Schroders ISF Global sustainable growth takes top accolade at the Morningstar Fund Awards South Africa

Kondi Nkosi

Global asset manager, Schroders has won this year’s Best Global Equity Fund award at the decorated 2023 Morningstar Fund Awards South Africa for its Schroder ISF* Global Sustainable Growth.

The title is granted to funds and fund groups that have added the most value within the context of a relevant peer group for investors over the past year and over the longer term. The win is the second in this category for Schroders in South Africa, having previously won Best Global Equity Fund in 2021 for the Schroder ISF Global Equity.

Commenting on the inroads the fund has made into driving capital growth by investing in shares of sustainably-run companies, is Schroders Country Head in South Africa, Kondi Nkosi. “The symbiotic relationship between a company and its stakeholders implies a notion of ‘corporate karma’ that can help a socially responsible business thrive in the long term.

“Our nomination for the Best Global Equity Fund award comes at a time of unprecedented change in the investment landscape, marked by a shift away from traditional financial metrics towards a new focus on impact and the call for better corporate citizenship as a driver of long-term value.”

The ISF Global Sustainable Growth team is headed up by lead portfolio managers, Charles Somers and Scott MacLennan, who oversee a group of senior representatives from the Schroders Global & International Equities and Sustainability teams. Somers and MacLennan bring to the fund a wealth of experience in managing portfolios across a range of sectors including autos and consumer staples.

Nkosi explains that the fund’s long-standing philosophy on sustainability as the key to durability of growth and returns has seen it invest in companies with a track record of commitment to responsible practices in respect of customers, employees, suppliers and the environment. This approach to investment is grounded in the belief that companies operating according to these values have the ability to consistently deliver outsized growth over time.

The Morningstar Fund Awards take place in 29 countries on an annual basis, covering territories throughout Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. Hosted by independent investment research company, Morningstar Research (Pty) Limited, the annual event recognises the most exceptional funds and fund managers, ranked according to a tailored selection process consisting of quantitative methodology overlaid with qualitative data on the performance history of eligible funds.

“We are honoured to again be recognised by Morningstar with this award and look forward to joining our industry peers in recognising the funds that are driving meaningful impact through strategic investment.

“Through vehicles such as the Schroder ISF Global Sustainable Growth, we believe we can make positive changes to company practices and serve to improve shareholder returns and broader societal outcomes,” concludes Nkosi.