Morgan Stanley launches factor-based US Sicav

Morgan Stanley Investment Management, the asset management arm of Morgan Stanley, has launched a factor-based US fund providing European investors access to its applied equity advisers team for the first time.

Morgan Stanley launches factor-based US Sicav

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The Morgan Stanley Investment Funds US Active Factor Equity Fund attempts to outperform the benchmark by combining factor modelling and bottom up stock selection.

“The team’s framework seeks to capture 70% of the market’s returns using factor-based investing, with a dynamic stock selection overlay to drive high active share investing for the other 30%,” the firm said, in this way, it aims to outperform irrespective of whether value or growth stocks hold sway.

The fund’s allocation is typically 100% US equities with the flexibility to invest up to 20% in non-US stocks, the firm said.

The fund is managed by Andrew Slimmon and Phillip Kim, both of whom are based in Chicago and form a key part of the applied equity advisors team, which was established in 2004 and had as at 31 March 2016, $5.1bn (£3.8bn, €4.6bn) in assets under management.

A Luxembourg-registered Sicav, the firm said it is still awaiting registration in various markets. It added that it is also planning a global version of the fund tabled for release at the end of the month.