Quarterly Letter
The Altrinsic Global Equity composite gained 2.8% during the third quarter, outperforming the flat and +0.5% returns by the MSCI ACWI and World indices, respectively, as measured in US dollars. Dovish central banks and subdued inflation provided a supportive backdrop for equities, but the weight of tepid growth in profits, weakening economic indicators, high debt levels, and escalating geopolitical risk (US-China trade war, US politics, Brexit, and developments in the Middle East, to name a few) contributed to volatility that is likely to persist. Aggregate portfolio risk, measured by beta, is well below market levels, and we continue to emphasize attractively priced businesses in which our underlying investment theses are not highly dependent on the broad economy.
