The Candriam Sustainable Global Equity Fund has retained a “5 IP” rating from Research IP, with a score of 4.32/5. The current rating will remain unchanged.
The Candriam Sustainable Global Equity Fund is a core global developed markets equity fund benchmarked to the MSCI World, in AUD and with net dividends reinvested.
Research Update (as of 25 June 2024)
The Manager has advised Research IP of a change to personnel arrangements, described as follows:
We are pleased to announce that Dave Benichou, current Senior Fund Manager, has been promoted to Deputy Head of Quantitative Equity at Candriam, effective 1 July 2024. This well-deserved appointment is a testament to Dave’s outstanding contributions and leadership within the Quantitative Equity team. His promotion ensures a seamless transition and continuity in leadership. Dave has over 20 years of experience in systematic investment strategy management and has been at Candriam since 2017.
In addition, Sébastien Jallet, Fund Manager, will step up as co-lead manager across our Candriam Sustainable Equity Quantitative strategies, alongside Bart Goosens, Head of Quantitative Equity and Dave Benichou, Deputy Head of Quantitative Equity. Sébastien has over 13 years of experience.
We are also actively recruiting one fund manager to join the team.
There will be no change to the investment strategy of any of our Quantitative Equity funds as a result of these developments.
What is the Fund’s competitive advantage?
Qualitative Research Report and Data Tear Sheet
Research IP says
“Research IP notes the impact of two separate teams in managing this Fund, the Quantitative Equity Management Team (lead by Bart Goosens) and the ESG Investment and Research Team (lead by Wim Van Hyfte). Goosens has over 30 years’ experience (including 27 at Candriam). The overall team has an average of over 20 years’ experience. The academic qualifications of the team are principally in finance, economics, and accounting. The team lead by Van Hyfte oversees the provision of ESG information to all investment teams irrespective of strategy. This dedicated ESG team is large in absolute terms but also proportionate to rest of investment team. There are 19 ESG analysts, with 18 focused on corporate investments, and 1 on government holdings. There is also a dedicated engagement team.”
“Research IP believes this is one of the few 360-degree ESG processes. To date this has been well executed. The challenge will be staying on top of this multi-faceted approach in an ever-evolving landscape.”
“Research IP notes that this strategy is categorised as ‘Article 9’ under the European Union’s Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation. This means the Manager/Fund has met the stringent regulatory technical standards that demonstrates the integration of sustainability risks and a sustainable investment objective. Most funds Research IP has reviewed readily claim Article 8. Article 9 is viewed very much as the next level up and requires greater focus, resources, and attention to detail.”
Research IP Opinion: Our view is that these changes will not impede the ability of the Fund to deliver on its objectives. Indeed, combined with the additional fund manager being recruited, the overall adjustments could conceivably bring net positive benefits. These impacts will be explored and evaluated at the next annual review.
The current rating will remain unchanged.
Research IP, 22 April 2024
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Disclaimer, Disclosures and Warnings
Research IP strongly recommends this document and report be read in conjunction with the relevant Product Disclosure Statement. Research IP gives no warranty of accuracy or completeness of information in this document. Any information, opinions, views or recommendations are general information only and do not take into consideration any person’s particular financial situation or goals and therefore does not constitute financial advice. This document should not be relied upon as a substitute for financial advice from your financial adviser.
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