Two leading Martin Currie strategies added to Macquarie Wrap’s SMA

Andy Sowerby

Legg Mason, one of the world’s largest funds management groups, yesterday announced that the Legg Mason Martin Currie Real Income and Equity Income funds are now available to financial advisers across the Separately Managed Account (SMA) investment option on Macquarie Wrap.

The inclusion of our real income and equity funds on Macquarie Wrap reflects the growing demand from investors who are keen to access income generating strategies in this low yield, low return environment says Legg Mason Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand, Andy Sowerby.

Sowerby adds: “The Legg Mason Martin Currie Equity Income and Real Income SMAs are based on the same investment process as the highly successful funds launched in the Australian market few years ago, managed by specialist equity manager, Martin Currie Australia.”

Launched in 2010, the Legg Mason Martin Currie Real Income strategy invests in a blend of listed real assets across Australian REITs, utility, infrastructure and like securities available on the Australian Stock Exchange. The fund, with more than $500 million in FUM, provides an income that is at least 20% higher that the S&P ASX 200 index and aims to grow this income stream in excess of the rate of inflation (as measured by the Consumer Price Index). The fund has received high independent research ratings by Lonsec and Zenith.

Legg Mason Martin Currie’s Equity Income Strategy aims to provide a high growth and well diversified income stream. It also seeks to achieve inflation protection from increasing dividends and tax effectiveness through maximising franking benefits.

“Lonsec’s ‘Highly Recommended’ rating and Zenith’s ‘Recommended’ rating of the Legg Mason Martin Currie Equity Income Trust are a solid endorsement of the strategy (which the SMA is based on),” says Sowerby.