Investment Strategy
The fund management invests in global healthcare stocks that generate above-average and sustainable earnings growth over a long period of time. The fund focuses on companies that contribute to significantly improving human health, extending life expectancy and/or reducing healthcare costs. The long-term attractiveness of the healthcare sector is supported by demographics and social change due to the ageing population and rising wealth, especially in emerging countries.
- Investment in global stocks of any company size
- Portfolio of around 35 - 50 stocks
- Active and benchmark-agnostic approach
- Long-term investment horizon
Learn more about our investment philosophy in equity fund management
Further details on the opportunities and risks of this fund can be found in the sales prospectus.
Monthly market comment
July was an exciting month for the stock markets. The S&P 500 recorded a new all-time high almost every day in the beginning of the month, led by Big Tech. However, the weaker-than-expected CPI print led to a rotation. The Berenberg Better Health developed more negatively than its benchmark in July. Following the announcement of two takeovers, shares of Edwards Lifesciences fell significantly. Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly suffered from the news about potential competitors in the obesity treatment market. Lonza shares rose significantly following the publication of good half-year figures. United Health shares also rose significantly following the announcement of good quarterly figures. The medical technology company Xvivo Perfusion, which specialises in organ transplants, announced a surprisingly positive half-year in July, continuing its strong share price performance since the beginning of the year. In July, we added the well-diversified Abbott Laboratories Group to our portfolio and sold Amplifon.
Portfolio Management
Kay Eichhorn-Schott
Kay Eichhorn-Schott has been a Portfolio Manager at Berenberg since October 2017. Kay started his career in the Berenberg International Graduate Program in October 2015 and joined the Wealth and Asset Management division in London after completing the program. He holds a Master of Science in Finance and studied at EBS Business School, University of Bath and Texas A&M University. Kay Eichhorn-Schott is a CFA Charterholder.
Sabrina Bendel
Sabrina Bendel has been Product Specialist for the discretionary Equity Portfolio Management team since April 2017. Before joining Berenberg, she worked in the Asset Management division of Deutsche Bank Group (DWS) since 2014. There, she was responsible for European and German Equity Funds as a Product Specialist. Sabrina Bendel holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Business Administration from the University of Hohenheim.
CO₂-Intensity
The fund does not actively manage its carbon footprint, however, emissions data such as CO2 intensity are relevant parameters which can be used to assess the efficient management of a company and the extent of transition risks.
ESG Score
The data provider MSCI ESG uses an ESG score of 0 to 10 to assess the management of material ESG risks of portfolio holdings compared to competitors.
ESG Controversies Screen
Investments in the fund are monitored for ESG controversies and, with the help of MSCI ESG data, flagged according their severity. Thereby, potential ESG risks of investments are identified. In the case of an orange flag (severe controversy), we enter into an active exchange with the company. In the case of a red flag (very severe controversy), the company is excluded.