Zenith Investment Partners has upgraded the PIMCO EQT Wholesale Australian Bond Fund and the PIMCO EQT Wholesale Australian Focus Fund, from “Recommended” to “Highly Recommended.”
In its product assessment Zenith hold the PIMCO investment team in “high regard” and said the funds are well-managed recognising that PIMCO “benefits greatly from the support and input” of the global investment teams.
“Our conviction in the strategies has increased, reflecting the strong calibre of the domestic investment team and its continued ability to draw upon the insights and expertise of PIMCO’s diverse and highly experienced global team,” said Zenith.
Robert Mead, who manages both funds and heads portfolio management in Australia, said, “Investing in Australian fixed interest today requires a global perspective to truly cover the opportunity set. Our investment approach at PIMCO is one that has evolved with these realities and involves a unique mix of dedicated local expertise and a global coverage approach.”
“The funds have been through a full market cycle and have not only outperformed, but have done so with lower benchmark-like volatility with consistency of income generation,” Mr. Mead said.
Both funds are actively managed and have outperformed their respective benchmarks net of fees over the past 5 years (as at 30 June 2015). The funds add value through duration, sector positioning and security selection.
- The PIMCO EQT Wholesale Australian Bond Fund predominantly provides exposure to the Australian fixed interest market, as well as selective investment in global fixed interest markets. The Fund has delivered a net of fee return of 6.73% p.a. over the past 10 years (as at 30 June 2015), beating 100% of competitors (Morningstar data as of 30 June 2015).
- The PIMCO EQT Wholesale Australian Focus Fund, which was launched in February 2009, provides shorter duration exposure to the Australian fixed interest market. While this Fund has a shorter track record, it has still delivered a net of fee return of 5.19% p.a. over the past 5 years (as at 30 June 2015).