The Forgotten Middle

The J O Hambro International and Global Opportunities strategies specialize in uncovering and capitalizing on market opportunities that often go unnoticed by other investors. Our “Forgotten Middle” investment philosophy is designed to identify undervalued assets with significant growth potential, aiming to build a diversified portfolio that balances both growth and stability. By focusing on underappreciated opportunities in less popular market segments, we are poised to create and nurture the next generation of value creation. Our approach not only seeks quality and value but also targets sustainable growth at attractive valuations. As the extremes of the market draw intense scrutiny, the “Forgotten Middle” emerges as a fertile ground for discovering promising investments.

Are global investors overlooking Japan? Over the past three decades, the Asian market has effectively laid dormant. But recent structural changes may be stirring a sleeping giant back to consciousness. Following a loss of confidence from its heyday as a force in consumer electronics, it appears Japan’s headwinds are turning into tailwinds — kicking off a new capital cycle in listed real assets. We explore Japan’s transformation on the global stage and how these changes pose new opportunities for investors.

Japan is shedding its conservative nature in a bid to woo global investors. It’s a bold step for a country burned in the past; market crashes and difficult times created a sleepy, risk-averse environment rarely geared toward shareholders. Yet emerging tailwinds within the capital cycle is pushing Japanese companies to rethink their hands-off approach. Will it work? We share why the Asian market is on a growth path — and how investors are awakening to the benefits.