STANLIB tops PlexCrown unit trust rankings
STANLIB, the investment house with good claim to be South Africa's favourite unit trust company, has topped the independently compiled PlexCrown rankings for consistent fund performance.
The country's largest unit trust company achieved a PlexCrown score of 3.819 under the internationally recognised rating system that applies a risk-adjusted benchmark to wealth-growing skills. In this way, investors gain insight into the asset management teams that secure most upside for least downside risk.
PlexCrown focuses on performance consistency over several investment terms. Only funds with a three-year track record are considered.
STANLIB's outstanding third quarter performance coincided with a period of heightened volatility on local and international equity markets and follows a major philosophical change. In early 2006, the company moved to an investment franchise model that makes specific teams personally accountable for performance in precisely defined areas of specialisation.
Kim Zietsman, STANLIB's head of single-manager unit trusts, noted: "The most pleasing aspect of the new PlexCrown ranking is the independent confirmation that our investors continue to achieve optimum returns, even in periods of market uncertainty.
"In the past, STANLIB was known for pockets of excellence. Adoption of the franchise model has enabled us to create a much larger 'sweet spot'. Most components of our product offering are working consistently well from fixed interest to asset allocation, specialist equity to property and offshore funds.
"We have more than doubled the size of our team in the last 18 months and plan to continue this investment in specialist skills. We therefore look forward to a continuation of our strong performance in the months ahead."
* PlexCrown ratings enable an at-a-glance comparison of unit trusts through a quantitative assessment of returns, standard risk measures, downside risk and managerial skill. The methodology is regarded by the investment industry as an objective measure of the value added by asset managers.
