AXA Framlington Global Technology Fund: revenue beats a plenty amidst market rotation
- 27 April 2021 (5 min read)
We saw a noticeable rotation at the end of February/beginning of March, with growth stocks selling off whilst more value-centric names performed better. However, corporate earnings and guidance for 2021 were encouraging from the companies we invest in, supporting our thesis that this year will be one of recovery.
For our strategy, the biggest beats came not from a select group of companies or from a single sector but from a variety of companies across a wide range of end-markets. This reinforces our view that growth is robust across various advanced technologies which are increasingly being adopted by both corporates and consumers.
In terms of highlights, we saw solid results from several of our semiconductor companies, notably those with exposure to automotive and industrial end-markets such as Texas Instruments, Silicon Labs and ON Semiconductor. Strong demand in some instances has been outpacing supply, particularly within the automotive industry leading to a favourable business environment for some component suppliers.
Some of our investments with an industrial focus have also benefited with the likes of PTC and Teradyne reporting good results and a positive outlook. Industrial activity and order trends are supportive for a healthy demand environment in 2021.
Consumer-facing sectors have been buoyant as well with digital communications platform Twilio announcing strong results, whilst companies exposed to online marketing and advertising such as Snap (social media) and HubSpot (cloud-based marketing and lead generation software) have also seen healthy business conditions. Activision Blizzard, a video games developer, has also announced better than expected financial results.
Broadly speaking, there remains huge scope for broader adoption of digital services as consumers become increasingly more comfortable with using their connected devices for more purposes. It is forecast that by 2030 there will be more than 500 billion connected devices worldwide, with 45% of these being mobile devices.1
We are aware that the equity market gyrations of the last few weeks will happen from time to time, and it will no doubt be an event we experience again as global economies recover from the pandemic. This does not change our long-term view on the secular growth opportunity that is present for the companies we are investing in, and the fact that the fundamentals of these businesses remain strong.
- QVhBIElNLCBCb2ZBTUwsIE5vdmVtYmVyIDIwMTk=
Single Sector Risk: as this Fund is invested in a single sector, the Fund's value will be more closely aligned with the performance of that sector and it may be subject to greater fluctuations in value than more diversified funds.
Currency Risk: the Fund holds investments denominated in currencies other than the base currency of the Fund. As a result, exchange rate movements may cause the value of investments (and any income received from them) to fall or rise affecting the Fund's value.
Further explanation of the risks associated with an investment in this Fund can be found in the prospectus.
Why consider investing in the technology sector?
At the heart of this evolution are innovative companies driving change across the entire economy – including how we work, shop, build relationships and find information
Find out moreVisit the fund centre
The AXA Framlington Global Technology Fund is an unconstrained multi-cap strategy that seeks capital growth through investment in equities, with a focus on growth companies around the world focused on the research, design and development new technologies.
View fundsNot for Retail distribution
This document is intended exclusively for Professional, Institutional, Qualified or Wholesale Clients / Investors only, as defined by applicable local laws and regulation. Circulation must be restricted accordingly.
Past performance is not a guide to current or future performance, and any performance or return data displayed does not take into account commissions and costs incurred when issuing or redeeming units. The value of investments, and the income from them, can fall as well as rise and investors may not get back the amount originally invested. Exchange-rate fluctuations may also affect the value of their investment. Due to this and the initial charge that is usually made, an investment is not usually suitable as a short term holding.
This document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment research or financial analysis relating to transactions in financial instruments as per MIF Directive (2014/65/EU), nor does it constitute on the part of AXA Investment Managers or its affiliated companies an offer to buy or sell any investments, products or services, and should not be considered as solicitation or investment, legal or tax advice, a recommendation for an investment strategy or a personalized recommendation to buy or sell securities. The strategies discussed in this document may not be available in your jurisdiction.
Due to its simplification, this document is partial and opinions, estimates and forecasts herein are subjective and subject to change without notice. There is no guarantee forecasts made will come to pass. Data, figures, declarations, analysis, predictions and other information in this document is provided based on our state of knowledge at the time of creation of this document. Whilst every care is taken, no representation or warranty (including liability towards third parties), express or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the information contained herein. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the recipient. This material does not contain sufficient information to support an investment decision.
Risk Warning
The value of investments, and the income from them, can fall as well as rise and investors may not get back the amount originally invested.