Cartesian Enhanced Alpha marks third anniversary with top-decile performance

Cartesian Capital Partners is pleased to announce that the £43 million Ignis International Cartesian Enhanced Alpha Fund has celebrated its third anniversary having achieved top-decile returns for investors.
Since launch on the 8 November 2007, the Ignis International Cartesian Enhanced Alpha Fund has returned 12.78% compared to -0.27%¹ for the average UK All Companies fund, placing it in the top decile of its peer group. Year-to-date, the fund has returned 29.68% against a sector average of 12.41%², ranking it second percentile relative to its peers. The fund has achieved its considerable outperformance whilst maintaining one of the lowest levels of volatility relative to its competitors.
Managed by Jeremy Hall, the S&P ‘A’ rated sterling-denominated fund aims to achieve long-term capital growth through a controlled combination of long and short positions, while maintaining close to 100% net exposure in UK equities across all parts of the market.
Jeremy Hall, manager of the Ignis International Cartesian Enhanced Alpha Fund, says:
“With stock correlation currently higher than usual an argument has developed that passive funds are the best way to gain equity exposure. We disagree. Stock-specific events still drive share prices and the outperformance of this fund shows that skilful active management married with a high conviction approach – and the ability to selectively short stocks – can add considerable alpha and value for clients.”
     Jonathan Polin, sales and marketing director at Ignis, says:
“Shorting requires a unique skill set and is not something that a traditional long-only manager can easily include in their investment process. Jeremy and the team have proven that a high conviction style coupled with considerable long and short expertise can be a very successful combination indeed. Being able to add additional alpha through selectively shorting stocks sets this fund apart from its competitors and it has delivered superior returns for investors accordingly.”