Over the second quarter, Carmignac Patrimoine A EUR Acc recorded a performance of +1.47%, outperforming its reference indicator (+1.10%). The fund has also outperformed its index since the start of the year, with a growth of +7.06% compared to +5.28%.
The positive economic momentum from the first quarter of 2024 carried over into the second quarter. Yet, it began on a negative note as investors lowered their expectations of central bank interest rate cuts due to concerns about the US economy overheating. As the quarter progressed, these concerns eased and hopes of a soft landing resurfaced. Attention also shifted from Central Banks to political risks, with a succession of elections leading to localised bouts of volatility.
Overall, the second quarter continued the positive trend of the first quarter with risk assets delivering positive returns while rates assets struggled. The strong performance of developed market equities was primarily driven by notable earnings from US tech companies. Taiwan also stood out as the leading market in Asia, benefiting from its significant presence in the technology sector. Chinese equity markets initially received a boost from government measures aimed at supporting the real estate sector. However, part of these gains were short-lived as structural challenges resurfaced. Europe faced political instability in June due to an unexpected snap election called by Macron, which had a negative impact on overall returns in the region.
The fund continued to maintain its momentum, delivering a positive performance and outperforming its reference indicator. The soft landing scenario together with more accommodative central banks prompted us to maintain a significant exposure to risky assets while remaining cautious on the rates front.
Incidentally, the main driver of performance over the period was our allocation to equities, in particular our selection of stocks in the technology sector. Alongside some of the Magnificent Seven stocks held in our portfolio, other major players in the semiconductor value chain, such as Taiwan's TSMC, the US company Broadcom and South Korea's SK Hynix, posted impressive returns. Aside from tech, global instability has boosted the price of yellow metal, which has benefited our gold mining companies.
In a challenging market environment marked by rising interest rates, our strategic bond selection in the high yield and structured credit sectors played a crucial role in driving the Fund's performance. Additionally, our decision to maintain a low duration proved to be a wise move, as it helped to offset the adverse effects of rising rates, while our anticipation of a steepening yield curve proved to be an important factor in the relative performance. Short-term interest rates in both Europe and the US outperformed longer-term maturities, aligning with our expectations and contributing to our overall performance.
Our strategy also underwent a series of adjustments. Notably, our exposure to the USD was actively managed through the implementation of highly effective option strategies. Additionally, we took measures to reduce our exposure to Japan by cutting our holdings in the yen and decreasing our short position in Japanese sovereign bonds. Furthermore, we adopted a rigorous approach to managing our exposure to European markets, employing equity and credit hedging strategies in June to protect our portfolio against potential disruptions caused by political instability in the region.
Despite the ongoing resilience of growth, there are early indications of a slowdown in both the US labor and consumer data. Our conviction strengthens around a soft landing in the US and global economies, where growth slows without a recession being triggered. It is likely that equities will still see positive outcomes, despite the high expectations for earnings and valuations, justifying our current exposure of around 35%.
The combined impact of the political and economic cycles is poised to generate increased instability for investors. Although this volatility may present opportunities, it underscores the importance of incorporating high-quality assets into the portfolio. We made a number of adjustments to our equity portfolio, notably by reducing the beta and increasing the defensive nature of our holdings, notably through the healthcare sector.
On rates, the economic slowdown should legitimate for a slow pace of cuts in H2 2024. In light of this observation, there is a compelling case to gradually extend the duration of our portfolio. However, plateauing inflation presents challenges in confidently adopting a strong directional stance. Conversely, we maintain our belief that the yield curve will experience a steepening trend. On the credit side, we should continue to benefit from carry given the overall picture, with tactical risk management to buffer against economic and political uncertainties.
In light of the performance of the first two quarters and the prevailing uncertainties surrounding growth, disinflation, and politics, we have adopted a cautiously optimistic approach and made the decision to partially de-risk the portfolio in comparison to recent months.
*Risk Scale from the KID (Key Information Document). Risk 1 does not mean a risk-free investment. This indicator may change over time. **The Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) 2019/2088 is a European regulation that requires asset managers to classify their funds as either 'Article 8' funds, which promote environmental and social characteristics, 'Article 9' funds, which make sustainable investments with measurable objectives, or 'Article 6' funds, which do not necessarily have a sustainability objective. For more information please refer to https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/2088/oj.
Carmignac Patrimoine | 8.8 | 0.7 | 3.9 | 0.1 | -11.3 | 10.5 | 12.4 | -0.9 | -9.4 | 2.2 |
Reference Indicator | 16.0 | 8.4 | 8.1 | 1.5 | -0.1 | 18.2 | 5.2 | 13.3 | -10.3 | 7.7 |
Carmignac Patrimoine | - 1.8 % | + 2.3 % | + 1.4 % |
Reference Indicator | + 2.1 % | + 4.8 % | + 6.0 % |
Source: Carmignac at 31 Oct 2024.
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance. Performances are net of fees (excluding possible entrance fees charged by the distributor).
