Schroder ISF* Global Cities
OPPORTUNITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS. Cities already generate more than 80% of world GDP and the real estate within them consistently outperforms national averages*. With urban migration set to increase, global cities will be the lifeblood of economic growth. Invest for profit with purpose. *Source: IBRD as at 20 April 2020Global Cities are places where people want to live, work and play. Their key characteristics are: strong infrastructure, diverse economies, advanced ESG polices, skilled labour force, and quality of life and culture. Investing in real estate assets within these cities gives exposure to a diverse range of sectors.
*Schroder International Selection Fund is referred to as Schroder ISF.
Urbanisation is a powerful multi-decade theme
It's expected that by 2050, nearly 70% of the world's population (compared to 55% today) will reside in urban areas.
So knowing which cities stand to benefit from this demographic shift means investors can target the right opportunities. Investing in real assets within these cities gives exposure to a diverse range of sectors (from data centres, self-storage and manufactured homes to conventional areas such as offices, retail and industrials) and access to economies that are expected to outperform national averages.
Global Cities also offer a solution to combatting climate change. With two thirds of carbon emissions focused on cities, the transition to net zero carbon and achieving the goals set out in The Paris Agreement would require changes to first be made in these cities that are backed by sustainability policies. A clear example of the impact cities can make is seen from C40, a network of the world’s megacities that are committed to addressing climate change.
These cities’ foundations lie in superior sustainability policies, strong infrastructure, diverse economies, skilled labour and a high quality of life. They attract the best talent worldwide, who contribute to continuing economic growth.
*Source: UN, as at May 2018
"Global Cities are those which capture the world's attention and investment, they are international hubs for individuals and businesses. It is in these cities you will find world-class universities and enterprises - with governments working hard to ensure they continue to thrive"
Fund centre
You can find more information on the fund including literature and performance data on our fund centre.
Portfolio managers
Global Listed Real Assets
Analysts
Global Real Estate Securities, Global Listed Real Assets
Source: Fitch Ratings, as at 16 June.
Square Mile Investment Consulting and Research - Responsible A
Febelfin Towards Sustainability
During 2021 the Global Cities fund was subject to sustainability assessments from various parties. This analysis provides evidence of the rigour and extensive focus we apply in this crucial area.
In April the fund was awarded the Belgium Febelfin Towards Sustainability accreditation which signifies that it adheres to the highest quality standards for sustainable and socially responsible financial products.
In October the fund received a ‘Responsible A rating’ from Square Mile Investment Consulting and Research. The report stated that “ESG considerations are deeply embedded throughout the investment process, with the managers seeking to invest in sustainable real assets that enable society to meet its present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs”.
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Risk considerations
- Capital risk: As the fund intends to pay dividends regardless of its performance, a dividend may represent a return of part of the amount you invested.
- Currency risk: The fund may lose value as a result of movements in foreign exchange rates.
- Derivatives risk: Derivatives may be used to manage the portfolio efficiently. A derivative may not perform as expected, may create losses greater than the cost of the derivative and may result in losses to the fund.
- Emerging markets & frontier risk: Emerging markets, and especially frontier markets, generally carry greater political, legal, counterparty, operational and liquidity risk than developed markets.
- IBOR risk: The transition of the financial markets away from the use of interbank offered rates (IBORs) to alternative reference rates may impact the valuation of certain holdings and disrupt liquidity in certain instruments. This may impact the investment performance of the fund.
- Liquidity risk: In difficult market conditions, the fund may not be able to sell a security for full value or at all. This could affect performance and could cause the fund to defer or suspend redemptions of its shares.
- Operational risk: Operational processes, including those related to the safekeeping of assets, may fail. This may result in losses to the fund.
- Performance risk: Investment objectives express an intended result but there is no guarantee that such a result will be achieved. Depending on market conditions and the macro economic environment, investment objectives may become more difficult to achieve.
- Real estate and property risk: Real estate investments are subject to a variety of risk conditions such as economic conditions, changes in laws (e.g. environmental and zoning) and other influences on the market.
- Sustainable Investing Risk: The fund applies sustainability criteria in its selection of investments. This investment focus may limit the fund's exposure to companies, industries or sectors and the fund may forego investment opportunities that do not align with its sustainability criteria chosen by the investment manager. As investors may differ in their views of what constitutes sustainability, the fund may invest in companies that do not reflect the values of any particular investor.
- Market risk: The value of investments can go up and down and an investor may not get back the amount initially invested.
Past performance is no guarantee of future performance. The value of investments and the income from them can go down as well as up, and you (or your clients) might not get back what you originally invested.