TORONTO, April 25, 2016 /CNW/ - Excel Funds Management Inc. ("Excel Funds") is excited to announce the launch of two India-focused mutual funds that seek to capitalize on the myriad of growth and income opportunities in the world's fastest-growing economy.
The Excel India Balanced Fund will target monthly cash distributions and long-term capital appreciation by obtaining exposure to an actively managed, diversified portfolio comprised primarily of publicly-listed equity securities and investment-grade fixed-income securities, in each case, issued by entities located in India. Initially, it will pay an attractive annual distribution, estimated to be in the range of 4%.
"In addition to investing in Indian companies that are expected to benefit from domestic growth, the fund provides access to the Indian fixed-income market which, previously, was not readily accessible to Canadian investors," says Christine Tan, Chief Investment Officer with Excel Investment Counsel Inc. "The Indian fixed-income market offers attractive yields, underpinned by a liquid market and creditworthy issuers."
The Excel New India Leaders Fund seeks to maximize long-term growth of capital by investing in an actively managed portfolio comprised primarily of equity securities of companies located in India that are considered to be emerging leaders. From an investment universe of over 700 companies, the fund will target a concentrated set of under-researched and under-valued stocks to help generate alpha for investors.
"Mid- and small-cap companies tend to grow at a faster pace than larger companies during periods of strong economic growth, providing the scope for higher returns," says Ms. Tan. "These businesses are typically more nimble and entrepreneurial."
The two new funds will be part of an expanded lineup of India-focused investment strategies that includes the Excel India Fund, which is the largest and longest-running, India-focused mutual fund in Canada, and winner of the 2015 Lipper® Fund Award for Best Fund over 3 years, in the Geographic Equity category.
The funds will be actively managed by Aditya Birla Sun Life Asset Management Company Pte. Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Birla Sun Life Asset Management Company Limited, which is one of the largest and most respected asset managers in India, with US$20 billion in assets under management, as of December 31, 2015.
"By being on the ground in India, Aditya Birla Sun Life's large team of portfolio managers and analysts has firsthand knowledge of the companies in which they invest, backed by a strong emphasis on in-house systematic research," says Bhim D. Asdhir, President and Chief Executive Officer of Excel Funds. "They can perform hundreds of onsite visits and management meetings prior to making investment decisions, providing a competitive edge in finding the best investment opportunities."
"Excel Funds has a longstanding track record of successful investing in India, dating back to 1998," notes Mr. Asdhir. "India's attractiveness as one of the top investment destinations in the world stems from the acceleration in its economic growth, buoyed by pro-business political and regulatory reforms; record levels of foreign investment; declining inflation; a strong currency; and increasing consumer demand resulting from rapid urbanization."
To learn more about the Excel India Balanced Fund and the Excel New India Leaders Fund, visit: https://www.excelfunds.com/index.php/invest-in-the-new-india.
About Excel Funds Management Inc.
Founded in 1998, Excel Funds Management Inc. offers an award-winning suite of emerging market strategies, catering to a broad range of investor profiles and objectives. Leveraging a global network of over 500 portfolio managers and 200 research analysts, our team has firsthand knowledge of the markets in which they invest – providing us with a true competitive advantage over our peers.
Our investment philosophy is grounded in disciplined fundamental research and continuously seeks out new growth opportunities in the emerging markets and beyond. Our on-the-ground sub-advisers and proprietary asset allocation models contribute to the firm being recognized as "The Authority in Emerging Markets".
Excel India Fund, Series A was awarded a 2015 Lipper Fund Award in the Geographic Equity category for the 3-year and 10-year periods ending July 31, 2015 out of a total of 12. The Lipper Fund Awards, granted annually, are part of the Thomson Reuters Awards for Excellence awarded by Lipper, Inc. and highlight funds that have excelled in delivering consistently strong risk-adjusted performance relative to their peers. The Lipper Fund Awards are based on the Lipper Ratings for Consistent Return, which is a risk-adjusted performance measure calculated over 36, 60 and 120 month periods. The highest 20% of funds in each category are named Lipper Leaders for Consistent Return and receive a score of 5, the next 20% receive a score of 4, the middle 20% are scored 3, the next 20% are scored 2 and the lowest 20% are scored 1. The highest Lipper Leader for Consistent Return in each category wins the Lipper Fund Award. Lipper Leader ratings change monthly. For more information, see www.lipperweb.com. Although Lipper makes reasonable efforts to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained herein, the accuracy is not guaranteed by Lipper.
SOURCE Excel Funds Management Inc.
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Caroline Grimont, Vice President, Marketing, E-mail: [email protected], Telephone: 905-624-7744
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