Third Link Investment Managers is pleased to announce that the Third Link Growth Fund (Fund) has once again retained its “Recommended” rating from leading research house Zenith Investment Partners (Zenith)1. This rating highlights confidence in the Fund’s management team, investment process, and overall capabilities, recognising the team’s strengths within the financial industry.
The Fund employs an active multi-manager approach, leveraging the expertise of several underlying Australian investment managers to achieve its investment objective to outperform the S&P/ASX 300 Accumulation Index net of fees over rolling five-year periods. Importantly, the underlying investment managers rebate all management fees and performance fees, effectively providing their services without charge. The management fees paid by the investors in the Fund to Third Link, after covering operating expenses, are fully donated to selected charitable organisations, amplifying the Fund’s impact beyond just financial returns.
Chris Cuffe AO, Founder of Third Link Investment Managers said, “We are delighted to retain the Recommended investment rating from Zenith. Our mission has always been to provide investors with credible investment performance, while at the same time giving back to the community.
“Although the Fund has not achieved its objective over the most recent five-year period, it has outperformed the benchmark since it became an Australian equities multi-manager fund in February 2012. This makes it one of the few equity funds in Australia with a track record of beating its performance benchmark over the long-term after fees.”
Established in 2008, the Third Link Growth Fund has delivered an impressive total return of 266.4% over the last 16 years, with a compound annual return of 8.40%, showcasing its resilience and effectiveness in various market conditions. Alongside its strong financial performance, the Fund has also made a substantial impact on the community, with total charitable donations in excess of $21 million as at end of June 2024.
The Fund is benchmarked in Zenith’s Australian Shares – Large Companies sector which is traditionally one of the most competitive in the investment landscape.
Zenith commented, “Third Link’s philosophy is based on a philanthropic aim to benefit investors and the non-profit sector. In designing the Fund’s features, Cuffe demonstrates a well-considered investment approach that displays an understanding of the needs and expectations of the parties involved. Given that all underlying manager fees are rebated, Cuffe is fee-ambivalent, which allows for the selection of active managers that display ability to outperform over various time periods. As a charitable fund, Cuffe is not influenced by career or business risk, which Zenith believes is conducive to the Fund meeting its investment objectives. Furthermore, given that the management fees charged to investors are donated to charity, it represents a clear philosophical alignment.”
Zenith’s rating process involves monitoring a global fund universe, gathering relevant data, and meeting with fund managers over 750 times a year to identify high-conviction, high-quality investment products. The “Recommended” rating is a reflection of Zenith’s belief that the Fund has a high probability of meeting its stated investment objectives.
Third Link Investment Managers believes the Fund offers a great investment option for those seeking Australian equity investment returns alongside a positive social impact.
1 The Zenith Investment Partners (ABN 27 103 132 672, AFS Licence 226872) (“Zenith”) rating (TGP0014AU assigned June 2024) referred to in this piece is limited to “General Advice” (s766B Corporations Act 2001) for Wholesale clients only. This advice has been prepared without taking into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any individual, including target markets of financial products, where applicable, and is subject to change at any time without prior notice. It is not a specific recommendation to purchase, sell or hold the relevant product(s). Investors should seek independent financial advice before making an investment decision and should consider the appropriateness of this advice in light of their own objectives, financial situation and needs. Investors should obtain a copy of, and consider the PDS or offer document before making any decision and refer to the full Zenith Product Assessment available on the Zenith website. Past performance is not an indication of future performance. Zenith usually charges the product issuer, fund manager or related party to conduct Product Assessments. Full details regarding Zenith’s methodology, ratings definitions and regulatory compliance are available on our Product Assessments and at Fund Research Regulatory Guidelines
