Schroder AS Agriculture Fund harvests $1 billion in assets

Schroder AS Agriculture Fund has reached $1bn assets under management since its launch on 27 October 2006.

The Fund has generated a huge amount of interest from professional investors seeking exposure to agricultural commodities as global food prices begin to rise. The Fund has performed strongly since launch returning 14.86%, outperforming the Rogers International Commodities Agriculture TR Index by 8.39% (US$ gross).

Managed by Rodolphe Roche, Schroder AS Agriculture Fund obtains most of its exposure to agriculture through futures contracts and is one of a very small number of actively managed, long-only funds devoted to this area.

Rodolphe Roche, Portfolio Manager, Schroder AS Agriculture Fund, said: “Food prices are only just beginning to take off. Having endured a flat market for the last 25 years, explosive demand for bio-fuels and growing populations’ demand for food has placed immense pressure on the global supply of agriculture. We believe this pressure on supply will provide strong, sustainable returns in the long-term.”

Robin Stoakley, Managing Director, Schroders’ UK Retail Business, said: “Investing in agricultural commodities is a compelling addition to any investor’s portfolio. It’s a great long-term growth story and provides diversification from traditional equities and bonds. I think there is a place for the Schroder AS Agriculture Fund in most portfolios.”