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Liontrust Japan Equity Fund

Q4 2023 review

Past performance does not predict future returns. You may get back less than you originally invested. Reference to specific securities is not intended as a recommendation to purchase or sell any investment.

The Liontrust Japan Equity Fund returned 3.4% over the quarter, against the 3.2% return from the TOPIX Index comparator benchmark and the 1.0% average return in the IA Japan sector, also a comparator benchmark*.

 

Japanese equities continued their strong run through the third quarter, rising by a further +3.2% and taking returns for the year to +9.1%. Key supportive factors included the gradual transition from deflation to a mildly inflationary economy, rising corporate return-on-equity (ROE) and shareholder returns driven by the Tokyo Stock Exchange’s governance reforms, and the more resilient business cycle following a later reopening process and supply chain normalisation. Returns in JPY were stronger but this was offset by a weaker currency as the Bank of Japan sticks with loose monetary policy in stark contrast to other central banks around the world.

We continue to see progress being made on the back of the TSE’s initiative in January aimed at getting companies to focus on their cost of capital and encourage those generating unsatisfactory returns to publish plans detailing how they intend to rectify this. The first and most straightforward step has seen companies reduce their complex web of cross-shareholdings and initiate share buybacks or raise dividends in order to improve the efficiency of balance sheets. The hope is that this can be followed by operational improvements that can sustainably raise the return on capital of corporate Japan. This year saw a record number of shareholder proposals at AGMs, many calling for improvements in capital efficiency, shareholder returns and corporate governance.

The Liontrust Japan Fund returned +3.4% during the third quarter of 2023 and +11.1% for the year to date. Key positive contributions came from financials, consumer discretionary and industrials sectors, which are well represented in the portfolio. Holdings such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (heavy machinery, including turbines and defence), Mitsubishi Motors (autos) and Eneos (refining and fuel distribution) all performed strongly.

The outlook for Japanese equities remains strong with robust earnings and ongoing corporate governance reform.

Discrete years' performance (%)**, to previous quarter-end:

 

 

Sep-23

Sep-22

Sep-21

Sep-20

Sep-19

Liontrust Japan Equity C Acc GBP

12.6%

-9.8%

16.2%

3.8%

1.8%

Topix

14.7%

-13.9%

15.3%

2.0%

-0.7%

IA Japan

11.3%

-15.4%

16.6%

5.6%

-1.1%

Quartile

3

1

3

2

1

 

*Source: FE Analytics as at 30.09.23

 

**Source: FE Analytics as at 30.09.23. Quartiles generated on 07.07.23

Understand common financial words and terms See our glossary
KEY RISKS

Past performance is not a guide to future performance. The value of an investment and the income generated from it can fall as well as rise and is not guaranteed. You may get back less than you originally invested.

The issue of units/shares in Liontrust Funds may be subject to an initial charge, which will have an impact on the realisable value of the investment, particularly in the short term. Investments should always be considered as long term.

Investment in the Fund involves foreign currencies and may be subject to fluctuations in value due to movements in exchange rates. The Fund may invest in emerging markets/soft currencies or in financial derivative instruments, both of which may have the effect of increasing volatility.

DISCLAIMER

This is a marketing communication. Before making an investment, you should read the relevant Prospectus and the Key Investor Information Document (KIID), which provide full product details including investment charges and risks. These documents can be obtained, free of charge, from www.liontrust.co.uk or direct from Liontrust. Always research your own investments. If you are not a professional investor please consult a regulated financial adviser regarding the suitability of such an investment for you and your personal circumstances.

This should not be construed as advice for investment in any product or security mentioned, an offer to buy or sell units/shares of Funds mentioned, or a solicitation to purchase securities in any company or investment product. Examples of stocks are provided for general information only to demonstrate our investment philosophy. The investment being promoted is for units in a fund, not directly in the underlying assets. It contains information and analysis that is believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but is subject to change without notice. Whilst care has been taken in compiling the content of this document, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made by Liontrust as to its accuracy or completeness, including for external sources (which may have been used) which have not been verified. It should not be copied, forwarded, reproduced, divulged or otherwise distributed in any form whether by way of fax, email, oral or otherwise, in whole or in part without the express and prior written consent of Liontrust.

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