Portfolio manager comments — Q3 2024
Fund performance was positive and the fund rose approximately 7.5% during Q3, with the strongest upturns posted in July and September. The quarter was marked by drama, particularly at the end of July and at the beginning of August when the Japanese equity market fell by over 25% in just a few weeks. Despite this downturn that pulled other stock markets with it, the period closed with rising share prices. Vimian, Vitrolife and Mips were among the strongest contributors to returns in the period, while positions in Smarteye, Bioarctic and Husqvarna had the most negative impact relative to index.
During the period the fund made new investments in Itab, Nyfosa and Pandox. These purchases were financed through sales of equities in Dometic, Engcom and SSAB. We are facing an exciting autumn, with factors such as the US election, geopolitical unrest, and expectations for sharp cuts to interest rates from the central banks worldwide. At the same time, the global economy is showing signs of a slowdown. Given current valuation levels, we expect performance in the equity market to be more sideways going forward. We see the greatest potential for returns in companies with stable valuations and companies that were negatively affected by the pandemic in recent years and where there is an unmet need among customers. In addition, we believe that the Swedish economy will show a stronger growth than the rest of the world during the upcoming year.