Portfolio manager comments — Q1 2025
Fund performance was negative during Q1 but outperformed the fund’s benchmark index*.
Q1 included some drama in the US equity market. As the quarter progressed, concerns increased about how the Trump administration’s proposed tariffs would impact the economy and inflation. The US’ move closer to Russia also raised the geopolitical risk premium, which led to a clear shift in sentiment, with capital flows moving away from the US and into Europe. In general, small caps posted weaker performance than large caps, with the technology sector and cyclical companies with exposure to the consumer among the weakest performers. More defensive sectors, such as insurance, fared better.
Fund returns benefited from Cavco, which posted strength driven by a strong quarterly report. A number of companies within the financial sector also contributed positively, such as Tradeweb and Palomar, while the holdings in nVent and Everus Construction were negatively affected by the market’s concern about the stamina in data center investments. A weaker USD against SEK also weighed on the fund’s returns during the quarter.
During the period the fund added Cellebrite, which is active within digital security and forensic analysis. The also added Comfort Systems, which works with electrical and VVS installations, while we sold the holdings in Wex and Blackline.
The fund continues to hold high-quality companies with exposure to structurally strong themes, such as re-shoring, electrification and digitalization.
The fund changed its portfolio manager to Fredrik Börjesson on 1 March.
* Solactive ISS ESG Screened USA Small Cap Index