During the first quarter of 2024, Carmignac Investissement posted a performance of +17.02%, outperforming its reference indicator (+10.61%).
The beginning of the year was marked by both resilient economic data in the United States and stickier inflation, which led central banks and the markets to expect fewer interest rate cuts in 2024 than at the start of the year. Equity markets welcomed this better-than-expected macroeconomic backdrop, leading the S&P 500 to post its best start to a year since 2019. While equity investors remained focused on the artificial intelligence theme throughout the first part of the quarter, the bullish momentum then spread to the rest of the equity market, with a broadening of the contributors to performance and the participation of cyclical sectors.
Emerging markets also posted a positive performance, but the gap with developed markets continues to widen. Despite support from the authorities, the Chinese market continues to suffer from the weakness of its economy, notably due to the crisis affecting its real estate sector and persistent tensions between the USA and China. Against this backdrop, some economies are doing well, benefiting from China's fragility, such as India and South Korea, whose local markets have appreciated since the start of the year.
Our stock selection enabled the Fund to significantly outperform its reference indicator. Over the period, our strategy took advantage of our two long-term investment themes: artificial intelligence (AI) and obesity/diabetes treatments in the healthcare sector.
AI chip giant, Nvidia was the portfolio's best performer. The company holds a dominant position on graphics processors, whose computing power enables AI systems to function. This flagship of artificial intelligence has posted exceptional earnings growth, surprising experts and analysts quarter after quarter.
Meta, the biggest holding of our portfolio, also posted a solid rebound, benefiting from the positive effects of its cost-cutting program, while also reaping the benefits of AI on its advertising business.
Outside the technology sector, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk continue to benefit from their duopoly position in weight-loss drugs. The Fund also benefited from the good performance of Hermès, which announced a 28% increase in net profit for 2023 across all its segments and geographical regions. Finally, our portfolio of industrial stocks including General Electric, Airbus and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway also contributed to performance.
The macroeconomic environment characterized by a combination of resilient economic growth and generally more accommodative central banks should continue to offer a favorable cocktail for equity markets. However, while the financial markets are not showing any signs of exuberance, this scenario has already been priced in, with most indices having reached all-time highs. Consequently, regular profit-taking and selectivity are essential.
Thus, while we continue to be constructive on the themes of artificial intelligence and obesity treatments, we are reducing our exposure to some stocks with stretched valuations and strengthening laggards. The latter include chipmaker TSMC, one of Apple and Nvidia's suppliers and thus a beneficiary of artificial intelligence.
We also maintain our conviction in Hermès, which should once again outperform its competitors this year thanks to above average pricing and volume growth driven by its high-end positioning.
On April 8, 2024, Kristofer Barrett took over management of the Carmignac Investissement strategy. Kristofer is a seasoned, active stock picker. His proven approach of combining in-depth company research with pragmatic macro analysis has resulted in an outstanding long-term track record. The Fund's investment philosophy will remain faithful to what has made Carmignac Investissement successful for 35 years.
*Risk Scale from the KID (Key Information Document). Risk 1 does not mean a risk-free investment. This indicator may change over time. **The Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) 2019/2088 is a European regulation that requires asset managers to classify their funds as either 'Article 8' funds, which promote environmental and social characteristics, 'Article 9' funds, which make sustainable investments with measurable objectives, or 'Article 6' funds, which do not necessarily have a sustainability objective. For more information please refer to https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/2088/oj.
Carmignac Investissement | 10.4 | 1.3 | 2.1 | 4.8 | -14.2 | 24.7 | 33.7 | 4.0 | -18.3 | 18.9 |
Reference Indicator | 18.6 | 8.8 | 11.1 | 8.9 | -4.8 | 28.9 | 6.7 | 27.5 | -13.0 | 18.1 |
Carmignac Investissement | + 5.4 % | + 11.3 % | + 7.0 % |
Reference Indicator | + 10.0 % | + 12.3 % | + 11.1 % |
Source: Carmignac at Nov 29, 2024.
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance. Performances are net of fees (excluding possible entrance fees charged by the distributor).
Marketing communication. Please refer to the KID/KIID, prospectus of the fund before making any final investment decisions. This document is intended for professional clients.
