My biggest lesson in finance
Andrew Zenonos, Portfolio Manager,
Customised Portfolio Solutions, Russell Investments
What is your day job?
I manage outcome-oriented equity portfolios based on Russell investments’ internal direct investment process. When constructing these portfolios, we consider the objectives of clients and then develop solutions to help meet those overarching goals. My role has a particular focus on both defensive strategies and exchange traded funds.
What are your qualifications and previous experience?
I’ve been at Russell Investments for 11 years and started out as an analyst in the equity portfolio management team.
Before that, I worked in the stockbroking industry for a couple of years after graduating from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Commerce. I’m also a CFA Charterholder, which is a global qualification for investment professionals.
Why did you choose finance as a career?
I actually started studying biomedical science at uni and then decided it wasn’t quite for me. I was, though, good at maths and science and am an analytical thinker. I ended up drifting towards finance as a result.
It’s been a good choice because every day is different. I manage portfolios that include Australian, Japanese and global stocks, so I get a real insight into global events. There’s obviously a lot of moving parts, so there’s always a lot to take in.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt in your career?
Never underestimate the potential for unexpected outcomes. Things can come out of left field more often than you think. It seems like there’s been one unexpected outcome after another for the past five or six years. COVID-19, of course, is the most significant due to its impact on both markets and broader society.
As a professional investor, you should always be thinking about what can go wrong with a position you hold, rather than thinking about how much money you can make.
How do you spend your spare time?
I’m a keen golfer and play as much as I can on weekends. My handicap is currently 11, but hopefully trending lower. I also find it hard to beat a good British crime drama. I’d really recommend Luther and Line of Duty as series worth watching.
Cornerstone Financial Group Pty Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Invest Blue Pty Ltd (ABN 91 100 874 744) which is an Authorised Representative and Credit Representative of AMP Financial Planning Pty Limited ABN 89 051 208 327, Australian Financial Services Licence and Australian Credit Licence No. 232706.
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Russell Investment Management Ltd ABN 53 068 338 974, AFS Licence 247185 (RIM) is the Investment Manager of the Cornerstone Managed Portfolios.