The Liontrust GF European Smaller Companies Fund’s A3 share class returned -0.1%* in euro terms in December. This Fund’s target benchmark, the MSCI Europe Small Cap Index, returned -2.5%.
The primary financial markets narrative of 2022 remained intact in December, with the US Federal Reserve, Bank of England and European Central Bank all opting to raise interest rates by 50 basis points to combat inflationary forces.
Although in all three instances the margin of tightening has come down from 75 basis points at the prior policy meetings, the accompanying rhetoric remained hawkish. The ECB in particular made a point of warning against the expecation of an imminent pivot in rates, commenting that it expects “to raise interest rates at a 50 basis-point pace for a period of time”.
The MSCI Europe Index lost 3.5% over December; its best performing sector was financials (+1.5%), buoyed by the prospect of higher rates. Bank of Ireland (+14%) issued a short statement lifting guidance for 2022 growth in net interest income from 6% - 7% to 10%. Similarly, Ringkjøbing Landbobank (+6.7%) upgraded its 2022 profit before tax guidance from DKr1.55bn – 1.8bn to DKr1.70 – 1.95bn, citing higher rates, growth in lending and low loan losses as drivers.
Pharmaceuticals group Indivior (+6.5%) also raised guidance at an investor presentation, stating that it now expects to achieve double-digit annual percentage growth in revenues in the medium-term. The growth is expected to be driven by its Sublocade treatment, which it now forecasts to hit a net revenue run rate of $1bn by the end of 2025 and grow to a peak of around $1.5bn.
Serco Group (-12%) slid early in the month but a mid-month trading update reassured on 2022 trading. Revenue is expected to be £4.5bn (up from prior guidance of £4.3bn - £4.4bn), with growth in other areas compensating for the loss of £480m in Covid-related revenues. Underlying trading profit is forecast to be £235m, up £5m on its former guidance. The public service contractor also indicated that 2023 underlying trading profit is expected to again be around £235m, in line with market consensus expectations.
Positive contributors to performance included:
Bank of Ireland (+14%), Bekaert (+7.4%) and Verallia (+8.8%)
Negative contributors to performance included:
Serco Group (-12%), Forterra (-10%) and Rightmove (-9.9%).
Discrete years' performance** (%), to previous quarter-end:
Past performance does not predict future returns
|
Dec-22 |
Dec-21 |
Dec-20 |
Dec-19 |
Dec-18 |
|
|
Liontrust GF European Smaller Companies A3 Acc EUR |
-17.3% |
33.7% |
7.4% |
35.8% |
-19.9% |
|
MSCI Europe Small Cap |
-22.5% |
23.8% |
4.6% |
31.4% |
-15.9% |
*Source: Financial Express, as at 31.12.22, total return (net of fees and income reinvested).
**Source: Financial Express, as at 31.12.22, total return (net of fees and income reinvested). Discrete data is not available for ten full 12-month periods due to the launch date of the portfolio (01.02.17). Investment decisions should not be based on short-term performance.
A Performance Fee for each Performance Period shall be equal to 10% of the amount, if any, by which the Net Asset Value before Performance Fee accrual of the Fund exceeds the Indexed Net Asset Value of the Fund on the last Business Day of the Performance Period. The Performance Period of the Fund is every 12 months ending on the last business day of each calendar year. Details of the Fund's performance fee in the last financial year can be found in the Key Investor Information Document (KIID) which can be obtained free of charge from the Liontrust website.
Key Features of the Liontrust GF European Smaller Companies Fund
KEY RISKS
Past performance is not a guide to future performance. The value of an investment and the income generated from it can fall as well as rise and is not guaranteed. You may get back less than you originally invested.
The issue of units/shares in Liontrust Funds may be subject to an initial charge, which will have an impact on the realisable value of the investment, particularly in the short term. Investments should always be considered as long term.
The portfolio is invested in smaller companies - these stocks may be less liquid and the price swings greater than those in, for example, larger companies. Investment in the Fund involves a foreign currency and may be subject to fluctuations in value due to movements in exchange rates.
DISCLAIMER
This is a marketing communication. Before making an investment, you should read the relevant Prospectus and the Key Investor Information Document (KIID), which provide full product details including investment charges and risks. These documents can be obtained, free of charge, from www.liontrust.co.uk or direct from Liontrust. Always research your own investments. If you are not a professional investor please consult a regulated financial adviser regarding the suitability of such an investment for you and your personal circumstances.
This should not be construed as advice for investment in any product or security mentioned, an offer to buy or sell units/shares of Funds mentioned, or a solicitation to purchase securities in any company or investment product. Examples of stocks are provided for general information only to demonstrate our investment philosophy. The investment being promoted is for units in a fund, not directly in the underlying assets. It contains information and analysis that is believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but is subject to change without notice. Whilst care has been taken in compiling the content of this document, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made by Liontrust as to its accuracy or completeness, including for external sources (which may have been used) which have not been verified. It should not be copied, forwarded, reproduced, divulged or otherwise distributed in any form whether by way of fax, email, oral or otherwise, in whole or in part without the express and prior written consent of Liontrust.
