Aberdeen Life Global (Enhanced UK) Equity Fund
Formerly Aberdeen Life Pension Builder Fund
Objective
To maximise the value of pension savings, achieving long-term returns that are ahead of inflation through active investment primarily in UK and overseas equities.
Manager's Quarterly Report
July 2010
Market review
- Global equity markets performed poorly in the second quarter, with the S&P 500 index down
approximately 11%. Emerging markets, particularly in Asia, performed relatively better but were
still down around 6% in local currency terms. The currency effect from holding overseas assets
was slightly negative for the sterling investor.
The concerns surrounding the sustainability of economic growth have intensified over the
recent months. Investor focus has moved towards the sovereign credit risk with peripheral
European countries coming under the greatest scrutiny. Large budget deficits, unstable
economic conditions and interdependence within European banking systems have dented
confidence in the stability of the common currency union and the financial system.
Fund review
- We reduced our exposure to overseas markets and invested the proceeds into UK equities. The
resulting asset allocation is still a marginal overweight to Asia Pacific at the expense of the UK.
Over the quarter, we exited the holding in Intesa Sanpaolo due to concerns about the Eurozone
banking industry. We also topped up positions in Petrochina and Banco Bradesco on attractive
valuations. We also added to BP after conducting extensive due diligence in the wake of the
Deepwater Horizon accident, and to John Wood Group, given its attractive positioning in the oil
services market, strong balance sheet and appealing valuation.