A year after their launch on the Maltese market, the Vilhena Multi-Manager Funds have achieved strong results that have placed them at the forefront of Valletta Fund Management’s innovative investment solutions.

In fact, for the period from the launch on 22 June 2004 to 31 August 2005, the Vilhena European Multi-Manager Fund denominated in euros achieved an annualised return of 18.59 per cent, the Vilhena UK multi-manager fund denominated in Sterling achieved an annualised return of 17.98 per cent, and the USD denominated Vilhena US multi-manager fund achieved an annualised return of 8.10 per cent.

But what is it that makes these multi-manager funds so popular with investors and what are the factors leading to such positive figures?

Valletta Fund Management general manager Kenneth Farrugia said: “We are very much aware of investors’ concerns and in today’s volatile and highly unpredictable economic environment, it is never easy to ensure that one’s money is being invested in the right place, at the right time and managed assiduously by the right fund manager.”

He further explained: “When an investor accepts the fact that no single investment management company can be the best in all areas of investment, it immediately transpires that an ideal solution would be investing in a multi-manager fund. Multi-manager funds can thus be the ideal solution for all those investors seeking to achieve long-term investment goals but finding it somewhat difficult to select the right funds.

“At Valletta Fund Management, we have always stressed the importance of being in tune with the individual investor, and our close relationship with our clients has allowed us to recognise their concerns. Rightly so, Valletta Fund Management offers a range of investment solutions to its investors, tailored to meet both the risk averse and the risk takers. But all investors are ultimately faced with the same question: Where best can I invest my money, now?” Mr Farrugia added.

“Leading fund managers agree that in today’s volatile market, the key to a healthy investment portfolio is diversification. In effect, multi-manager funds provide investors with a wide selection of top performing funds available from leading fund managers around the world. This diversification is a means towards reducing risk and maximising return on investment,” he explained.

Mr Farrugia pointed out that Valletta Fund Management was a pioneer in introducing the multi-manager concept in Malta in June last year and pointed out that its Vilhena multi-manager funds have, to date, proved to be a successful investment vehicle. Such success has also been achieved thanks to Insight Investment’s rigorous research criteria in selecting top-performing funds that have contributed to the positive performance of Vilhena multi-manager funds.

The Vilhena multi-manager funds provide investors with a well-diversified selection of the best of breed funds, managed by specialist fund managers, providing exposure to the European, UK and US equity markets.

Having highlighted the aspects that have contributed towards a successful first year for the Vilhena Multi-Manager Funds, Mr Farrugia concluded: “With the minimum investment required to participate in each of the funds being of e1,500, £1,000 and $1,500, the Vilhena Multi-Manager Funds are highly accessible even to younger investors. In fact, investors may also participate in these funds through a Monthly Investment Plan where they have the opportunity to invest a small amount each month, starting from a low minimum of Lm20 or its equivalent, thus allowing them to build up a portfolio over time.”