra for an unforgettable performance. This remarkable ensemble of 13 exceptionally talented young musicians, aged 13 to 23 and hailing from a range of nations all over the world, continues to set new benchmarks in the world of classical music. Their artistry, combined with the rich tradition of LGT’s global commitment to the arts, made for a truly extraordinary evening. Thank you to those who joined us tonight.

Infrastructure is a cornerstone of resilient investment portfolios, offering stability, diversification, and protection against inflation. From airports and seaports to renewable energy and water management, these essential assets are critical to economic growth and provide predictable cashflows through long-term contracts. Despite rising interest rates and geopolitical uncertainties, infrastructure continues to demonstrate its value. At LGT Crestone, we believe that infrastructure is not just the domain of institutional investors—it also plays a vital role in private wealth portfolios. By diversifying across asset types, regions, and risk profiles, investors can harness the long-term growth potential of this asset class. As our Deputy Chief Investment Officer Kevin Wan Lum highlights, the sector is expected to benefit from significant tailwinds, including global decarbonisation and digitisation efforts, alongside a growing undersupply of investable assets. Explore our latest Observations article to learn how infrastructure can provide stable, uncorrelated returns in a rapidly evolving market environment.

Matthew Tan, CFA of LGT Crestone Wealth Management Limited takes us through some of the differences and similarities of private wealth versus institutional investing at the [i3] NextGen: Portfolio Strategy Academy in Parramatta #investment Kevin Wan Lum Scott Haslem