Selectivity and Quality: Steering Through Uncertainty

We observe a confluence of factors shaping the current stock selection environment. High macroeconomic uncertainty, amplified by geopolitical events and shifting trade dynamics, complicates the global outlook. Simultaneously, the cumulative effect of large-scale passive investing has resulted in valuation dispersion metrics remaining far above historical norms. This creates a fertile ground for discerning stock selection.

Compounding this, the era of easy financing has concluded. Higher interest rates and wider credit spreads globally are imposing considerable pressure on companies with weaker balance sheets or less disciplined capital structures. This tightening financial environment acts as a powerful differentiator, increasingly separating fundamentally strong businesses from vulnerable ones. This landscape reinforces the merits of selectivity and a focus on quality.

We are confident that our high quality, diversified selection in Emerging Markets will help weather the current market risk while seizing the very attractive valuations present in under-invested emerging markets.

We believe our market-neutral strategies provide interesting diversification in the current environment. They are structured to exploit the current market's wide valuation spreads and quality divergence. By systematically identifying robust companies potentially overlooked by broad market flows, while shorting companies facing fundamental headwinds or possessing unsustainable financial structures, we aim to capture alpha opportunities driven by security-specific factors. This offers a valuable source of diversified returns, as navigating directional market risk becomes increasingly complex.

As of April 9th 2025, the RAM Emerging Markets Equities fund (IP-USD) was up 58.3% over 5 years and -5.29% year-to-date* (while the MSCI Emerging Markets Index TRN was up 21.23% over 5 years and down -7.06% year-to-date). Complete performance data is available in the factsheet:

https://download.ram-ai.com/factsheets/latest-LU0704154458-en/dHrh991IPJ

As of the same date, the RAM European Market Neutral Equity (I-EUR) was up 32.90% over 5 years,* and up 3.44% year-to-date. Complete performance data is available in the factsheet:

https://download.ram-ai.com/factsheets/latest-LU0705071701-en/dHrh991IPJ

*Past performance is not an indication of future returns. Performance is net of fees.  

by Emmanuel Hauptmann

CIO & Head of Systematic Equities
 

Important Information
Important Information: The sub-funds mentioned above are Sub-Funds of RAM (Lux) Systematic Funds, a Luxembourg SICAV with registered office: 14, Boulevard Royal L-2449 Luxembourg, approved by the CSSF and constituting a UCITS (Directive 2009/65/EC). Mediobanca Management Company S.A. 2 Boulevard de la Foire 1528, Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is the Management Company.
The information and analyses contained in this document are based on sources deemed to be reliable. However, RAM Active Investments S.A. cannot guarantee that said information and analyses are up-to-date, accurate or exhaustive, and accepts no liability for any loss or damage that may result from their use. All information and assessments are subject to change without notice.
This document has been drawn up for information purposes only. It is neither an offer nor an invitation to buy or sell the investment products mentioned herein and may not be interpreted as an investment advisory service. It is not intended to be distributed, published or used in a jurisdiction where such distribution, publication or use is forbidden, and is not intended for any person or entity to whom or to which it would be illegal to address such a document. In particular, the investment products are not offered for sale in the United States or its territories and possessions, nor to any US person (citizens or residents of the United States of America). The opinions expressed herein do not take into account each customer’s individual situation, objectives or needs. Customers should form their own opinion about any security or financial instrument mentioned in this document. Prior to any transaction, customers should check whether it is suited to their personal situation, and analyse the specific risks incurred, especially financial, legal and tax risks, and consult professional advisers if necessary.
Note to investors domiciled in Singapore: shares of the Sub-Fund offered in Singapore are restricted schemes under the Sixth Schedule to the Securities and Futures (Offers of Investments)
(Collective Investment Schemes) Regulations of Singapore.
There is no guarantee that the holdings shown will be held in the future. The investment described concerns the acquisition of shares in the Sub-Fund and not in a specific underlying asset. Past performance is not a guide to current or future results. There is no guarantee to get back the full amount invested. The performance data do not take into account fees and expenses charged on subscription and redemption of shares nor any taxes that may be levied.
RAM Active Investments may decide to terminate the marketing arrangement in place in any given country in accordance with Article 93a of Directive 2009/65/EC.
Leverage intensifies the risk of potential increased losses or returns. Changes in exchange rates may cause the NAV per share in the investor's base currency to fluctuate.
Please refer to the Key Investor Information Document and prospectus with special attention to the risk warnings before investing. For further information on ESG, please refer to https://www.ram-ai.com/en/regulatory-information and the relevant Sub-Fund webpage (section ‘sustainability-related disclosures’). The prospectus, constitutive documents and financial reports are available in English and French while PRIIPs KIDs are available in the relevant local languages. These documents can be obtained, free of charge, from the SICAVs’ and Management Company’s head office and www.ram-ai.com, its representative and distributor in Switzerland, RAM Active Investments S.A. and the relevant local representatives in the distribution countries.
This marketing document has not been approved by any financial Authority. A summary of Investors’ rights is available on: https://www.ram-ai.com/en/regulatory-information
This document is strictly confidential and addressed solely to its intended recipient; its reproduction and distribution are prohibited. It has not been approved by any financial
Authority. Issued in Switzerland by RAM Active Investments S.A. (Rue du Rhône 8 CH-1204 Geneva) which is authorised and regulated in Switzerland by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA). Issued in the European Union and the EEA by the authorised and regulated Management Company, Mediobanca Management Company SA, 2 Boulevard de la Foire 1528 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The source of the above-mentioned information (except if stated otherwise) is RAM Active Investments SA and the date of reference is the date of this document, end of the previous month.