You’ve probably heard bullish commentators argue that declining interest rates explain, and justify, the extraordinary price to earnings (PE) multiples being paid for growth stocks.   Many of these commentators also maintain that, because rates are going to stay lower for longer, these stocks are a defensive, sensible, and even safe investment.

The share prices of growth companies – particularly quality businesses such as the much heralded FAAMGs – have been on a tear since March. How much further could they go?  Well, quite a bit further I think, if rates stay low and governments keep providing financial support. Recent headlines suggest COVID-19 is not going away any time soon.

Bapcor (ASX:BAP) – Australia’s leading aftermarket auto parts distributor – has enjoyed very strong trading conditions since mobility restrictions have eased, and its share price has rallied accordingly.  BAP has both growth and defensive qualities and remains a great way to play the domestic tourism thematic which could prove stronger for longer.

With interest rates heading to zero, keeping your money in the bank has become a poor way to increase – or even preserve – your wealth. A better strategy, I believe, is a well-chosen portfolio of stocks. In this blog, I highlight three types of businesses that should provide compelling returns in the years to come.

Back in 2002 Alliance Aviation Services (ASX:AQZ) commenced flying with just two aircraft. Today, the operating aircraft fleet size has grown to 43, with a further 14 new aircraft set to arrive in the next 12 months. AQZ’s business is literally flying! The company operates fly-in fly-out charter services for Australian mining companies and a range of ancillary aviation services, and has a strong track record of consistent profits and growth.

If you’re looking for a robust income stock, Centuria Capital Group (ASX:CNI) is worth considering. Centuria owns a suite of assets focused on property and investment bonds, and pays an annual yield of around 4. 3 per cent. Making this business even more appealing, is a share price that keeps heading in the right direction.

Plenty of noise has been generated in the US online sports betting space this year. DraftKings stock has grown +400 per cent year-to-date, Penn National +170 per cent and Australia’s Pointsbet +150 per cent. The excitement is around an expected $20-30 billion addressable market, growing from around $1 billion in 2019.

Chinese payments and fintech giant Ant Group is expected to IPO in October at a valuation exceeding US$200 billion. Being investors in Alibaba Group, which owns 33 per cent of Ant, it was imperative for us to form a view on the Ant business.

In November 2019, Saracen Mineral Holdings (ASX: SAR) acquired 50 per cent of the Fimiston Open Pit, known colloquially as the Kalgoorlie Super Pit, from Barrick Resources for US$800 million. A month later Northern Star Resources (ASX: NST) bought Newmont’s 50 per cent stake for US$750 million.

As you’ve no doubt noticed, Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) providers, like Afterpay and Zip, are all the rage. But do their soaring share prices reflect their real value and future earning power? Or are we just witnessing the latest incarnation of tulip mania? I sometimes wonder how we will look back on the rise of profitless growth stocks.

Corporate Travel Management (ASX:CTD) announced last week the US$200 million acquisition of US-based Travel & Transport (T&T) which transforms the company’s North American business and positions the company as the global leader in mid-market corporate travel services.

  In this week’s video insight Roger discusses cloud computing and a small cap opportunity in the space. We currently believe companies within this sector will see a long runway for growth. One company delivering the framework on which this innovation cycle is being built is Macquarie Telecom. The Montgomery Small Companies Fund  owns shares in Macquarie Telecom.