Disruptive Forces in Investing

Latest Episodes:

A Primer on Tax-Efficient Investing Strategies Nov 03, 2026

Show notes

Strong market returns can create a difficult trade-off: diversify concentrated holdings and trigger a tax bill, or retain unwanted risk. Tax-aware strategies may help, but saving taxes is not the same as building the right portfolio.

On this episode of Disruptive Forces, host Anu Rajakumar speaks with Doug Kramer, Head of Institutional Equity and Multi-Asset at Neuberger, about how tax deferral can support compounding, the tools available to manage low-cost-basis stock, and why investors should start with their whole balance sheet—not a single strategy. They also discuss trade-offs and evolving regulatory scrutiny.

On this episode:

How tax drag can erode long-term compounding of gains
Tax-loss harvesting, ETFs and other tax-aware tools
Managing concentrated holdings while deferring taxes
Regulatory scrutiny and bringing tax advisors in early
Why investment objectives must come before tax savings

This communication is provided for informational and educational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. Information is obtained from sources deemed reliable, but there is no representation or warranty as to its accuracy, completeness or reliability. This communication is not directed at any investor or category of investors and should not be regarded as investment advice or a suggestion to engage in or refrain from any investment-related course of action. Neuberger is not providing this material in a fiduciary capacity and has a financial interest in the sale of its products and services. Investment decisions should be made based on an investor's individual objectives and circumstances and in consultation with his or her advisors. All information is current as of the date of this material and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Neuberger products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all client types. This material is not intended as a formal research report and should not be relied upon as a basis for making an investment decision. The firm, its employees and advisory accounts may hold positions of any companies discussed. This material may include estimates, outlooks, projections and other "forward-looking statements." Due to a variety of factors, actual events or market behavior may differ significantly from any views expressed. Investing entails risks, including possible loss of principal. Indexes are unmanaged and are not available for direct investment. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools. Neuberger may utilize AI tools in its business operations to improve operational efficiency and for assistance in research and analyzing data among other uses. AI tools are dependent on historical data, consequently, if the content or analyses that AI applications assist Neuberger in producing are or are alleged to be deficient, inaccurate, or biased, a client account may be adversely affected. Additionally, AI tools used by Neuberger may produce inaccurate, misleading or incomplete responses that could lead to errors in Neuberger's and its employees' judgement, decision-making, investment research or other business activities, which could have a negative impact on the performance of a client account. The application of AI in investment processes, research, or analysis is evolving and subject to limitations, including data quality, algorithmic biases, and interpretive errors. AI outputs should not be relied upon as the sole basis for investment decisions. No assurance is given regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of information generated by AI.

This material is being issued on a limited basis through various global subsidiaries and affiliates of Neuberger Berman Group LLC. Please visit www.nb.com/disclosure-global-communications for the specific entities and jurisdictional limitations and restrictions.

The "Neuberger" name and logo are service marks of Neuberger Berman Group LLC.

The AI Supercycle, Asia, and Why This Time is Different Oct 15, 2026

Show notes

The AI race is about more than who builds the best model. It is also about who supplies the infrastructure and turns new capabilities into commercial applications.

On this episode of our podcast, host Anu Rajakumar joins YT Boon, Portfolio Manager and Head of Thematic for Asia at Neuberger, to explore:

Why he believes supply bottlenecks and multi-year demand distinguish this cycle from past technology booms
Where he sees opportunities in optical networking and cybersecurity
How China's mass-market AI strategy differs from the US approach
Why Taiwan, Japan and South Korea form Asia's "golden triangle"
What comes next for agentic AI, smart glasses and robotics, and the risks of rapid adoption

The "Neuberger" name and logo are registered service marks of Neuberger Berman Group LLC.

Options Investing for Income, Liquidity and Volatility Oct 06, 2026

Show notes

Markets have had plenty to absorb this year, yet volatility has stayed comparatively contained. On this episode of Disruptive Forces, host Anu Rajakumar sits down with Derek Devens, Senior Portfolio Manager in Neuberger's Options Group, who argues it now takes events with greater scale and duration to move the needle. Together they discuss what's setting today's volatility regime, how options can diversify portfolio cash flows, and why overlay and synthetic-borrowing techniques long reserved for institutions are now reaching a much broader set of investors.

