CAMRADATA saw database searches of asset managers and asset classes rise substantially in Q2 on CAMRADATA Live – the tool which allows institutional investors to search over 5,000 investment products, covering over 250 asset classes and offered by over 700 asset managers. This was at the same time as investment markets saw impressive gains in both equities and bonds in Q2 on the back of unprecedented levels of government and central bank support due to Covid-19.
Sean Thompson, Managing Director, CAMRADATA, says: “The year had started off with some positive market outlooks, but by March, this was quickly overshadowed by Covid-19. Markets plunged across the globe, leaving many investors with large losses in Q1 2020. However, Q2 was an incredible quarter for investment markets and could indicate that many investors believe the worst of the pandemic is over. We also saw an increase in investor search activity, as sentiments changed and opportunities arose.”
CAMRADATA saw the number of asset manager/asset class searches rise and there was a huge increase in the number of analysis reports being carried out in order to review performance and rank asset managers. There was also an increase in manager research. Search activity for Q2 totalled 23,353, compared with 7,716 for Q1.
Allianz Global Investors was the most commonly searched asset manager in Global Equity; Wellington Management International Limited was the most-searched when it came to investors looking at global bonds; and diversified growth funds was the most frequently searched multi-asset strategy with Aberdeen Standard Investments hitting the top spot.
There were also a number of searches carried out in alternatives, with various asset managers coming out on top, depending on asset class. The top managers included Winton Capital Management, Credit Suisse Asset Management, Man Group, LGT Capital Partners and S Muoio & Co.
In addition to these searches, CAMRADATA carried out 17 Assisted Searches during Q2 2020 on behalf of pension schemes, insurance firms and investment consultants, totalling circa £1.2 billion (€1.3 billion).
Asset classes were global tactical asset allocation, UK equities, distressed debt, index bonds, global equities, multi-asset, infrastructure, real estate, global credit, alternatives and a number of asset classes with a focus on ESG.
Thompson says: “Whilst search activity remains strong, the investment outlook is still highly uncertain, especially in the short term, and the big question will be how the markets continue to fare due to volatility, a possible second wave of infections, and the economic pain caused as support is withdrawn. There is also the issue of political risk due to the US elections, Hong Kong’s instability, Brexit and US-China relations. We will be reporting on Q3 activity in early October and hope the positive trends of Q2 continue.”
