Portfolio manager comments — Q1 2025
The fund decreased in value during Q1 2025 and underperformed the benchmark index as well as the World index, particularly after the new administration took office in the US. Even though the new president’s direct measures largely met expectations, uncertainty about several other political ploys burdened the segment, most notably the US holdings in the fund.
The solar segment had the largest negative impact on the fund, although the fund’s company selection outperformed the benchmark index. The exposure to energy efficiency and bioenergy/biofuel also weighed on performance. However, the fund’s wind power equities outperformed corresponding holdings in the index.
At the company level, Chinese BYD made a significant positive contribution due to further strong growth, technology developments and good profitability. German Nordex (wind turbines) benefits from the new stimulus plan in Germany and the power companies Iberdrola and Enel also contributed positively.
On the negative side were declines from First Solar, Sunnova and Fluence, where weak reports pulled down share prices, while financing problems also affected Sunnova. Bakkafrost was also weighed down by a weak report. At the same time as the uncertainty about the US climate policy persists, the climate transition continues to press on, with Germany at the forefront. The Chinese Party Congress shows an unchanged ambition within the area.
Simultaneously, we are seeing a dramatic acceleration in the demand for electricity, particularly in the US, which will likely further strengthen the prevailing tariff policy agenda. Renewable energy will be paramount in order to meet this massive demand since it is impossible to expand other energy sources such as gas and nuclear power quickly enough and this would result in a significantly higher cost. The fund continues to have a strong focus on this transition.
* S&P Global Clean Energy Transition Index (USD) NTR