On this episode:

How scale and duration can spook markets
How inflation and real rates could keep volatility persistent
Options as a third source of portfolio cash flow
Capital-efficient overlays without reshuffling the portfolio

Options strategies involve risk and complexity and are not appropriate for every investor. This communication is provided for informational and educational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. Information is obtained from sources deemed reliable, but there is no representation or warranty as to its accuracy, completeness or reliability. This communication is not directed at any investor or category of investors and should not be regarded as investment advice or a suggestion to engage in or refrain from any investment-related course of action. Neuberger is not providing this material in a fiduciary capacity and has a financial interest in the sale of its products and services. Investment decisions should be made based on an investor's individual objectives and circumstances and in consultation with his or her advisors. All information is current as of the date of this material and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Neuberger products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all client types. This material is not intended as a formal research report and should not be relied upon as a basis for making an investment decision. The firm, its employees and advisory accounts may hold positions of any companies discussed. This material may include estimates, outlooks, projections and other "forward-looking statements." Due to a variety of factors, actual events or market behavior may differ significantly from any views expressed. Investing entails risks, including possible loss of principal. Derivatives may involve certain costs and risks such as liquidity, interest rate, market, credit, management and the risk that a position could not be closed when most advantageous. Indexes are unmanaged and are not available for direct investment. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools. Neuberger may utilize AI tools in its business operations to improve operational efficiency and for assistance in research and analyzing data among other uses. AI tools are dependent on historical data, consequently, if the content or analyses that AI applications assist Neuberger in producing are or are alleged to be deficient, inaccurate, or biased, a client account may be adversely affected. Additionally, AI tools used by Neuberger may produce inaccurate, misleading or incomplete responses that could lead to errors in Neuberger's and its employees' judgment decision-making, investment research or other business activities, which could have a negative impact on the performance of a client account. The application of AI in investment processes, research, or analysis is evolving and subject to limitations, including data quality, algorithmic biases, and interpretive errors. AI outputs should not be relied upon as the sole basis for investment decisions. No assurance is given regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of information generated by AI.

This material is being issued on a limited basis through various global subsidiaries and affiliates of Neuberger Berman Group LLC. Please visit www.nb.com/disclosure-global-communications for the specific entities and jurisdictional limitations and restrictions.

The "Neuberger" name and logo are service marks of Neuberger Berman Group LLC.

Real Rates, Repriced Credit and the Case for a Short Fed Cycle Sep 22, 2026

Show notes

The Fed has turned hawkish, and the market is now pricing several more hikes. Our fixed income team isn't convinced. Core U.S. inflation is still drifting lower, most of this year's yield move has come from real rates rather than inflation expectations, and the disinflation case remains intact — all of which argues for a shorter path than consensus expects.

On this episode of Disruptive Forces, host Anu Rajakumar sits down with Ashok Bhatia, Neuberger's Chief Investment Officer and Global Head of Fixed Income, to unpack the latest on global monetary policy, and where value sits now across the bond market.

Together, they discuss:

Why the bond move has been about real yields, not inflation — and where the danger zone begins
Why returns have held up better than the yield move suggests
Why the team expects a shorter hiking cycle than the market is pricing
Why global central banks have more in common than divergence
Where the team is finding value: hyperscaler credit, BB high yield, floating rate, European financials, hard currency EM

The "Neuberger" name and logo are service marks of Neuberger Berman Group LLC.

A New Growth Plane for Japanese Equities Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

Japanese equities have undergone one of the most significant re-ratings in the developed world — but the story is evolving. The early phase was about leaner balance sheets and better capital management. Now, under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the focus has shifted to earnings growth itself, and markets have responded in turn. Yet foreign inflows remain well below the Abenomics era peak, suggesting room to run.

