Generate gets thematic

Generate has added two new specialised funds - one thematic and the other Australasian - to its non-KiwiSaver managed funds scheme.The new Thematic Managed Fund and Australasian Managed Fund will join Generate conservative, balanced and focused growth managed funds, which mirror Generate KiwiSaver. They are available for distribution through Generate’s adviser network which includes 35 Generate and 400 third party advisers.

The new thematic fund invests predominantly (98%) in mid- to large-cap international equities, including a number of high-profile global companies, based on investment themes that Generate thinks have high growth potential.

It includes equities such as Nike and Lululemon under an athleisure (athleisure is a hybrid style of athletic clothing typically worn as everyday wear) investment theme, with other themes including AI, waste management and energy transition. It is aligned with Generate’s responsible investment policy and also excludes fossil fuels.

Portfolio manager Nathan Field, who was formerly at KiwiWealth, also runs the thematic wholesale fund for Generate KiwiSaver and says the managed retail fund follows the same strategy.