Capital at risk
Global Alpha
Our core task is the identification and patient, engaged ownership of companies with the potential to deliver superior but underappreciated earnings growth. We are flexible and open-minded in seeking these opportunities, aware of the ways growth can be achieved. Our research draws on the work and insights of the entire Baillie Gifford investment floor.

Enduring growth
An ambitious approach to investing in growth companies with exceptional potential from right across the spectrum of opportunity. Our philosophy is to make long-term investments in well-managed businesses with sustainable competitive advantages.
Global Alpha: our philosophy
Investment manager Helen Xiong introduces Global Alpha, reflecting on the exciting opportunities ahead.
High-quality companies with exceptional potential
We aim to identify companies that can grow their earnings at a superior rate to the market over sustained periods, with great potential that is not reflected in their price. As share prices are ultimately driven by earnings growth, this approach underpins our objective to deliver returns 2 per cent to 3 per cent per annum ahead of the benchmark over rolling five-year periods before the deduction of fees. The resulting portfolio of around 90 holdings represents the most attractive opportunities from across the growth spectrum at any point in time.
Diversified and differentiated
We embrace the diversity of growth available to us, splitting the portfolio across our three growth profiles – compounders, disruptors and capital allocators. The compounders profile looks to benefit from the underappreciated power of the long-term compounding of earnings. In disruptors, we seek to identify earlier-stage companies with the potential for major success. Capital allocators back skilled management teams, often in cyclical industries.
At the heart of Global Alpha’s patient approach to long-term capital growth lies our belief in diversity. We don’t rely on a single definition of what ‘growth’ means.
Meet the managers
Documents
Philosophy and process
Explore our investment philosophy and the processes around how the Global Alpha team construct the portfolio through its three key growth profiles (compounders, disruptors and capital allocators).
Quarterly update
Get the latest investment commentary, portfolio overview, transactions and performance information alongside governance engagement and voting.
Stewardship report
Find out about our conversations with portfolio companies, shareholder vote activity and consideration of environmental, social and governance matters.
Global Alpha Research Agenda 2024
How can we invest in quality companies with the potential to generate sustainable returns in a changing market?
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You can invest in this strategy through the following fund(s).
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Strategy portfolio holdings
A list of the top 10 holdings that the representative portfolio invests in.
Please note
The information contained on this page is intended as a guide only and should not be relied upon when making investment decisions. All holdings information is unaudited. Source Baillie Gifford & Co. Please note that totals may not add due to rounding.
Invest in this strategy
You can invest in this strategy through the following fund(s).
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Curious to learn more about our products and what we can offer you? Please get in touch.
Insights
Key articles, videos and podcasts relating to the strategy:
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Global Alpha Q1 update
The Global Alpha Team reflects on recent performance, portfolio changes and market developments.
Global Alpha Q1 update
The Global Alpha Team reflects on recent performance, portfolio changes and market developments.Global Alpha Q1 investor letter
The Global Alpha Team reflects on recent performance, portfolio changes and market developments.Nexans: Stock Story
Lucy Haddow examines the sub-sea cable manufacturer crucial for the offshore wind and energy transition.Atlas Copco: Stock Story
Ben Drury explores how a culture of innovation and decentralisation drives success in industrial technology.Moutai: Stock Story
Ben Buckler investigates the Chinese brand dominating the global luxury drinks market.DoorDash: delivering the goods
How DoorDash’s ambitions extend far beyond restaurant deliveries.Global Alpha Insights: investing in resilience beyond political cycles
Why the Global Alpha Team believes elections don't impact stock market returns.Global Alpha Q4 update
The Global Alpha Team reflects on recent performance, portfolio changes and market developments.Global Alpha Q4 investor letter
The Global Alpha Team reflects on recent performance, portfolio changes and market developments.Global Alpha insights: Rakuten and the 'Dog Shogun'
Richie Vernon, investment specialist, explains why the Global Alpha Team has a different perspective on Rakuten's future market growth.Global Alpha Q3 investor letter
The Global Alpha Team reflects on recent performance, portfolio changes and market developmentsWhy growth investors can’t ignore China
China’s electric car, battery and other advanced manufacturers are on the rise.Global Alpha Q3 update
The Global Alpha Team reflects on recent performance, portfolio changes and market developments.Global Alpha insights: unlocking the magic of Disney
Why the Global Alpha Team believes there is a magical journey ahead for Disney.Future Stocks: Our best ideas in the US
Ben James explains why DoorDash, The Trade Desk and CoStar stand out as growth stocks.
Invest in this strategy
You can invest in this strategy through the following fund(s).
Explore further
Curious to learn more about our products and what we can offer you? Please get in touch.
How to invest in this strategy
You can invest in this strategy through the following fund(s).
Explore further
Curious to learn more about our products and what we can offer you? Please get in touch.
Important information
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This website is informative only and the information provided should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a particular investment. Read our Legal and regulatory information for further details.