Research

Afrifocus Active Passive Blending

Investment managers tend to focus on either active or passive management. We believe that this exclusive approach is not optimal, since at the composite level, the portfolio structure is not aligned with the utility of the investor:

  • The active manager offers potential outperformance of the broader market but no downside protection during periods of poor performance; and
  • The passive manager offers downside protection but no outperformance of the broader  market.

Some large asset managers have adopted a strategy that splits their business into specialised investment boutiques. These boutiques comprise of separate active and passive strategies, from which a composite portfolio can be created. This should align the investment management company with the inherent utility of the investor. Clearly, asset allocation between active and passive boutiques is important to maximise risk adjusted return.

 

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