Marketing communication. Please refer to the KID/KIID, prospectus of the fund before making any final investment decisions. This document is intended for professional clients.
This material may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior authorisation from the Management Company. This material does not constitute a subscription offer, nor does it constitute investment advice. This material is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, accounting, legal or tax advice. This material has been provided to you for informational purposes only and may not be relied upon by you in evaluating the merits of investing in any securities or interests referred to herein or for any other purposes. The information contained in this material may be partial information and may be modified without prior notice. They are expressed as of the date of writing and are derived from proprietary and non-proprietary sources deemed by Carmignac to be reliable, are not necessarily all-inclusive and are not guaranteed as to accuracy. As such, no warranty of accuracy or reliability is given and no responsibility arising in any other way for errors and omissions (including responsibility to any person by reason of negligence) is accepted by Carmignac, its officers, employees or agents.
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance. Performances are net of fees (excluding possible entrance fees charged by the distributor). The return may increase or decrease as a result of currency fluctuations, for the shares which are not currency-hedged.
Reference to certain securities and financial instruments is for illustrative purposes to highlight stocks that are or have been included in the portfolios of funds in the Carmignac range. This is not intended to promote direct investment in those instruments, nor does it constitute investment advice. The Management Company is not subject to prohibition on trading in these instruments prior to issuing any communication. The portfolios of Carmignac funds may change without previous notice. The reference to a ranking or prize, is no guarantee of the future results of the UCIS or the manager.
Morningstar Rating™ : © Morningstar, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The information contained herein: is proprietary to Morningstar and/or its content providers; may not be copied or distributed; and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. Neither Morningstar nor its content providers are responsible for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information.
Access to the Funds may be subject to restrictions regarding certain persons or countries. This material is not directed to any person in any jurisdiction where (by reason of that person’s nationality, residence or otherwise) the material or availability of this material is prohibited. Persons in respect of whom such prohibitions apply must not access this material. Taxation depends on the situation of the individual. The Funds are not registered for retail distribution in Asia, in Japan, in North America, nor are they registered in South America. Carmignac Funds are registered in Singapore as restricted foreign scheme (for professional clients only). The Funds have not been registered under the US Securities Act of 1933. The Funds may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, for the benefit or on behalf of a «U.S. person», according to the definition of the US Regulation S and FATCA.
The risks, fees and ongoing charges are described in the KID (Key Information Document). The KID must be made available to the subscriber prior to subscription. The subscriber must read the KID. Investors may lose some or all their capital, as the capital in the funds are not guaranteed. The Funds present a risk of loss of capital.
The Funds’ prospectus, KIDs, NAVs and annual reports are available at www.carmignac.com, or upon request to the Management Carmignac Portfolio refers to the sub-funds of Carmignac Portfolio SICAV, an investment company under Luxembourg law, conforming to the UCITS Directive. The French investment funds (fonds communs de placement or FCP) are common funds in contractual form conforming to the UCITS or AIFM Directive under French law.
In France, Luxembourg, Sweden: The risks, fees and ongoing charges are described in the KID (Key Information Document). The KID must be made available to the subscriber prior to subscription. The subscriber must read the KID. Investors may lose some or all their capital, as the capital in the funds are not guaranteed. The Funds present a risk of loss of capital. The Funds’ prospectus, KIDs, NAV and annual reports are available at www.carmignac.com, or upon request to the Management.
In the United Kingdom: the Funds’ respective prospectuses, KIIDs and annual reports are available at www.carmignac.co.uk, or upon request to the Management Company, or for the French Funds, at the offices of the Facilities Agent at BNP PARIBAS SECURITIES SERVICES, operating through its branch in London: 55 Moorgate, London EC2R. This document was prepared by Carmignac Gestion, Carmignac Gestion Luxembourg or Carmignac UK Ltd. FP Carmignac ICVC (the “Company”) is an Investment Company with variable capital incorporated in England and Wales under registered number 839620 and is authorised by the FCA with effect from 4 April 2019 and launched on 15 May 2019. FundRock Partners Limited is the Authorised Corporate Director (the “ACD”) of the Company and is authorised and regulated by the FCA. Registered Office: Hamilton Centre, Rodney Way, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 3BY, UK; Registered in England and Wales with number 4162989. Carmignac Gestion Luxembourg SA has been appointed as the Investment Manager and distributor in respect of the Company. Carmignac UK Ltd (Registered in England and Wales with number 14162894) has been appointed as a sub-Investment Manager of the Company and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority with FRN:984288.
In Switzerland: the prospectus, KIDs and annual report are available at www.carmignac.ch, or through our representative in Switzerland, CACEIS (Switzerland), S.A., Route de Signy 35, CH-1260 Nyon. The paying agent is CACEIS Bank, Montrouge, Nyon Branch / Switzerland, Route de Signy 35, 1260 Nyon.
The Management Company can cease promotion in your country anytime.
Investors have access to a summary of their rights in English on the following links: UK ; Switzerland ; France ; Luxembourg ; Sweden.