This material may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior authorisation from the Management Company. This material does not constitute a subscription offer, nor does it constitute investment advice. This material is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, accounting, legal or tax advice. This material has been provided to you for informational purposes only and may not be relied upon by you in evaluating the merits of investing in any securities or interests referred to herein or for any other purposes. The information contained in this material may be partial information and may be modified without prior notice. They are expressed as of the date of writing and are derived from proprietary and non-proprietary sources deemed by Carmignac to be reliable, are not necessarily all-inclusive and are not guaranteed as to accuracy. As such, no warranty of accuracy or reliability is given and no responsibility arising in any other way for errors and omissions (including responsibility to any person by reason of negligence) is accepted by Carmignac, its officers, employees or agents.
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance. Performances are net of fees (excluding possible entrance fees charged by the distributor). The return may increase or decrease as a result of currency fluctuations, for the shares which are not currency-hedged.
Reference to certain securities and financial instruments is for illustrative purposes to highlight stocks that are or have been included in the portfolios of funds in the Carmignac range. This is not intended to promote direct investment in those instruments, nor does it constitute investment advice. The Management Company is not subject to prohibition on trading in these instruments prior to issuing any communication. The portfolios of Carmignac funds may change without previous notice. The reference to a ranking or prize, is no guarantee of the future results of the UCIS or the manager.
Morningstar Rating™ : © Morningstar, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The information contained herein: is proprietary to Morningstar and/or its content providers; may not be copied or distributed; and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. Neither Morningstar nor its content providers are responsible for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information.
Access to the Funds may be subject to restrictions regarding certain persons or countries. This material is not directed to any person in any jurisdiction where (by reason of that person’s nationality, residence or otherwise) the material or availability of this material is prohibited. Persons in respect of whom such prohibitions apply must not access this material. Taxation depends on the situation of the individual. The Funds are not registered for retail distribution in Asia, in Japan, in North America, nor are they registered in South America. Carmignac Funds are registered in Singapore as restricted foreign scheme (for professional clients only). The Funds have not been registered under the US Securities Act of 1933. The Funds may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, for the benefit or on behalf of a «U.S. person», according to the definition of the US Regulation S and FATCA.
The risks, fees and ongoing charges are described in the KID (Key Information Document). The KID must be made available to the subscriber prior to subscription. The subscriber must read the KID. Investors may lose some or all their capital, as the capital in the funds are not guaranteed. The Funds present a risk of loss of capital.
The Funds’ prospectus, KIDs, NAVs and annual reports are available at www.carmignac.com, or upon request to the Management Carmignac Portfolio refers to the sub-funds of Carmignac Portfolio SICAV, an investment company under Luxembourg law, conforming to the UCITS Directive. The French investment funds (fonds communs de placement or FCP) are common funds in contractual form conforming to the UCITS or AIFM Directive under French law.
In France, Luxembourg, Sweden: The risks, fees and ongoing charges are described in the KID (Key Information Document). The KID must be made available to the subscriber prior to subscription. The subscriber must read the KID. Investors may lose some or all their capital, as the capital in the funds are not guaranteed. The Funds present a risk of loss of capital. The Funds’ prospectus, KIDs, NAV and annual reports are available at www.carmignac.com, or upon request to the Management.
In the United Kingdom: the Funds’ respective prospectuses, KIIDs and annual reports are available at www.carmignac.co.uk, or upon request to the Management Company, or for the French Funds, at the offices of the Facilities Agent at BNP PARIBAS SECURITIES SERVICES, operating through its branch in London: 55 Moorgate, London EC2R. This document was prepared by Carmignac Gestion, Carmignac Gestion Luxembourg or Carmignac UK Ltd. FP Carmignac ICVC (the “Company”) is an Investment Company with variable capital incorporated in England and Wales under registered number 839620 and is authorised by the FCA with effect from 4 April 2019 and launched on 15 May 2019. FundRock Partners Limited is the Authorised Corporate Director (the “ACD”) of the Company and is authorised and regulated by the FCA. Registered Office: Hamilton Centre, Rodney Way, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 3BY, UK; Registered in England and Wales with number 4162989. Carmignac Gestion Luxembourg SA has been appointed as the Investment Manager and distributor in respect of the Company. Carmignac UK Ltd (Registered in England and Wales with number 14162894) has been appointed as a sub-Investment Manager of the Company and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority with FRN:984288.
In Switzerland: the prospectus, KIDs and annual report are available at www.carmignac.ch, or through our representative in Switzerland, CACEIS (Switzerland), S.A., Route de Signy 35, CH-1260 Nyon. The paying agent is CACEIS Bank, Montrouge, Nyon Branch / Switzerland, Route de Signy 35, 1260 Nyon.
The Management Company can cease promotion in your country anytime.
Investors have access to a summary of their rights in English on the following links: UK ; Switzerland ; France ; Luxembourg ; Sweden.