Investment Strategy
The fund management focuses on global companies that make a positive contribution to solving challenges such as climate change, water scarcity or demographic change with their products and services and show high profitable growth. Bottom-up stock selection includes classic fundamental data as well as sustainability criteria. Risks, especially in the ESG area, are avoided by excluding companies that do not pursue a sustainability approach and whose activities are not ESG-compliant. The fund management identifies companies that offer added value for the environment and society through their products and/or services.
- Investment in global growth companies of all sizes
- Concentrated portfolio of approximately 40-60 stocks
- Benchmark-agnostic selection
- Focus on positive contribution and sustainable growth
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.
Indexed performance
Performance in 12-month periods
Currencies
Sectors
Countries
Asset classes
Top Holdings
Monthly market comment
The stock markets have continued to soar in recent weeks. This was due to the recent dovish statements by the Fed and the BoE. The Berenberg Sustainable World Equities performed negatively compared to the benchmark in March. On the negative side, WuXi Biologics remained dominated by geopolitics and regulatory uncertainties. The surprising departure of the CEO led to a price correction at Chemometec. AstraZeneca recovered after management clarified its growth outlook for 2024. Inspire Medical Systems was more stable in March, although two potential competitors gave positive updates on their products. We opened a first position in Xylem in March. In addition to water treatment, Xylem offers smart metering solutions, pumps and pipes, helping to address global issues. We also added Alcon, the specialist for eye surgery and contact lenses. In March, we sold Infineon. China is Infineon's most important growth driver. However, China is building up local semiconductor production with new local suppliers. This has dimmed the growth prospects.
Portfolio Management
Bernd Deeken
Bernd Deeken has been a Portfolio Manager at Berenberg since April 2011. Within the Equity Fund Management, he oversees funds and special mandates with a focus on sustainability. Previously, he worked in asset management in the area of multi-asset mandates. After his dual studies at the Berufsakademie für Bankwirtschaft in Hannover (including a bank schooling), he completed his Masters in Banking and Finance in Zurich and Aberdeen. He is a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) and is a CFA Charterholder.
Consideration of ESG Elements
Identifying companies and business models that will be successful in the long term is the basis for good investment decisions. Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors are key factors in decision making and are therefore integral
components of the investment process.
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.