Perennial Investment Partnershas been applauded for making a number of good strategic choices in its funds management process, with theAssirtresearch house saying the choices had payed off for the group’s investors.
Assirt says Perennial’s annual strategic asset allocation saw it replace inflation-linked bonds with hedged global fixed interest in its diversified funds, which have led to greater liquidity and slightly higher returns.
Assirt also says Perennial’s decision to introduce tactical asset allocation, which stretches back to 1999, has been shown to have added value.
According to Assirt, Perennial has also been successful in its move to offer two investment styles in Australian equites.
The group offers a growth at a reasonable price (GARP) process in Australian equities, which has outperformed the markets over a five year period, and “a highly successful” value process.
Assirt says Perennial has begun to move the management of its diversified domestic funds to a 50/50 mix between GARP and value style management.
Of Perennial’s various sector capabilities rated by Assirt, Australian fixed interest and cash were judged very strong, while business management, operating capability and Australian equities (value) got a strong rating. Asset allocation, Australian equities (GARP), international equities, property securities and international fixed interest were all awarded a competent rating from the research house.
Assirt also applauded Perennial’s decision to bring international equities in house three years ago, saying it signalled a move away from portfolios loaded with over-priced growth stocks.
Of Perennial’s 25 funds reviewed by Assirt, two received five star ratings, six achieved four star ratings, while just under half were judged as three star funds. Another five funds had a two star status.
