The Schroder Concentrated Australian Equity Separately Managed Account (SMA) has been added to the HUB24 platform, in response to greater adviser demand for an SMA seeking to outperform the S&P/ASX 200 Total Return Index over the medium to long term.
The move follows the recent addition of the Schroders SMA to BT Panorama.
It takes an active approach and invests through fundamental stock analysis and valuation in a concentrated portfolio of 18 to 26 companies listed in Australia and New Zealand. The portfolio is co-managed by Adam Alexander and Ben Chan, who boast a seven-year track record in running Australian equities SMAs, with top quartile performance[1]. Mr Alexander and Mr Chan are part of the stable, award-winning and highly rated Schroders Australian equities team, headed by industry stalwart Martin Conlon.
Mr Alexander said: “Separately managed accounts have quickly become a popular investment offering in recent times as financial advisers and investors realise their benefits, including greater flexibility, portability and transparency.”
“While owned directly by the end investors, the fund’s investments are actively monitored and managed by the Schroders Australian Equities team. The investment process for the Schroder Concentrated Australian Equity SMA focuses on fundamental stock analysis and valuation to create a resilient portfolio built to withstand economic cycles.
Mr Chan said: “The team analyses companies over their perceived ‘life cycles’ and focuses on the quality and sustainability of earnings, management ability and business risk. Our team of portfolio managers also draws on the insights of Schroders’ worldwide investment team that provide us with a competitive edge.”
Head of Client Group at Schroders Australia, Ray Macken, said financial advisers will be able to recommend to investors an actively managed and benchmark-aware portfolio of select Australian equities that has performed well over time. The SMA structure results in full visibility and accessibility for end investors.
“Investors receive the benefits of direct share ownership, but with the important added advantage that the stocks are selected by an investment process that has been honed over 25 years’ experience of managing Australian equities. The result is transparency and flexibility for clients, who can see what selected stocks they hold, but with none of the administrative and compliance burdens associated with managing direct shares for advisers.”
The Schroder Concentrated Australian Equity Portfolio has a Recommended rating from Lonsec[2].