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Fisch Asset Management, the Zurich-based asset manager specialising in convertible bond, corporate bond and absolute return solutions, reports a 10% increase in assets under management to CHF 11.8 billion over the last 12 months.
Active asset management proves its worth
In a year marked by significant challenges, Fisch has benefitted from its active portfolio management approach, helping it to achieve its growth targets over the course of 2020. Commenting, CEO Juerg Sturzenegger, explains: “Our employees performed exceptionally well over the last year. We succeeded in acquiring new assets, while our portfolio management delivered solid results across the majority of products. We are pleased to see that our active investment approach proved its worth.”
Three key pillars demonstrate value
Fisch’s three key pillars within the product range also proved their value over the last year. Active risk management enabled the firm’s absolute return strategies to minimise losses during the sharp correction in the first quarter of 2020, while participating substantially in the subsequent recovery. The Absolute Return Multi Asset strategy achieved a particularly impressive result with a full-year return of 13.3% (gross, CHF hedged) and an increase in AUM to CHF 1.8 billion. The corporate bond segment also proved to be a solid pillar, with strategies focusing on investment grade bonds benefiting from considerable client interest. As expected, convertible bonds made full use of the advantages provided by their asymmetrical return profile in the volatile market environment. Notably, with a return of more than 30% in 2020, the Convertible Global Dynamic strategy demonstrated its potential over the course of the year. Looking ahead to 2021, Fisch expects convertible bonds will remain interesting as a strategic and tactical portfolio component thanks to their defensive underlying structure combined with their characteristic participation rate.
Development of infrastructure and increase in workforce
Over the coming year, Fisch intends to continue the consistent implementation of its strategic priorities and drive forward its growth course. As in 2020, the focus remains on responsible investing and ESG, as well as looking to expand the firm’s capacities in portfolio management.
Sturzenegger added: “In portfolio management, we will create additional capacity through the continued development of the infrastructure of the firm, as well as through personnel expansion to maintain the growth course we have embarked upon. It is our ambition to continuously optimise the quality of our services by enhancing our professional expertise on an ongoing basis.”