Three key megatrends are shaping the world’s future and investors must think ahead to capture the long-term opportunities that will arise, according to asset manager Robeco.

The Rotterdam-based firm, which managed €150 billion ($215 billion) in assets as at the end of last year, says demographic change, shortage of natural resources and growing environmental awareness will inevitably drive fundamental changes in consumption.

Robeco sees it as crucial not only to identify the trends and themes at an early stage of development, but also to identify companies that are set to benefit by providing the solutions.

The firm has constructed a multi-theme portfolio of funds to capitalise on the opportunities it predicts will emerge.

In a linked webcast carried out with AsianInvestor, Henk Grootveld, head of Robeco’s thematic investment team, explains the thinking behind the firm’s megatrends portfolio, while Jack Neele, portfolio manager in the Robeco thematic equities investments team, breaks out the key opportunities as he forecasts them in global consumer trends.

To listen to the webcast, and the question and answer session at the end, please click here.