Top Fund Ideas For 1Q2025
Allianz Income and Growth
Position for income and potential growth
MSCI ESG Rating: A
Suitable for:
US equities face near-term volatility stemming from weak consumer sentiment, geopolitical tensions, and manufacturing contraction. However, tailwinds such as AI-driven growth, government spending, and earnings recovery could bolster the economy.
In face of such uncertainty, consider investing in assets with lower volatility. This Fund aims to provide high income, capital growth, and reduced volatility compared to pure equity. It does so by holding convertible securities which offer upside potential with downside protection. Additionally, high-yield bonds, yielding over 7%, provide equity-like returns with less volatility. Lastly, covered call strategies enhance income during elevated volatility.
Past performance
Past performance (%) | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | Since Inception |
Class AM USD1 | 16.12 | 1.77 | 7.78 | 7.20 |
Net of 5% Fee2 | 7.01 | -0.56 | 6.29 | 6.75 |
Why we like the fund
A diversified 3-sleeve approach - The Fund adopts a “three-sleeves” approach, with core holdings invested primarily in a portfolio consisting of 1/3 US high-yield bonds, 1/3 US convertible bonds and 1/3 US equities/equity securities. This approach has historically provided investors with good upside participation potential and lower downside risk compared to pure equity.
Monthly Income - The Fund aims to provide a stable income stream regardless of NAV fluctuations. The AM USD share class distributes a payout of SGD0.04131 per month, with an annualized dividend yield of 8.09%* p.a. (as of 30 November 2024).
Fund performance figures are extracted from Morningstar. These figures are as at 30 November 2024, on a single pricing basis with no realisation charge, on the assumption that all dividends and distributions are reinvested taking into account all charges payable upon such reinvestment, if any. 1These figures exclude subscription fee. 2These figures include a 5% subscription fee. Performance figures exceeding 1 year, if any, were stated on an average annual compounded basis. Past performance figures do not reflect future performance. 3Past payout yields do not represent future payout yields and payments. Historical payments may comprise of distributable income or capital, or both (for further details, please refer to AllianzGI’s website). Annualised Dividend Yield = [(1 + Dividend Per Share / Ex-Dividend Date NAV)¹² - 1] X 100. The annualised dividend yield is calculated based on the latest dividend distribution with dividend reinvested, and may be higher or lower than the actual annual dividend yield. Positive distribution yield does not imply positive return. Dividend is not guaranteed. Historical dividend yield is not indicative of future dividend payouts.
PIMCO GIS Balanced Income and Growth Fund
All weather, balanced strategy seeking income and growth
MSCI ESG Rating: Nil
Suitable for:
The Federal Reserve has adopted a more hawkish stance, signaling slowing of interest rate cuts and potentially keeping rates elevated to combat inflation. This shift could lead to higher U.S. Treasury yields, which may challenge fixed income investments.
In this environment, investors should focus on high-quality bonds that can endure rising yields. The PBIG strategy offers an active investment solution, designed to serve as the core of investors’ portfolios across various market conditions, by investing in a stable mix of stocks and bonds to provide both income and growth potential.
Past performance
Past performance (%) | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | Since Inception |
M Retail SGD- Hedged Income II1 | 17.75 | - | - | 17.75 |
Net of 5% Fee2 | 11.83 | - | - | 11.83 |
Why we like the fund
Balanced - PBIG is a high quality 60% Equity, 40% Fixed Income strategy. This stable balanced approach is designed to be a core holding for investors across market environments and cycles. The balanced approach also reduces market timing risk.
Income and Growth - The Fund seeks an attractive, consistent distribution yield and long-term NAV stability. PBIG’s core equity strategy is diversified and not constrained or biased to any particular style. This approach smooths the path of returns, enabling long term growth.
Past performance are extracted from PIMCO for the GIS Balanced Income and Growth Fund M Retail SGD- Hedged Income II share class. These figures are as of 30 November 2024, on a single pricing basis with no realisation charge, on the assumption that all dividends and distributions are reinvested taking into account all charges payable upon such reinvestment, if any. 1These figures exclude subscription fee. 2These figures include a 5% subscription fee. Performance figures exceeding 1 year, if any, were stated on an average annual compounded basis. Past performance figures do not reflect future performance.
PIMCO GIS Income Fund
Seeking high current income
MSCI ESG Rating: Nil
Suitable for:
Current market conditions and valuations make high-quality, liquid public fixed income attractive, with starting yields outperforming other asset classes, including cash. Historically, these yields have served as reliable indicators of long-term fixed income performance.
The PIMCO GIS Income Fund is strategically positioned to capitalize on these opportunities by investing in a diverse range of quality fixed income securities, including government and corporate bonds. In doing so, the Fund aims to generate attractive income while maintaining a low risk profile.
Past performance
Past performance (%) | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | Since Inception |
E SGD- Hedged IncomeI1 | 4.02 | 0.23 | 1.43 | 3.11 |
Net of 5% Fee2 | -1.15 | -1.45 | 0.40 | 2.66 |
Why we like the fund
Potentially Attractive Yield - The significant sell-off in bond yields and widening of spreads provide access to attractive yields that we haven’t seen in many years, driving higher return potential for today’s investors.
Capital Preservation - Consistent income can help build returns over time, with capital gain potential when markets recover. The Fund is built for resilience under many scenarios for rates and spreads.
