One of the early pioneers investing in artificial intelligence, the Allianz Global Investors Artificial Intelligence Fund, has generated excellent returns since its launch in 2017.

There is a straightforward and disciplined investment process, requiring thorough fundamental research before the Investment Committee reviews investments to make it onto an approved investment list.

The fund has a thematic anchor to its investment strategy by focusing on global companies that can benefit from the artificial intelligence evolution. The stock selection process also highlights a competitive edge with the Manager emphasizing portfolio management performance based on two components – strategy and implementation. An active risk management overlay is used to audit stock selection and trading activity to consider short interest, technical indicators, and earnings revisions to optimize execution.

The fund delivered excellent performance, with net returns of more than 301 points above the benchmark, over a 1Y and 3Y period. However, the high turnover has affected mid-and long-term investors' returns. While the fund suffered a sizeable drawdown of between 30-35% in early 2020 due to COVID-19, it recovered within a relatively short period of 7-12 weeks, citing active and robust risk management.

ESG is not yet taken into account in the investment process, but there are plans to do so in the next twelve months.

This fund has been reviewed by three industry veterans of the Benchmark judging committee.