SKAGEN Focus fell 11.14 percent in March – the oil price shock had a negative impact on performance
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SKAGEN Focus fell 11.14 percent in March – the oil price shock had a negative impact on performance

The SKAGEN Focus B fund fell 11.14 percent in March. Since the start of the year, the fund has fallen 6.03 percent. This is stated in a monthly report from managers Jonas Edholm and David Harris.

In the introduction, the managers write that the operating environment changed abruptly during the month. U.S. military operations in Iran surprised financial markets and triggered a sharp increase in geopolitical risk.

Market attention shifted to the Strait of Hormuz, which resulted in an oil price shock that negatively affected global stocks. This change caused the portfolio to decline in both absolute and relative terms.

“Performance in the quarter was significantly affected by the sharp increase in commodity prices as a result of the escalation of geopolitical tensions,” the managers write.

Methanex was one of the most important contributors in the first quarter, as the company’s methanol prices rose in step with the oil price.

South Korean DL E&C rose more than 50 percent and reached the managers’ price target during the period. In addition, KCC performed positively after interest from activist investors.

On the negative side, Aumovio, TUI and Wienerberger pulled down results. TUI fell sharply due to increased uncertainty around travel demand, while Wienerberger issued cautious forecasts.

As for portfolio activity, DL E&C, Sopra Steria and Nexity were sold out completely. The fund also reduced its stake in, among others, Aperam and Hyundai Mobis. At the same time, new positions were established in Taiheiyo Cement, Lenovo and Everest Re.

Looking ahead, the managers still see great potential in global small and mid-cap companies. The valuation gap versus large companies is described as still high.

At month-end, the fund’s three largest holdings were Methanex, Aumovio and KCC with portfolio weights of 4.0, 3.6 and 3.6 percent, respectively.

Geographically, exposure was highest to South Korea, the U.S. and Japan.

In terms of sector allocation, financials, materials and industrials were the largest sectors.

SKAGEN Focus B, %March, 2026
Fund MoM, change in percent-11.14
Fund YTD, change in percent-6.03
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