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| Fund Overview | The portfolio is constructed using Touchstone's Quality-At-a-Reasonable-Price ('QARP') investment process. QARP is a fundamental bottom-up process, however, it also incorporates a top-down risk management framework designed to successfully manage the portfolio during varying market conditions and economic cycles. The Touchstone Fund is concentrated, typically holding between 15-20 stocks. No individual stock will ever make up more than 10% of the portfolio at any one time. The Investment Manager may temporarily exceed the exposure limits of the Fund occasionally, particularly during periods of market volatility, to allow for holdings in excess of this 10% limit where the increase in value of the underlying security is due to market movement. The Fund may also hold between 0-50% of the portfolio in cash. The Fund has a high level of associated risk, therefore, the minimum suggested investment time-frame is 5 years. |
| Manager Comments | Positive performers for the month included Mantra (+8.9%) and Bingo Industries (+4.8%). Detractors included Treasury Wine Estates (-5.5%) and QBE (-4.1%), however, the Manager noted Treasury Wine Estates contributed positively over the quarter (+5.0%). The Manager believes the drivers for an earnings uplift are in place for QBE, with signs that the insurance pricing cycle has turned up. The Manager highlighted the disappointing performance in the Australian equity market compared to global share markets over the past six months. They believe weakness in consumer spending, rising input costs and increased competition will continue to weigh on the outlook for earnings growth. The Manager foresees a challenging FY18 growth outlook for the Banking sector, they also anticipate that a decline in commodity prices will impact the Resources sector's profit outlook. The Manager's view remains unchanged that, given the heightened global uncertainty, the market remains vulnerable to an external shock and as such remain focused on downside protection. |
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