Hostplus has awarded a $500 million mandate to Bell Asset Management.
Bell, which focused on global equities, would manage a global small and mid-cap strategy for Hostplus’ developed markets portfolio.
Hostplus, CEO, David Elia, said: “Bell’s strong long-term performance record, the quality of the team and a disciplined investment approach were the key factors in our making them part of our growing and diversified portfolio. We expect this strategy to add resilience to Hostplus’ asset class structure in light of the increasing market uncertainty”.
Ned Bell, chief investment officer of Bell Asset Management, said: “We are delighted to have been selected by Hostplus, after an extensive due diligence process. We’re looking forward to working with the Hostplus team to manage funds on their members’ behalf. We understand the importance of this decision and greatly appreciate the opportunity”.
Bell said it was seeing increased demand for small and mid-cap equities as investors sought sources of alpha at lower risk levels versus other growth options.
The Australian Retirement Trust is adopting a “healthy level of conservatism” towards the US as the end of the 90-day tariff pause approaches, with “anything possible”.
Uncertainty around tariffs and subdued growth may lead to some short-term constraints in relation to the private credit market, the fund manager has said.
Just three active asset managers are expected to attract net inflows over the coming year, according to Morningstar, with those specialising in fixed income or private markets best positioned to benefit.
Taking a purely passive investment approach is leaving many investors at risk of heightened valuation risks, Allan Gray and Orbis Investments have cautioned.