Past performance are extracted from PIMCO for the GIS Income Fund E SGD Hedged Income share class. These figures are as of 30 November 2024, on a single pricing basis with no realisation charge, on the assumption that all dividends and distributions are reinvested taking into account all charges payable upon such reinvestment, if any. 1These figures exclude subscription fee. 2These figures include a 5% subscription fee. Performance figures exceeding 1 year, if any, were stated on an average annual compounded basis. Past performance figures do not reflect future performance.
AB Low Volatility Equity
Quality and stability at an attractive price
MSCI ESG Rating: AA
Suitable for:
The current macroeconomic landscape is shaped by changing fiscal policies, inflationary pressures, and a pro-growth agenda, presenting both opportunities and risks for investors. As disparities in market valuations become more evident, it is important to pinpoint companies that exhibit lower volatility, high quality, and robust stability to navigate market fluctuations effectively.
The Fund identifies these high-quality, stable companies, seeking undervalued opportunities for strong capital growth. With a well-diversified portfolio across developed and emerging markets, the Fund is positioned to adapt to shifting market conditions and capture growth opportunities.
Past performance
Past performance (%) | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | Since Inception |
Class A SGD H1 | 19.40 | 6.93 | 8.01 | 8.61 |
Net of 4% Fee2 | 14.63 | 5.49 | 7.13 | 8.21 |
Why we like the fund
Healthy Returns with Low Volatility - The investment team selects a portfolio of global equities that appear to be of high quality, have low volatility and reasonable valuations, and offer attractive shareholder returns.
Potential to Grow Your Capital - The Fund employs fundamental research and a proprietary quantitative risk/return model to identify high-quality securities that exhibit low volatility, reasonable valuations, and attractive shareholder returns.
Fund performance figures are extracted from AllianceBernstein. These figures are as at 30 November 2024, on a single pricing basis with no realisation charge, on the assumption that all dividends and distributions are reinvested taking into account all charges payable upon such reinvestment, if any. 1These figures exclude subscription fee. 2These figures include a 4% subscription fee. Performance figures exceeding 1 year, if any, were stated on an average annual compounded basis. Past performance figures do not reflect future performance.
LionGlobal Short Duration Bond Fund
Seeking stability in times of uncertainty
MSCI ESG Rating: Nil
Suitable for:
The Fed has indicated that they could be "a little more cautious" in their pace of rate cuts. This has reduced with number of cuts priced in 2025, allowing the Fund to continue investing at current levels which are still attractive.
When the Fed indicates a more cautious approach to rate cuts, it typically suggests a stabilising economic environment. This stability can lead to lower volatility in interest rates, which is beneficial for fixed-income investments. By actively managing a diversified portfolio of Singapore and international bonds, high-quality interest rate securities, and related investments, the Fund is poised to seize these opportunities.
Past performance
Past performance (%) | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | Since Inception |
Class A SGD1 | 5.34 | 1.54 | 1.91 | 3.63 |
Net of 5% Fee2 | 0.07 | -0.18 | 0.87 | 3.47 |
Why we like the fund
Improved Stabilityh – Investment-grade portfolio of short-dated credits to help reduce overall risk for investors looking for safety.
Diversification – Invest through a portfolio that gains access into more than 20 countries and 10 sectors with a strong focus on Singapore’s financial sector.
Fund performance figures are extracted from Lion Global Investors Limited. These figures are as at 30 November 2024, on a single pricing basis with no realisation charge, on the assumption that all dividends and distributions are reinvested taking into account all charges payable upon such reinvestment, if any. 1These figures exclude subscription fee. 2These figures include a 5% subscription fee. Performance figures exceeding 1 year, if any, were stated on an average annual compounded basis. Past performance figures do not reflect future performance.
LionGlobal Asia Pacific Fund (Class P)
Asia – The Gateway to New Opportunities
MSCI ESG Rating: Nil
Suitable for:
While Trump’s tariffs may pose challenges, Asian economies are better positioned to weather these challenges than during his previous administration. Investing in Asia presents significant growth potential, driven by geopolitical stability, supportive governance, a rapidly growing population, and strong leadership in manufacturing and innovation.
This Fund aims to capitalize on these emerging opportunities, focusing on long-term capital appreciation through investments primarily in Asia Pacific (excluding Japan) equities. It targets both emerging and developed markets across a diverse range of industries and sectors.
Past performance
Past performance (%) | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | Since Inception |
Class SGD1 | 17.12 | -2.89 | 3.77 | 3.92 |
Net of 5% Fee2 | 11.26 | -0.55 | 2.71 | 3.74 |
Why we like the fund
Geopolitical Trends are Changing: Asia Poised to Benefit – Chinese government to do whatever it takes to revive its stalling economy through aggressive fiscal and monetary stimulus. Asia’s neutral stance amongst the global geopolitical landscape.
Asia as a Key Driver of Global Growth – Largest population by region resulting in over 59% of global growth. Largest manufacturing hub with over 36% of global exports. Asia has become a hub for innovation driven industries
Fund performance figures are extracted from Lion Global Investors Limited. These figures are as at 30 November 2024, on a single pricing basis with no realisation charge, on the assumption that all dividends and distributions are reinvested taking into account all charges payable upon such reinvestment, if any. 1These figures exclude subscription fee. 2These figures include a 5% subscription fee. Performance figures exceeding 1 year, if any, were stated on an average annual compounded basis. Past performance figures do not reflect future performance.