On this episode of Disruptive Forces, host Anu Rajakumar speaks with Kei Okamura, Portfolio Manager on Neuberger's Japan Equity team. Together, they discuss:

Why Japan's reform story has moved from balance sheets to the numerator — earnings growth
How Prime Minister Takaichi's 17 priority sub-sectors are reshaping the investment landscape
Where AI shows up in Japan beyond the obvious chip names — from electrical construction to battery technology
Why governance quality is increasingly separating winners from laggards
What it will take for underweight US institutional investors to move off the sidelines

The "Neuberger" name and logo are service marks of Neuberger Berman Group LLC.

Mid-Year Scorecard: Assessing Our Solving For 2026 Calls Jul 16, 2026

Show notes

At the end of last year, Neuberger's investment leaders laid out five themes to guide investors through 2026. Since then, a regional war in the Middle East and a global oil shock have reshaped the macro landscape — testing some calls while reinforcing others. Policy divergence has exploded wider. The AI buildout has accelerated beyond expectations. And markets are navigating a frothier, more dispersed environment heading into the second half.

On this episode of Disruptive Forces, host Anu Rajakumar is joined by Shannon Saccocia, Chief Investment Officer, Wealth, and Jeff Blazek, Co-Chief Investment Officer, Multi-Asset, for a candid mid-year assessment. Together, they discuss:

Why the policy divergence call earned top marks, and how a new Fed chair complicates the outlook
How AI spending surpassed even bullish expectations, with hyperscaler CapEx now exceeding $800 billion
What went wrong with the long-rates thesis and why not all duration is created equal
Where equity broadening is showing up (and where it isn't)
Why being a liquidity provider in private markets continues to be rewarded
How investors should think about dispersion, discipline, and positioning for the second half

The "Neuberger" name and logo are registered service marks of Neuberger Berman Group LLC.

Know What You Own: Joe Amato on the AI Rally, Mega-Cap IPOs, and the Hidden Risk in Passive Jul 08, 2026

Show notes

US equities have proven remarkably resilient this year. Despite the Middle East conflict, energy price pressures, and an uneven global backdrop, the market has powered higher on AI enthusiasm and broad-based earnings growth. But beneath the headline numbers, the questions that matter most are about durability, valuations, and what investors actually own.

On this episode of Disruptive Forces, host Anu Rajakumar sits down with Joe Amato, President and Chief Investment Officer for Equities at Neuberger, who brings decades of experience navigating market cycles. Drawing on his firm-wide vantage point, Joe shares how he's thinking about the state of the market and where the real opportunities and risks lie. Together, they discuss:

Why this earnings-driven bull market is finally broadening beyond technology, and how a less energy-intensive economy has blunted oil shocks

Where the market may be ahead of itself on AI, and why the opportunity is shifting from the enablers to the adopters

A grounded, optimistic take on AI and the labor market — and the jobs we can't yet imagine

Why a coming wave of mega-cap IPOs could push technology past 50% of the S&P 500, and what that means for passive investors

Where Joe sees opportunity and caution in the second half of 2026, including his conviction on US and Japanese equities

This communication is provided for informational and educational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. Information is obtained from sources deemed reliable, but there is no representation or warranty as to its accuracy, completeness or reliability. This communication is not directed at any investor or category of investors and should not be regarded as investment advice or a suggestion to engage in or refrain from any investment-related course of action. Neuberger is not providingthis material in a fiduciary capacity and has a financial interest in the sale of its products and services. Investment decisions should be made based on an investor's individual objectives and circumstances and in consultation with his or her advisors. All information is current as of the date of this material and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Neuberger products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all client types. This material is not intended as a formal research report and should not be relied upon as a basis for making an investment decision. The firm, its employees and advisory accounts may hold positions of any companies discussed. This material may include estimates, outlooks, projections and other "forward-looking statements."Due to a variety of factors, actual events or market behavior may differ significantly from any views expressed. Investing entails risks, including possible loss of principal. Indexes are unmanaged and are not available for direct investment. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

The "Neuberger" name and logo are registered service marks of Neuberger Berman Group LLC.

