GW INVESTMENT INSTITUTE INSIGHTS

The GW Investment Institute is proud to announce that Daniel Ives, Managing Director and Senior Equity Research Analyst at Wedbush Securities, will be the keynote speaker at our 2025 Annual Conference & Reception. A distinguished voice in the technology and financial sectors, Daniel brings over two decades of Wall Street experience and an expertise in some of the most transformative areas of the tech landscape.

Since joining Wedbush Securities in 2018, Daniel has focused on covering the rapidly evolving technology sector. His work spans a wide array of fields, including enterprise software, cloud computing, cybersecurity, big data, and the mobile landscape. Recently, Daniel has also focused his research on electric vehicles and disruptive technologies that are set to shape the future of the global economy over the next decade.

Daniel’s insights and analysis are sought after worldwide. He has served as a keynote speaker at major industry events across the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia. His expertise is regularly showcased on prominent media outlets, including CNBC, Bloomberg, Fox News, BBC, and many more. He has also made appearances on popular programs such as The Today Show, Good Morning America, and NBC Nightly News, to name a few.

Join us at the GW Investment Institute’s 2025 Annual Conference & Reception for an insightful and inspiring keynote session with Daniel Ives. Stay tuned for more updates and details about the event. We look forward to seeing you there!

We are proud to announce that we have a talented team from the GW Investment Institute who will be competing at this year’s McGill International Portfolio Challenge (MIPC). The MIPC is one of the most prestigious global competitions in finance, bringing together student teams from universities around the world to solve pressing issues faced by large asset managers.

The competition challenges participants to develop portfolio strategies that address complex, real-world issues such as sustainability, inflation resilience, and long-term financial security. With its focus on actionable solutions, MIPC provides students with a unique platform to showcase their skills and contribute to the future of responsible investing.

This year, the GWII will include Esha Peer, Grady McGean, Judy Abdo, and Mateo Moya Chavez. We are confident that these individuals will represent us with excellence, contributing innovative ideas and insights to the competition.

To learn more about each of our team members and their individual backgrounds, be sure to follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and X for their introductions and updates on their journey to MIPC. Stay tuned for more exciting updates as our team competes on the global stage!

In Episode 14 of “Market News with Rodney Lake,” Rodney Lake, Director of the GW Investment Institute, sits down with Will Ahrens, current GW student and investment enthusiast, to discuss the value of internships and networking for aspiring finance professionals. Will shares personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of starting early in the internship process, building genuine connections, and trusting your instincts when making career decisions. The episode highlights practical advice on leveraging resources from GWSB, the significance of mental models and paying it forward in the professional world. Tune in for actionable insights on navigating the competitive business landscape and investing!

In Episode 13 of “Market News with Rodney Lake,” Rodney Lake, Director of the GW Investment Institute, reviews Visa’s current performance, focusing on its capital allocation and management under Ryan McHenry. Lake highlights Visa’s investments in new products and services while defending its market position against competitors like PayPal. With impressive 70% margins and over $18 billion in free cash flow, Lake questions whether Visa’s 10% projected growth justifies its high valuation. He gives Visa an overall score of 8, emphasizing the need to monitor management’s strategy as competition grows. Tune in to learn more!

We are excited to introduce our GWII delegation who will be competing at the Cornell Undergraduate Women in Investing Conference (WIN) on September 26-27 in New York City! Our team includes:

Laura Null, GWSB Class of 2025

Madison Bachmayer, GWSB Class of 2026

Victoria Irizarry, GWSB Class of 2027

Sophia Volvovsky, GWSB Class of 2027

At WIN, our team will network with top investment professionals, showcase their stock-picking skills, and gain invaluable feedback. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn from industry leaders and engage with a community committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in finance.

Thank you to the Strategic Investment Group for sponsoring our team and making this opportunity possible.

The Inaugural GW Stock Pitch Competition aims to provide students with a platform to improve and apply their financial analysis skills and investment acumen in a competitive setting. Students will showcase their ability to craft persuasive investment theses, learn about the GWII Investment Framework, receive feedback from judges, get FactSet certified, and conduct financial research.

Students submit/pitch one company that they believe is a good long-term investment. Companies must be publicly traded in the U.S. Companies can be from any industry/sector. The market capitalization must be at least $250 million USD.

Based on the quality of research and originality of the investment thesis, the top student pitches will win: First place award – $550; Second place award – $350; Third place award – $200; Honorable mentions – $100.

Application deadline: September 20 at 5:00 pm ET
First round deadline: September 25 at 10:00 am ET
Finalists announced: September 27
Final round: October 4 at 12:00 pm ET – in-person at GWSB

In Episode 12 of “Market News with Rodney Lake,” Rodney Lake talks with Vanessa Perry, Interim Dean at the GW School of Business, about recent changes in real estate regulations and the expanding role of AI in the workplace. Dean Perry explains how new rules may impact home buyers and sellers, potentially complicating markets and adversely impacting affordability. She also discusses the growing use of AI in financial sectors, urging students to enhance their analytical skills to integrate these technologies effectively. Dean Perry emphasizes the importance of staying informed, networking strategically, and leveraging unique opportunities to prepare for success in a rapidly evolving finance industry. Tune in to learn more!

In Episode 11 of “Market News with Rodney Lake,” Rodney Lake, Director of the GW Investment Institute, analyzes Microsoft’s current valuation and financial health. He discusses the company’s slightly elevated valuation, which remains near its 10-year median, and highlights its robust balance sheet, characterized by strong free cash flow and a high interest coverage ratio. Lake commends Microsoft’s strategic investments in Azure, AI, and key acquisitions, as well as the effective leadership of CEO Satya Nadella. Despite the higher valuation, Microsoft’s strong fundamentals and growth potential make it a valuable long-term investment for the GW Investment Institute. Tune in to learn more!

In Episode 10 of “Market News with Rodney Lake,” Rodney Lake, the Director of the GW Investment Institute, examines Apple’s current performance and prospects. He discusses the company’s innovation in chip design and its AI challenges, commends Tim Cook’s management while noting succession planning concerns, and evaluates Apple’s strong balance sheet and high valuation. Professor Lake emphasizes the need to reassess Apple’s investment potential and future growth, offering insights into its strategic position and financial health. Tune in for a concise analysis of Apple’s strengths and areas to watch.

In Episode 9 of “Market News with Rodney Lake,” Rodney Lake, the Director of the GW Investment Institute, delves into the intricacies of assessing a company’s balance sheet as part of the GWII BMPB Investment Framework. Focusing on companies like Apple and Procter & Gamble, Professor Lake illustrates the impact of financial health on investment decisions, emphasizing the importance of asset and liability matching. He explains how Apple’s strong position with nearly $60 billion in net cash allows it to navigate challenging market conditions, contrasting this with Procter & Gamble’s steady cash flow from its consistent product demand. This contrast provides valuable insight into the different financial strategies adopted by these companies. Tune in to learn more!