Trust Issues: Why investors should expect lower stock market returns with GOT's Alan Bartlett

In this episode of Trust Issues, Alan Bartlett co-manager of Global Opportunities Trust (GOT), tells us why short-dated US government bonds look attractive today, which big themes are likely to shape stock markets in the future and why he worries that overly optimistic expectations for future returns is a worry for people's retirement savings.

00:00 Introduction

01:07 GOT's investment objectives and what it attempts to achieve for shareholders

03:57 The nuanced role bonds are likely to play in a portfolio in the future

06:46 Is the 60/40 equity/bond portfolio finally dead and what are the alternatives?

09:01 Why short-dated US Treasuries look more attractive than cash

11:22 How GOT's cash and bonds exposure has changed in recent years

14:00 Are we in a bubble and, if so, what are the key risks that could pop it?

17:46 Why over-optimistic expected returns risk a societal problem

20:03 The key investment themes set to shape the world

30:49 Why GOT isn't struggling for new investment ideas

35:12 Further information

35:32 Risk warning

Our latest note on GOT - https://www.trustintelligence.co.uk/investor/articles?fund_id=2336

GOT website - https://globalopportunitiestrust.com/

Please note that this podcast was recorded on 17 September 2026.