Diversified Funds

Nikko AM Balanced Fund

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About the fund

This fund aims for a steady investment return over the medium to longer term without too many ups and downs. The fund does this by investing across a range asset classes with  exposure to shares for growth complemented by exposure to bonds and alternatives to reduce volatility.

Growth Fund Strategic Asset Allocation

Risk Indicator (volatility)

1
2
3
4 Medium to High
5
6
7

Target Asset Allocation

Growth 62.00%
Income 38.00%

Find out more about the Nikko AM Balanced Fund from Alan Clarke

Hear from Alan Clarke, Portfolio Manager. In this video, he explains what an average day in his job looks like and how The Nikko AM Balanced Fund works. 

Commentary

As of 30 April 2025

Market Overview

  •    April was infamous example of how volatile global markets can be – with the Volatility Index at levels last seen in the global financial crises of ~2008 and COVID-19 lockdowns.
  • Defensive stocks outperformed in April, with consumer staples and utilities leading the way.  Energy was far and away the weakest sector, down over 10%, and is one of only two sectors (Materials) that have fallen over the last 12-month period.  Information technology had a solid month amidst the volatility, but it is the weakest sector on a year-to-date basis, down over 10%.

Fund Commentary


Returns for Balanced Fund investors were weak in April, with fund performance now negative year-to-date, but still up mid-single digits on a rolling 1-year basis. All of the ‘growth asset classes’ (equities and listed property) were down in absolute terms for the month.  Bonds acted as something of a buffer as hoped in periods of market stress which muted some of the weakness in equity markets.  In terms of relative performance, the global equity and global bond funds were behind benchmark.  Both global equity ‘growth’ style managers (WCM and NAM-Europe) outperformed, however the two ‘style-neutral’ managers (JPM and Royal London) both lagged the benchmark.  The top contributors to performance were 3i Group, Saab, Constellation Software and Wolters Kluwer. Notably, all four companies are listed outside the US.  The global bond fund’s underperformance was driven by Japanese and US swap positions and an overweight to securitised securities. Resumed was the standout name within the local equity portfolios after delivering a good earnings report, and also confirmation they would be exempt from US tariff duties.  The domestic bond funds outperformed - thanks to the long duration positioning which benefited from the fall in interest rates.

Performance

Nikko AM Investment Scheme
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Performance

at 30 April 2025
One month Three months One year Three years (p.a) Five years (p.a)
Fund performance1 -1.39% -5.48% 5.44% 4.12% 4.85%
Appropriate Market Index (AMI)2 -1.10% -4.00% 6.49% 5.79% 6.22%
  1. Returns are before tax and after the deduction of fees and expenses and including tax credits (if any).
  2. AMI: Composite - refer to Nikko AM NZ Investment Scheme OMI.

5 year cumulative performance $10,000 invested

Top 10 Holdings

Security Name Percentage
Jpm Global Select Equity X Acc Usd 12.23%
United States Treasury 030725 0.00 Gb 2.09%
Infratil Limited 1.68%
Contact Energy Limited 1.53%
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare 1.41%
Microsoft Corp 1.38%
Amazon Com Inc 1.22%
Kiwi Property Group Limited 1.16%
Meridian Energy Ltd NPV 1.09%
Goodman Property Trust 1.07%
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