Zurich Investments Global Growth Opportunities SMA Receives Lonsec “Recommended SMA” Rating in initial review
Zurich Investments today announced its Global Growth Opportunities Separately Managed Account (SMA) has been recognised by Lonsec with a “Recommended SMA” rating.
23 July 2020
The Global Growth Opportunities SMA was launched in August 2019 and is available to Australian financial advisers via the Hub24 platform.
The SMA allows the opportunity for investment in a high conviction growth strategy of up to 22 global securities, selected and managed by American Century Investments (ACI), a long-term partner to Zurich Investments.
Matthew Drennan, Zurich’s Head of Savings & Investments said, “We are delighted that Lonsec has assigned our SMA a Recommended rating in its very first year.
“This is reflective of the strength of the offering, which is underpinned by the longstanding partnership between Zurich and the highly respected team at American Century.
“We added the SMA structure to our suite of offerings in response to identified demand from advisers for a format that offers more control and transparency for investors, and an easier way to manage their clients’ portfolio,” said Mr Drennan.
The July 2020 Lonsec Rating Report noted, ‘The Model Portfolio is considered to offer investors access to a differentiated ‘growth’ strategy combined with a well-articulated investment process that is led by a capable portfolio management team, particularly CIO and lead Portfolio Manager, Keith Creveling. Lonsec views this highly concentrated, ‘best ideas’ variant favourably given the higher idiosyncratic risk and stronger growth prospects balanced by a process which inherently provides stronger buy and sell disciplines.’
The SMA provides a differentiated and competitive choice to advisers seeking high conviction global investment opportunities for their clients, while enabling increased control and direct ownership of the underlying portfolio holdings.
Zurich Investments continues to review and expand its range of strategies and channels, based on adviser and investor demand.
About the Zurich Investments Global Growth Opportunities SMA
The Global Growth Opportunities SMA is made up of 18-22 of the highest conviction stocks from the Global Growth strategy Zurich Investments offers with its strategic investment partner, American Century Investments.
Current returns for the existing Global Growth portfolios, which are managed by the same team and with the same philosophy as the SMA, have seen consistent strong results with the performance figures to 30 June 2020 in the tables below:
| Returns (%)^ | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CYTD | 1 Year | 3 Years (p.a.) |
Inception** (p.a.) |
|
| Zurich Investments Concentrated Global Growth Fund | 5.48 | 14.43 | 20.46 | 13.67 |
| Benchmark* | -3.60 | 5.18 | 10.75 | 9.33 |
| Returns (%)^ |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CYTD | 1 Year | 3 Years (p.a.) |
5 Years (p.a.) |
10 Years (p.a.) |
Inception*** (p.a.) |
|
| Zurich Investments Global Growth Share Fund |
1.45 |
8.84 |
15.22 |
11.47 | 13.84 | 12.92 |
| Benchmark* | -3.60 | 5.18 | 10.75 | 9.36 | 12.35 | 11.07 |
*MSCI World (ex-Australia) accumulation index in $A (net dividends reinvested)
**Concentrated Global Growth inception is 19 October 2015
***Global Growth inception is 31 August 2009
^Performance is net of fees. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Source: Zurich Investments.
<Release ends>
Zurich Financial Services Australia is a life insurance, commercial insurance and investments specialist that has been participating in the Australian market since 1920. Since its acquisition of OnePath Life from ANZ in 2019, the company provides life insurance to more than 1.5 million Australian customers under both the Zurich and OnePath Life brands. Further information about Zurich Financial Services Australia is available at www.zurich.com.au
Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) is a leading multi-line insurer serving people and businesses in more than 200 countries and territories. Founded 150 years ago, Zurich is transforming insurance. In addition to providing insurance protection, Zurich is increasingly offering prevention services such as those that promote wellbeing and enhance climate resilience.
Reflecting its purpose to ‘create a brighter future together’, Zurich aspires to be one of the most responsible and impactful businesses in the world. It is targeting net-zero emissions by 2050 and has the highest-possible ESG rating from MSCI. In 2020, Zurich launched the Zurich Forest project to support reforestation and biodiversity restoration in Brazil.
The Group has about 60,000 employees and is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. Zurich Insurance Group Ltd (ZURN), is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and has a level I American Depositary Receipt (ZURVY) program, which is traded over-the-counter on OTCQX. Further information is available at www.zurich.com.
About Zurich Investments
Zurich Investments partners with Australian advisers and their clients in strategic wealth creation. For over 40 years Zurich Investments has gained access to exclusive Australian and international partnerships with best-of-breed fund managers across a range of asset classes and management styles.
Today, our suite of funds offers unique choice, diversification and access to Australian advisers and their clients. Our business is an enduring, independent brand in the Australian wealth management market with investments backed by a genuine partnership philosophy. This aligns with the global Zurich purpose to be a mainstay in the wealth creation and life protection of our customers. Further information about Zurich Investments is available at www.zurich.com.au/investments.
Important Information:
The rating issued July 2020 is published by Lonsec Research Pty Ltd ABN 11 151 658 561 AFSL 421 445 (Lonsec). Ratings are general advice only, and have been prepared without taking account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider your personal circumstances, read the product disclosure statement and seek independent financial advice before investing. The rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold any product. Past performance information is not indicative of future performance. Ratings are subject to change without notice and Lonsec assumes no obligation to update. Lonsec uses objective criteria and receives a fee from the Fund Manager. Visit lonsec.com.au for ratings information and to access the full report. © 2020 Lonsec. All rights reserved.