Risk
15. December 2022
5 minutes

Small but mighty - The new OLZ «Swiss Small & Mid Caps» fund

When people think of the Swiss equity market, Nestlé, Roche and Novartis probably come to mind first. The media also usually talk about the Swiss Market Index (SMI), which includes the 20 largest and most liquid Swiss stocks. But the corporate landscape in our small country is much more diverse and should not be reduced to a few large-cap companies. As part of the launch of our new OLZ Equity Switzerland Small & Mid Cap Optimized ESG fund, we would therefore like to take a brief excursion into this attractive investment universe.

An attractive investment opportunity smartly implemented

For many local investors, Swiss equities are part of their portfolio - either because of personal preferences or because, for example, investment regulations require it. In the past, this has worked out well. Especially those who have not only invested in the big stocks and have also considered smaller and medium-sized companies have enjoyed nice returns. Compared to the market as a whole (measured by the Swiss Performance Index SPI), the SPI Extra (contains all SPI shares that are not included in the SMI) has achieved an excess return of more than 2% per year over the past two decades.

Long-term performance of SPI and SPI Extra; analysis period: 01.01.2000 - 31.10.2022

This phenomenon is also known as the "size effect": Smaller stocks generate higher returns than those with larger capitalizations. But where there is light, there is also shadow. After all, higher returns are generally accompanied by higher investment risk. Common passive solutions that replicate the index 1:1 and numerous other providers do not address this problem. In this volatile and less liquid investment universe, however, active risk management makes more sense than ever. The OLZ minimum risk approach can offer great added value in such an environment by significantly reducing portfolio risk without sacrificing attractive returns.

Analysis period: 01.01.2011 - 31.10.2022; all returns in CHF according to Bloomberg. The OLZ simulation includes a deduction of 0.70% management fee, 0.45% trading costs.The peer group is based on a "Bloomberg Fund Screening" with the following filters: Fund domicile Switzerland; AuM > CHF 150 mn; Track Record at least since 01.01.2012; Geographic focus Switzerland; Market cap focus Mid-cap/Small-cap; Actively managed funds.

Sustainability is best started on your own doorstep

If the risk-return ratio of an investment is right, the investor is already satisfied. But for most, this is no longer enough as the sole goal. After all, the invested capital should also contribute something to a better world. And where does it make more sense to ensure greater sustainability than with "our" Swiss companies? The country and its people benefit directly from this commitment, but the role model function should not be neglected either. Our Swiss Small & Mid Cap solution is based on the proven OLZ sustainability concept, which is constantly being developed, and thus has a positive influence not only on the investment profile, but also on the sustainability profile. For the exercise of voting rights, the fund management is also guided by the "Socially Responsible Investment Policy" of ISS, one of the world's leading providers of proxy voting.

Launch in December 2022

Swiss small & mid caps offer an interesting addition to your portfolio. With our new fund (launch date 15.12.2022) you can benefit from this - in a disciplined and systematic way.



OLZ Partner Michael Frei.
Michael Frei, CFA
Head of Clients and Partner
+41 44 563 30 82

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