"It gives us a bit of window into the macroeconomic situation. We're not macro economists, we don't make predictions about what's going to happen, but we do hear from companies.

What companies are telling us right now is that they're seeing their input costs come down, in some cases very quickly. What that means is that they don't need to pass on those costs as aggressively as they have done historically and we're starting to see that come through in headline inflation figures."

On this week's episode, we're talking about the market for high quality, dividend paying companies and how they have fared given the recent market backdrop with Ben Peters, manager of the AA-Rated Evenlode Global Income fund and co-manager of the AA-Rated Evenlode Income fund. Speaking with Jock Glover, Ben shares how some of the companies they invest in have coped with recent challenges, what keeps him up at night and why they set up the Evenlode Foundation.

Listen to the Behind the Screens on your favourite platform here, or listen below.

Don't have time to listen to the full episode, jump to your favourite part:

• 1:20 - What is the Evenlode Foundation and why did you set it up?

• 3:10 - What does the current market look like for hiqh quality, dividend paying companies?

• 4:55 - Have these businesses been able to pass on the effects of inflation to consumers?

• 8:20 - Has the market backdrop opened up new opportunities?

• 10:30 - What is your average holding period?

• 11:15 - What keeps you up at night?

• 12:50 - How do you and the team split your time?

• 16:35 – An interesting statistic for the week.

This was recorded on Thursday 23rd November 2023. This podcast is only aimed at professional advisers and regulated firms and should not be passed on to or relied upon by any other persons. It is not intended for retail investors, who should obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the podcast, remembering past performance is not an indication of future performance. It is published by, and remains the copyright of, Square Mile Investment Consulting and Research Ltd. Square Mile makes no warranties or representations regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. This podcast represents the views and forecasts of SM at the date of issue and may be subject to change without reference or notification to you. Nothing in this podcast shall be deemed to constitute a regulated activity or an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity and it is not a recommendation to buy or sell any funds or investments that are mentioned during this podcast.