This communication is provided for informational and educational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. Information is obtained from sources deemed reliable, but there is no representation or warranty as to its accuracy, completeness or reliability. This communication is not directed at any investor or category of investors and should not be regarded as investment advice or a suggestion to engage in or refrain from any investment-related course of action. Neuberger is not providingthis material in a fiduciary capacity and has a financial interest in the sale of its products and services. Investment decisions should be made based on an investor's individual objectives and circumstances and in consultation with his or her advisors. All information is current as of the date of this material and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Neuberger products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all client types. This material is not intended as a formal research report and should not be relied upon as a basis for making an investment decision. The firm, its employees and advisory accounts may hold positions of any companies discussed. This material may include estimates, outlooks, projections and other "forward-looking statements."Due to a variety of factors, actual events or market behavior may differ significantly from any views expressed. Investing entails risks, including possible loss of principal. Indexes are unmanaged and are not available for direct investment. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

The "Neuberger" name and logo are registered service marks of Neuberger Berman Group LLC.

How Asset-Based Finance Is Powering the AI Infrastructure Boom Jun 24, 2026

Show notes

Hyperscalers are spending more than $750 billion a year on AI infrastructure, and much of it is for physical hardware that needs financing. That's creating a compelling opportunity for asset-based lenders who can underwrite real collateral and contracts rather than picking technology winners.

On this episode of Disruptive Forces, host Anu Rajakumar speaks with Sean Hinze of Neuberger's Specialty Finance team. Together, they discuss:

Why hyperscalers prefer off-balance-sheet financing and what that means for private credit
How to underwrite GPU deals when chip technology evolves every two years
Why power is the new bottleneck — and what a 68-gigawatt US shortfall means for lenders
Where the strongest relative value sits today across chips, power equipment, and fiber
How to separate hype from opportunity in a crowded space

The "Neuberger" name and logo are service marks of Neuberger Berman Group LLC.

Capital Solutions: A Flexible Response to Private Equity's Exit Problem Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

Private credit headlines have been anxiety-inducing — but not all corners of private markets face the same pressures. Roughly $4 trillion in equity investments remain inside private equity funds awaiting exits, many acquired at elevated valuations during the low-rate era. For providers of scaled, flexible capital that sits between traditional debt and equity, that pressure creates opportunity.

On this episode of Disruptive Forces, host Anu Rajakumar speaks with David Lyon, Managing Director and Head of Capital Solutions at Neuberger, who oversees approximately $10 billion in assets. Together, they discuss:

What Capital Solutions is, and what it is not
Why the panic around private credit and BDCs may be overstated
How AI uncertainty is reshaping software valuations but has yet to trigger widespread defaults
What separates hybrid capital from continuation vehicles and distressed investing
Where the real opportunities sit for sponsors under pressure to generate DPI
What investors should demand from managers in the hybrid capital space

The "Neuberger" name and logo are service marks of Neuberger Berman Group LLC.

Beyond Macro: A Value Lens on Emerging Markets Equity May 18, 2026

Show notes

Beyond Macro: A Value Lens on Emerging Markets Equity

Most investors approach emerging markets top-down: country-level macro calls, currency bets, commodity cycles. But what if those assumptions are exactly what gets in the way of potential returns? What if the single most important variable isn't the macro backdrop, but the price you pay?

On this episode of Disruptive Forces, host Anu Rajakumar is joined by Vera German and Juan Torres, Portfolio Managers on Neuberger's Emerging Markets Equity team, to discuss why a disciplined value lens may be the most natural — and most overlooked — way to approach emerging market equities.

Together, they discuss:

Why fast-growing economies have often produced lackluster equity returns
How state-owned enterprises are misunderstood, and why blanket avoidance may leave value on the table
What's wrong with benchmarking to the MSCI Emerging Markets Index
Where the valuation screen is pointing today, including Southeast Asia, Brazil, and China — and where to avoid
How the team manages risk and position sizing in a concentrated, high-conviction portfolio
Why emerging markets may be one of the most compelling asset classes for active, value-oriented investors today

The "Neuberger" name and logo are service marks of Neuberger Berman Group LLC.

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