International links wins for AXA-Bernstein

AXAhas been rated byInvestorWebas the top six star manager for international equities, due to the success of its global value offering managed by US-based value manager Bernstein & Co.

AXA/Bernstein Global Value topped the listing withCredit Suisse Asset ManagementandUBS Global Asset Managementalso given high commendations by the research house.

InvestorWeb head of research Martin Kerr says AXA/Bernstein was given the top accolade because Bernstein has a very stable team of investment professionals in the US, its style being the favoured style over the past three years and solid long-term performance.

Kerr adds that Bernstein’s extensive research capabilities was also a factor in being rated the number one manager.

“Bernstein has 165 research analysts covering the universe of international equities. This provides for more in-depth stock coverage and a highly frequent company visitation program,” he says.

AXA chief investment officer Mick O’Brien says at a time of instability and uncertainty within the Australian funds management sector, “AXA has been consistent and clear in its strategies”.

AXA’s association with Bernstein stems from the relationship between the New York-based value manager and Alliance Capital Management, which AXA owns globally. AXA also has an international growth equity offering through Alliance.

Performance was also a factor in the decision-making by the research house, Kerr says.

“While the investment markets have supported value managers over the past three years, Bernstein has particularly excelled over this period in terms of producing excess returns. Bernstein has produced these excess returns, with below sector average volatility resulting in one of the leading Sharpe ratios in the sector.”