Portfolio manager comments — Q3 2025
The third quarter marked a clear shift in the landscape for climate‑related investments, with the fund delivering very strong returns, significantly outperforming its benchmark, the S&P Global Clean Energy Transition Index (USD) NTR, as well as global equity markets. Following a spring dominated by uncertainty, particularly related to volatile U.S. climate and trade policy, conditions have since become much clearer. In early July, a new U.S. budget was adopted. While it initially appeared to signal a setback for climate initiatives, subsequent clarifications from the Treasury Department have provided clear, long‑term visibility for several segments through to 2030. In addition, recognition of an impending electricity shortage in the U.S. – partly driven by aggressive growth plans in AI and data centers – has further supported investment momentum in the energy sector.
In China, continued strong demand for electric vehicles and energy storage has been positive, while the government has intensified its focus on fostering fair competition through its so‑called “anti‑involution” policy. Against this backdrop, the fund increased its North American exposure early in the quarter, which ultimately became the region contributing most to performance, followed by China and then Europe.
At the segment level, the strongest contributions came from solar energy, energy storage, and wind power. Energy efficiency also performed well, particularly relative to the benchmark, with companies tied to electrification delivering solid results. The single largest contributor was Bloom Energy (fuel cells), whose technology is becoming increasingly important for powering rapidly growing data centers as grid expansion fails to keep pace. Other strong contributors included First Solar (solar panels), Nextracker (solar solutions), Vestas (wind power), and Sunrun (residential solar).
On the negative side, Darling Ingredients (biofuels), Boralex (wind power), Longshine (digital grid solutions), and Chinese EV manufacturer BYD detracted from performance, with the fund reducing its position in BYD during the quarter.
The increased regulatory clarity in the U.S. and the acute electricity shortage create significant investment opportunities in production, storage, and distribution of energy. This theme likewise presents opportunities in Europe and China. Although the global drivers have in part shifted from policy to real‑economic and geopolitical factors, strong structural tailwinds for the climate transition remain intact. BloombergNEF highlighted in its latest report that even under a scenario in which investment is driven solely by economic rationale, non‑fossil power generation is expected to grow by an average of 14% per year over the next five to ten years. Certain segments are aligned with the Paris Agreement targets, while others – more dependent on political support – face headwinds.
The fund remains focused on investing in technologies that are already, or are expected shortly to become, competitive on their own merits. We therefore continue to see attractive opportunities to generate compelling returns going forward.