The Luxembourg-domiciled UCITS IV vehicle, VAM’s 16th fund, is managed by “lead adviser” Martina Turner, based on a strategy that she and her team developed at specialist boutique Accessible Clean Energy LLP, formed in 2009.
The SRI remit is to invest in companies across the clean energy value chain, from raw materials to equipment manufacturers, technology developers to infrastructure projects. Geographically, the fund can take relatively large positions beyond the US and Europe, such as in China and Japan.
“At a macro level, governments are committed to tackling climate change over the long-term,” Turner said.
“At a fundamental level, improving efficiencies in the clean energy and technology sectors will drive growth and returns in the developed and developing worlds.
“Innovation is driving down costs in the sector and at a stock level, clean energy companies typically have low analyst cover and are poorly followed; meaning in-depth research and stock selection can add significant value to returns. This is a long-term story and the good news is that investors have not missed the bull market.”
Since the strategy was first audited in September 2011 it has returned around 70%, according to VAM. The fund is benchmarked against WilderHill Clean Energy Index, which has returned 21% over the past 12 months, though is down 7% over 5 years, according to Morningstar.
Minimum investment is £10, 000, $10,000 or €8,000 for direct investors.
VAM fund development director Brendan Adams spoke of strengthening VAMs UCITS IV platform.
The “best-of-breed” strategy includes longstanding relationships with Driehaus Capital Management, Fleming Family & Partners, Newscape Capital Group, Enhanced Investment Products and VPB Finance SA.
“VAM is focused on providing investors with funds that incorporate all asset classes – including equities, commodities, bonds and multi asset portfolios,” he added.
“We are always on the look-out for compelling investment propositions that will complement our fund range.”
