Attached is our most recently updated Fund Review on the BlackRock Multi Opportunity Fund.  

We would like to highlight the following aspects of the Fund:

• The Fund offers broad diversification across asset classes including equities, fixed income, currencies and commodities with an attractive risk profile, having provided double digit returns in 2009 through 2012 with low volatility of 4.17% since inception. 
• The current strategy has seen the Fund record only three negative months since May 2010, leading to annualised returns over the past 48 months (to October 2013) of 11.74% and an annualised volatility of 2.16% pa. The four year Sharpe Ratio is 3.60, indicating an excellent reward-to-risk ratio.  
• BlackRock's Active Scientific involves extensive research into every aspect of the investment process starting with the identification of fundamental investment insights. These are thoroughly tested to ensure that the outcome consistently adds to performance: Quantitative analysis is also applied to balance both performance and risk ensuring the position is only taken when the potential for reward is adequate.  Only insights meeting this multi level process are implemented into portfolios.

Sean Webster

Research and Database Manager
Australian Fund Monitors

 

Attached is our most recently updated Fund Review on the BlackRock Australian Equity Market Neutral Fund.

We would highlight the following:

• The Fund's portfolio generally consists of approx. 180 stocks in equally weighted long and short portfolios to maximise potential returns while minimising market volatility.

• The strategy has recorded a return of 12.01% since inception (Sept 2001) as compared to the ASX 200 Accumulation Index return of 8.80% and with a volatility less than one-half that of the Index at 5.67% pa as compared to 13.18% pa.

• The Fund has also recorded a maximum drawdown of 12.41% as compared to 47.19% for the Index and has had 78% positive months since inception.

• Blackrock operates in 27 countries including Australia (where BlackRock has A$48.6 billion in FUM - March 2013) managing a broad range of strategies across a variety of asset classes.

Sean Webster

Research and Database Manager
Australian Fund Monitors

 

AURORA FORTITUDE ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND

 

Attached is our most recently updated Fund Review on the Aurora Fortitude Absolute Return Fund.

 

We would like to highlight the following aspects of the Fund;

 

The Aurora Fortitude Absolute Return Fund  (AFARF) has a 8 year track record investing in ASX listed equities. A Market Neutral overlay is used across a multi strategy approach which allows for flexible asset allocation to maximise returns and minimise risk under a variety of market conditions and cycles.CIO John Corr has over 20 years financial market experience with a strong focus on risk.

 

Significant use of low risk "long" derivatives and option overlays has provided positive returns with low volatility during periods of market dislocation. Annualised return since inception is 8.17% with a very low standardised standard deviation. Over 87% of monthly performances have been positive, with no losing months in 2008 and a largest drawdown of -2.09%.

ASX listed Aurora Funds Limited was established on the merger of three existing fund management businesses, managing approx. $480m on behalf  of more than 2,500 retail and wholesale investors.