The strategy is based on a disciplined bottom-up stock selection of attractive smaller companies (market capitalisation up to 1bn EUR) based in Europe. The decisive criteria are among others end markets with structural growth, high entry barriers and excellent management teams.
Diversified portfolio of 90-120 stocks
Use of information inefficiencies due to low coverage
Long-term investment horizon and low portfolio turnover
Further details on the opportunities and risks of this fund can be found in the sales prospectus.
Indexed performance
Performance in 12-month periods
Currencies
Sectors
Countries
Asset classes
Top Holdings
Monthly market comment
Global equity markets were mixed in September. U.S. indices remained strong, supported by robust economic data, a Fed rate cut, and a weaker dollar, while European markets edged lower. The Berenberg European Micro Cap Fund recorded negative absolute and relative performance. The negative relative performance was mainly due to an overweight in the information technology sector and stock selection effects in healthcare and industrials. STIF declined after strong half-year results due to profit-taking. Intellego corrected following an extraordinary rally, despite solid fundamentals. R&S consolidated due to temporarily lower profitability from an acquisition. SUSS recovered after previous pressure from a reduced margin forecast. Comet rose following its entry into the JOINT3 consortium. Chemometec impressed in September with a forecast exceeding expectations and higher margin guidance, further boosting positive market sentiment. We purchased TF Bank, MT Hojgaard, and Mikron Holding, and sold Aubay, Dynavox, and Hellenic.
Portfolio Management
Peter Kraus
Peter Kraus has been Head of Small Cap Equities at Berenberg since October 2017. He began his career in 2000 as an equity analyst for a corporate finance consultancy in Munich before moving to Deka-Investment in Frankfurt in 2003. There he worked as an analyst for European Small Caps. In 2006 he joined Allianz Global Investors as Fund Manager for European Micro and Small/Mid Caps, where he contributed significantly to the success of the Small Cap team in the following years. Peter Kraus was responsible for the management of various European Small and Mid Cap funds as well as for the acquisition and management of international institutional mandates. He studied Business Administration at the University of Mannheim and is a CFA Charterholder.
Peter Kraus
Head of Equities Portfolio Management
Johann Abrahams
Johann Abrahams joined Berenberg as a Portfolio Manager in January 2020. Previously, he completed the Berenberg International Graduate Program with assignments in Sell-Side Equity Research, Equity sales, ECM, Syndicate, Quantitative and Discretionary Asset Management. Johann Abrahams holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Mannheim, a Master in Finance and Economics from the London School of Economics and is a CFA Charterholder.